Muscat – Oman is at the forefront of embracing the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in construction, with a particular focus on 3D printing. This innovative approach has garnered attention globally and is now being actively pursued in Oman’s higher education institutions and companies, supported by the private sector and academic research.

Focusing on questions like – Can buildings constructed using innovative and smart technologies be used on a large scale? What is the future of smart building technologies? – the latest issue of Scientific Insights magazine published by Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation sheds light on these issues.

According to Othman Maktoum al Mandhari, Founder and CEO of InnoTech, 3D printing technology is transforming the construction industry, allowing companies worldwide to put up buildings within days, while adhering to the highest quality standards and being environmentally friendly. This technology also significantly boosts energy efficiency due to superior thermal insulation.

Mandhari further added that the initial high costs of this technology have reduced by up to 30% in 2023, making it more cost-effective than traditional construction methods. The global market for this technology is projected to reach US$40bn by 2028.

Sharing InnoTech’s journey in this field starting from 2019, Mandhari informed that the company overcame significant challenges and developed a local concrete mixture suitable for 3D printing in collaboration with Galfar Engineering and Contracting Company and Petroleum Development Oman.

Highlighting the rapid evolution of 3D printing in building construction, Mohamed Sulaiman Mohammed al Salmi, Head of Smart Technology Solutions at German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), was particularly impressed with the fast construction time and ease of building curved walls. 

GUtech has made notable advancements in this field. The university constructed Oman’s first 3D printed concrete building in 2021, which was recognised as the world’s largest such structure, Salmi informed. 

In 2022, it completed the world’s first printed cafe in Duqm. GUtech is also exploring the prospect of printing with natural eco-friendly materials, including clay.

For Dr Ahmed Said al Busaidi, Executive Director of Centre of Consultancy Services and Innovation Transfer at University of Nizwa, the technology’s role in providing sustainable housing solutions at reasonable prices is of significance. 

He also pointed out the practical applications of this technology in disaster-prone areas, citing the example of the New Spirit Village in Oregon, USA, where 3D-printed homes were built for families affected by wildfires.

Busaidi emphasised the design flexibility and efficiency of 3D printed houses and predicted a shift towards more efficient smart housing solutions in the very near future.

Discussing the scientific feasibility of concrete printing and Sohar University’s efforts in manufacturing 3D metal printers, Prof Ghassan al Kindi, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, informed that the university aims to democratise its knowledge of the technology and its applications.

Sohar University’s initiatives, led by Prof Kindi, focus on designing and manufacturing concrete 3D printers using local materials and expertise. The university has successfully built a mobile printer capable of constructing various building types and is currently experimenting with printing smaller objects like flowerpots.

These developments and insights are detailed in the latest issue of Scientific Insights available online in both Arabic and English. These pioneering works in Oman highlight the sultanate’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in construction, aligning with global trends in smart solutions and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.