Launch of engineering design workshop in the world of 3D printing at OPAZ

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) launched a workshop on Engineering Design in the World of 3D Printing. The workshop aims to enhance the design and innovation skills of the Authority’s employees using the latest technologies.

Haitham bin Khalifa Al-Shakili, Manager of the Quality and Innovation Department said that organising this workshop aligns with the Authority’s interest in promoting the use of artificial intelligence and modern technologies across various operations. It also seeks to enable the Authority's employees to benefit from 3D printing technologies in the field of engineering design, contributing to improved work quality and faster project implementation.

He added that the workshop provides participants with a unique opportunity to learn about advanced design methods in 3D printing. It is also suitable for all those interested in developing their technical skills. He emphasised that 3D printing allows for greater opportunities in business development, speeding up project execution, and testing engineering models before the implementation phase, thereby reducing costs associated with design modifications.

He explained that there are many applications for 3D printing in the engineering sector, and the training workshop aims to explore them, enhance the skills of participants and build qualified personnel in this field.

He noted that the two-day workshop, organised by the Quality and Innovation Department and the IT Department at OPAZ, discusses the fundamentals of engineering design using specialised software. It also covers how to transform ideas into 3D models and use 3D printers to create innovative prototypes. He highlighted that the training, delivered by specialised experts, focuses on empowering participants to master 3D printing in the engineering sector and learn new technical skills through inspiring interactive experiences.

OPAZ has extensive experience in using 3D printing and encouraging projects within its zones to adopt modern construction methods. Last year, the Authority won the 3D Printing Technology Award at the COMEX Technology Exhibition 2023 for its use of 3D printing technology in constructing a commercial café and its facilities, as well as a residential unit with its amenities in the Fishermen's Village in the tourist area of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD).

This award reflects the Authority’s commitment to developing modern electronic programs and applications and adopting artificial intelligence technologies in its various operations. This positively impacts the services provided by the Authority and the zones it oversees, simplifying procedures, and delivering fast, comprehensive services to investors.