ABU DHABI, 28th March, 2017 (WAM) -- UAE-based construction company DuBox, a specialist in off-site construction and modular, single or multi-storey building designs, is showcasing the countrys first locally 3D printed concrete element. The 3D printed part is on display at the inaugural Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit, GMIS 2017, which opened on Monday in Abu Dhabi.

DuBox realised the 3D printed concrete element in partnership with the University of Eindhoven and Witteveen+Bos, a Dutch engineering consultancy firm. 3D printing is primed to help the company achieve efficient building processes, as well as its goal of providing "simpler-safer" construction.

GMIS 2017 was organised by the UAE Ministry of Economy and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, and co-hosted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. The event, which runs to 30th March, marks the UAEs first global gathering for the manufacturing community.

DuBox founder, Chebel Bsaibes, stated that since 2009, the company has handed over 150,000 square metres of built-up environment introducing new technologies and techniques, disrupting conventional processes of the construction industry and paving the path for the construction industry to embrace the new smart industrial age, the fourth Industrial Revolution, by rapidly prototyping, testing, and commercialising innovative solutions.

GMIS 2017 has the stated goal of determining the manufacturing sectors role in the reconstruction of the global economy and the restoration of global prosperity. By bringing together some of the key players in the industry, GMIS ultimately wants to open a productive dialogue about the future of manufacturing.

3D printing technologies, a trending topic at GMIS, could mark a crucial step forwards for Dubais announced goal of having 25 percent of its buildings 3D printed by 2030.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.