Dubai Future Foundation launches AI Sandbox to accelerate commercial deployment

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has launched an AI Sandbox through its Sandbox Dubai initiative to help local and international technology companies test AI solutions in real-world settings and address regulatory barriers to commercial deployment.

The program is open to startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and established technology companies developing AI-native products. Participants will have access to technical, policy and commercial expertise, as well as regulatory guidance tailored to their solutions.

Depending on the application and applicable requirements, companies may also be eligible to explore regulatory exemptions, subject to approval by the relevant authorities.

The program invites applications from companies developing AI solutions across sectors including education, healthcare, transport, logistics, tourism, media and government services, as well as other industries.

To qualify, solutions must have reached at least the minimum viable product (MVP) stage, demonstrate commercialization potential and be capable of generating evidence that could inform future policies and regulations.

Participating companies will work with relevant government entities, including the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), to test their solutions in real-world environments. The process will allow regulators to assess emerging applications, identify potential risks and determine whether existing regulatory frameworks need to be updated.

The initiative aims to address challenges that prevent companies from moving AI projects beyond experimentation and into commercial use.

Research cited by the World Economic Forum indicates that 74% of companies have yet to advance their AI initiatives beyond the experimentation stage. According to DFF, regulatory requirements, limited data access and uncertainty over how existing policies apply to emerging technologies remain obstacles to commercial deployment.

“The UAE has made significant progress in AI adoption, but the next priority is ensuring that promising technologies can move beyond testing and into practical use. This requires us to look beyond the technology itself and address the regulatory challenges that companies face,” said Khalifa Al Qama, chief of research, development and innovation at DFF.

“Through the AI Sandbox, we are bringing innovators and regulators together to test new applications, understand where existing frameworks may need to adapt and identify practical solutions. Our aim is to create an environment where companies can develop and deploy AI technologies with greater regulatory clarity, while ensuring that policy development keeps pace with innovation,” he added.

The launch comes as AI adoption accelerates across the UAE. According to Microsoft’s Global AI Diffusion Report, 73.3% of the country’s working-age population uses AI, placing the UAE first globally, compared with a global average of 18.8%.

DFF said the AI Sandbox will complement Dubai’s broader research, development and innovation ecosystem by helping companies navigate regulatory and operational challenges as they bring AI products to market. The program also builds on Sandbox Dubai’s regulatory work across the gig economy, healthcare and real estate.