Satyendra Pathak
Doha
Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), WOLF Group and Msheireb Properties have signed an agreement to establish a 3D Printing and Digitalization Hub and Art Gallery in Ras Bufontas Free Zone with its headquarters to be located in Doha Design District at Msheireb Downtown Doha.
QFZA CEO Lim Meng Hui, WOLF Group CEO and Founder Mariusz Krol and Msheireb Properties Acting CEO Ali Al Kuwari signed the agreement during a ceremony held at Msheireb Downtown Doha.
The new partnership is in line with the vision of the three entities to promote technological development and support modern art, for Qatar and the broader region.
The 3D Printing and Digitalization Hub will offer access to artists and enterprises to next-generation technologies such as 3D printing and innovative new techniques for scanning and photogrammetry. WOLF Group will facilitate the transfer of artists’ works from digital versions to real works of art using various materials, including recycled ones, helping to raise awareness of sustainable development methods.
The partnership will also enhance Doha’s position as a regional design hub.
Speaking on the occasion, QFZA CEO Lim Meng Hui said, "The 3D Printing and Digitalization Hub is the first of its kind in Qatar and will be an invaluable resource for the design and creative community in the country. This Hub will also provide unique support to companies in our manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and biomedical sectors through the development and rapid prototyping and production of products using innovative, bio-compatible materials. This will have a significant impact in terms of reducing production costs, enhancing lead times and improving time-to-market for these companies.”
"We look forward to working closely with WOLF Group and Msheireb Properties to promote modern art, drive technological advancement, and support innovation and creativity within our free zones and across the region,” Hui said.
Talking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the event, Krol said, "Qatar has all the potential to emerge as one of the biggest markets for 3D printing in the region. The market is huge as 3D printing can be used everywhere. It can be used in sectors like food, automotive, construction and others. This is the reason why we have come to Qatar.
"The 3D printing and the re-use of recycled materials are at the heart of WOLF Group’s strategy. We are delighted to mark this strategic cooperation with Msheireb Properties to offer technical support as well as innovative solutions in different areas such as the using recycled materials, furniture production, art, gaming and animations,” he said.
"WOLF Group is proud to be the first Qatar Free Zone company headquartered in Msheireb Properties as a part of Doha Design District. We are aligned with the vision of Qatar and aim to create jobs opportunities for highly skilled people while providing them with access to an innovative hub.”
"We are looking to set up a manufacturing unit for 3D printed objects in Qatar as well to cater to the growing demand for such products in the country,” Krol said,
Msheireb Properties Acting CEO Ali Al Kuwari said, "We thank Qatar Free Zones Authority and WOLF Group for this collaboration and for choosing Doha Design District as the location for this initiative. Msheireb Downtown Doha is about design, creativity, and innovation, and we continue to host premium international design organisations from around the world to achieve our vision and create an excellent hub for the creative community in Qatar and the region. We are confident that this will add great value to our local artists and businesses that share common values about sustainability.”
The 3D Printing Hub will be a special place for the development of large-format 3D printing using recycled materials (PETG). This enables the production of functional furniture designed by the best local and international artists from all over the world. Over the longer term, WOLF Group is planning to implement multi-series production.
WOLF Group, together with Msheireb Properties and the Seashore Group, is currently working on the world’s biggest printed object made from recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). It is designed by Przemyslaw "Mac” Stopa from Massive Design, who will also design the interiors of the 3D Printing and Digitalization Hub. It is set to become a major statement on sustainability adorning Doha’s skyline as well as a significant tourist attraction.
Qatar is witnessing rapid digital growth across all industries, including as part of preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022. The new partnerships in the technology industry foster an attractive market for foreign corporations, SMEs and startups geared towards innovation solutions. The 3D Printing and Digitalization Hub will provide technological support for other companies in Qatar Free Zones, Doha Design District and across the country and the region.
Doha Design District is now a key part of Doha’s cultural fabric and is helping to promote local designers. It enhances Msheireb Downtown Doha’s position as a district of art and creativity and serves as a state-of-the-art center for local designers to flourish.
Centered around innovation and creativity, Doha Design District aims to be a world-class destination that prioritises the needs of creative professionals and attracts local and regional designers to interact with their global peers.