Dubai wrote the world's most detailed law for construction printing.
The UAE is unusual: alongside the expected weapons restrictions, Dubai has a standalone municipal law regulating 3D printing in construction, tied to a target of having a quarter of all new buildings built using the technology.
Decree No. 24 of 2021 (Dubai Construction 3D Printing Law): requires Dubai Municipality to set technical standards, review architectural CAD designs, issue permits and inspect structural printed buildings, supporting a target of 25 percent of all new buildings being constructed using 3D printing.
Federal Law No. 17 of 2019: prohibits unauthorised manufacture, assembly or modification of firearms or defence components by any technology, including FDM and metal printers.
MOHAP: regulates custom additive healthcare products including printed dental crowns, surgical guides and orthopaedic implants.
Saudi Food and Drug Authority: requires healthcare facilities and manufacturers to prove biocompatibility and ISO 13485 quality management for custom printed medical devices.
National firearms and dual-use controls: unlicensed weapon manufacturing is illegal under federal security statutes, and dual-use industrial metal printers such as selective laser melting systems are monitored by state industrial and security agencies.
Firearms Law, 5709-1949: prohibits unlicensed production or assembly of firearms or receivers. Printed frames and functional gun components are treated as illegal weapons under existing penal statutes.
Ministry of Health, Medical Equipment Division (AMAR): regulates custom patient-matched printed implants, surgical models and prosthetics, requiring documentation on material safety, printing accuracy and sterilisation.