Middle East Engineering Technologies collaborated with Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park to construct a proof-of-concept 3D-printed concrete house. The 969-square-foot house was printed at the SRTI Park in the United Arab Emirates within two weeks.

This year, Saudi Arabian firms have invested heavily in concrete 3D printing, with contractor Elite for Construction & Development placing an order for Cobod's Bod 2 concrete 3D-printer. For its part, a subsidiary of contractor Al Kathiri is looking to increase its 3D-printed concrete capabilities by building a 3D-printed concrete slab-making factory.

3D printing in construction has made its debut in the Gulf Cooperation Council and is expected to be part of a future in which offsite building projects take on more prominence. The unveiling of the 3D-printed Office of the Future last month in the United Arab Emirates is seen as a case study in the technology for the region and globally.

A 2,000-square-foot, arc-shaped office building was 3D-printed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in only 17 days. The 3D-printing technique is touted to reduce materials waste, labor costs and building time. The "Dubai 3D printing strategy ... showcases a modern model of construction,” said Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Victoria Hand Project, based at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, is working with partners in Guatemala and Nepal to fabricate 3D-printed, upper-limb prostheses that are functional and inexpensive. The objective is to establish local 3D-printing facilities with the capacity to provide low-cost, custom-fitted prostheses on a continuing basis and provide training to local fabricators and fitters.