Dubai authorities have announced plans to build the world's first mosque in the city, printed entirely on a 3D printer, The National reported on Friday.
"Using 3D printing technology will reduce the consumption of construction materials. In addition, this method is not harmful to nature and reflects the vision of our wise leadership," the newspaper quoted Director-General of the emirate's Department of Islamic Affairs and Philanthropy Hamad al-Shaibani as saying.
Engineers working on the project admitted that because of the experimental nature the construction will cost 30% more than the construction of the mosque in the conventional way.
The chosen technology involves laying layers of rapidly curing building material according to computer markings. The construction of the 2,000-square-meter mosque is scheduled to begin in October 2023. It will take four months to 3D print, and another year to equip the building with everything necessary for worshippers.
The project is implemented as part of the strategy to develop 3D-printing technology and turn the capital of the emirate into a world leader in this field by 2030.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Tim Reckmann/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS