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Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) is all set to build the world's first 3D-printed mosque at Bur Dubai, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the emirate.
Unveiling the plan, IACAD said the work on the mosque will begin this October and it will be completed in the first quarter of 2025.
Once it opens the doors, the 2,000-sq-m facility will be able to accommodate 600 worshippers, said a statement from IACAD.
It will take about four months to complete the 3D printing of the building's structure and a further 12 months to fully fit it out with the appropriate facilities, it added.
IACAD Director General Dr Hamad bin Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani said the 3D-building technology would make it more sustainable.
"Using 3D printing will reduce the construction material wastes. It is friendly to the environment. The mosque represents the vision of our wise leadership," he explained.
Three workers, he stated, will operate the 3D robotic printer, which will print two sq m per hour.
A combination of raw materials and carefully prepared concrete will be used to build the mosque, he added.
According to him, the cost of building the mosque will be 30% more than the normal way because it is the first of its kind in the world.
"We expect the cost will be similar in the future with 30 years building guarantee" he added.-TradeArabia News Service