Dubai AI Sandbox: Who Can Apply and What to Do by Dec 18
Dubai Future Foundation has launched the AI Sandbox through Sandbox Dubai, a regulatory sandbox for AI startups, SMEs and global technology companies. It brings companies together with regulators and government entities to test market-ready AI solutions in real-world settings.
Applications are open until December 18, 2026.
The program is designed to help AI technologies move from experimentation into practical deployment, particularly where uncertainty around regulation or policy is limiting rollout. Evidence generated during testing can inform future regulatory and policy frameworks.
Selected participants can test their solutions in relevant real-world settings, engage directly with regulators and government entities and access technical, regulatory and commercial expertise. Where data access is a material barrier, Sandbox Dubai may facilitate engagement with relevant data owners. Any data access remains subject to the data owner's approval and is not guaranteed.
Depending on the case and applicable requirements, participation could also involve examining the possibility of temporary regulatory exemptions. These would remain subject to approval by the relevant authorities and are not automatically granted.
The program is open to companies from around the world, including businesses already established in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE and companies planning to establish a local presence.
The initiative covers AI applications across sectors including:
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- education
- healthcare
- transport and mobility
- logistics
- tourism and hospitality
- media
- government services
Companies working in areas such as real estate, retail, industry and public safety can also apply. Developers of enabling technologies, including foundation models and hyperscaler solutions, are eligible where their products face significant regulatory, policy or data-access challenges.
Applicants are expected to have solutions sufficiently mature for meaningful experimentation rather than early-stage concepts. Participating solutions must have reached at least minimum viable product stage, demonstrate commercial readiness and be capable of generating results and data that can support the development of policies and regulatory frameworks.
Selection will consider factors including the level of innovation, market readiness, relevance of the regulatory or policy challenge and the potential impact of the proposed solution.
Selected AI companies will move into structured experimentation with regulators and government entities after the application and evaluation process.
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance, and the support offered will depend on the requirements of each selected use case.
The program forms part of the wider Dubai RDI Ecosystem overseen by Dubai Future Foundation. Sandbox Dubai is one of the transformational initiatives under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
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