The government of Dubai has opened what it says is the first 3D-printed office in the world.

A 3D printer measuring 20 feet high, 120 feet long and 40 feet wide was used to print the building. The printer features an automated robotic arm to implement the printing process.

The 2,600-square-foot office was constructed using a special mixture of cement and other building materials designed and manufactured in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States. An arc shape was adopted for the building to ensure the structure's stability.

3D printing cut labor costs by over 50% compared to conventionally built structures of similar size. Image credit: Government of Dubai Media Office. The full model took 17 days to print, after which the office was installed onsite in two days. To manage the execution of the project, additional mobile printers were located at the construction site, as well as advanced computers to help ensure quality control.

The construction team comprised one person to monitor the function of the printer, seven laborers to install the building components onsite and 10 tradesmen to facilitate the building's mechanical and electrical engineering. As a result, labor costs were cut by more than 50% compared to conventional buildings of similar size.

The initiative is part of the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, a global initiative aimed to develop the UAE and Dubai as a global center of 3D printing in construction, medical products and consumer products.