Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), through Sandbox Dubai, has launched the AI Sandbox to help local and international technology companies overcome the regulatory and policy barriers that keep promising AI solutions from reaching real-world deployment.
The initiative brings together startups, SMEs, established technology firms and government entities, including the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, to test AI-native solutions in real-world environments. Participants will receive technical, policy and commercial expertise, along with tailored regulatory guidance, which may include exploring exemptions subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
The programme targets a persistent gap. Research cited by the World Economic Forum shows 74 per cent of companies have yet to move their AI initiatives beyond experimentation. Through practical testing, regulators can assess emerging applications, identify risks and gather evidence to shape future policy.
Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Research, Development and Innovation at DFF, said the next priority is ensuring promising technologies move beyond testing and into practical use, which requires addressing the regulatory challenges companies face.
Applications are open to companies building AI-native solutions in sectors such as education, healthcare, transport and mobility, logistics, tourism, media and government services. Solutions must be at minimum viable product stage or beyond, show readiness for commercialisation and have the potential to generate evidence that can inform policy.
The launch builds on the UAE’s strong AI adoption. Microsoft’s Global AI Diffusion Report ranks the country first globally, with 73.3 per cent of its working-age population using AI, compared with 18.8 per cent worldwide.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
