The name and logo of makerspace Sharjah Open Innovation Lab, the first incubator for startups and innovation in Sharjah, was also unveiled during the event, with attendees including Abdulla Alsaleh, undersecretary for foreign trade at the UAE's Ministry of Economy; assistant undersecretary for the industry sector at Ministry of Economy, Abdallah Al Shamsi; chairman of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal; and experts and specialists from the public and private sectors.

Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) has opened Middle East Additive Manufacturing Centre, with Dubai's Fahmi Al-Shawwa-led Immensa Technology Labs to be the first firm to join the hub, it was announced during the 'Industry 4.0' session, the third in SRTI Park Labs' series.

A makerspace is defined as a hub to foster and encourage shared learning experiences and hands-on in new technologies and processes.

The SRTI Park Labs session covered topics such as digital fabrication in UAE, robotics and digital construction, artificial intelligence (AI) and production, and Maker Space of the Future, in addition to a panel discussion.

Middle East Additive Manufacturing Centre will be fitted with a range of industrial 3D orinters, including machines such as Concept Laser from GE Additives.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, chief executive officer of SRTI Park, said Sharjah had grown in terms of sustainability due to efforts by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.

According to UAE state news agency, Wam, the 3D Printing Center for Metals will also be opened by SRTI Park and Immensa's Al-Shawwa said SRTI Park's hub was in response to the "huge demand for 3D printing in the UAE.

"We are very glad to be partnering with SRTI Park in establishing a production facility for the manufacture of metal additives and look forward to working with the team in building the UAE’s position as a global center for industrial 3D printing", Wam continued.