Shaikh Mohammad launched index for smart buildings

Agency

Dubai: A smart building index was launched across the UAE on Tuesday, setting benchmarks for building designs and encouraging the use of modern construction methods that speed up the construction process.

The index was launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The index encourages the use of modern methods like 3D printing and preparing buildings in national manufacturing plants before they are installed at the site using less workers.

Such technologies will contribute to speeding up the construction process, boosting levels of productivity and rationalising the need for workers with limited skills at the construction site.

The index will be gradually implemented starting from 2017. During the first phase, the index will be applied for construction projects that being built over areas that exceed 2,000 square metres.

The index was prepared and developed by specialised engineers from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and the seven municipalities across the UAE, and in cooperation and consultations held with private construction and consultation companies.