Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), WOLF Group QFZ LLC and Msheireb Properties today 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.

Lim Meng Hui, CEO of QFZA, Mariusz Król, CEO & Founder of WOLF Group, and Ali Al-Kuwari, Acting CEO of Msheireb Properties, signed the agreement at a ceremony held in Msheireb Downtown Doha. The ceremony was also attended by senior members of the QFZA, WOLF and Msheireb Properties management teams. The new partnership is in line with 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 for 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 Hub will be a place where designers and the general public can gather, create and be inspired.

The partnership will also enhance Doha’s position as a regional design hub. The collaboration supports Qatar’s National Vision 2030 to drive sustainable development and achieve a balance between the country’s growth needs and protecting the environment.

Lim Meng Hui, CEO of QFZA, said, “We are pleased to welcome WOLF Group to Qatar Free Zones, in partnership with Msheireb Properties, as part of Qatar’s rapidly growing technology and creative ecosystem. 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. QFZA has a longstanding commitment to sustainable development, as evidenced by our recent GSAS sustainability certification, and 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.”

Mariusz Krol, CEO & Founder of WOLF Group, said, “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 technological support as well as innovative solutions in different areas such as the using recycled materials, furniture production, art, gaming and animations. WOLF Group is proud to be the first 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.”

Ali Al-Kuwari, Acting CEO, Msheireb Properties, commented, “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 this will add great value to our local artists and business, who 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 world’s biggest global sporting event. 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 on innovation and creativity, Doha Design District aims to be a world-class destination that prioritizes the needs of creative professionals and attracts local and regional designers to interact with their global peers.