About

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Regulatory Sandbox

In line with the UAE government’s national priorities for developing legislations that enable the adoption of modern and emerging ICT technologies, and in recognition of the need for an agile approach to rulemaking in order to unlock the potential of innovation and shape it in a way that protects citizens and reflects their value, TDRA has sought to design an ICT Regulatory Sandbox which would enable participants to pilot and test innovations, as appropriate, and in a way that supports fair and open competition, and to gather learning from these tests on how rules need to adapt.

Objectives

Reduce time-to-market in the telecommunications and digital government sector by creating time-bound regulatory flexibility to participants
Provide the opportunity to find out whether a business model is attractive to consumers, or how a particular technology works in the market
Drive economic growth by identifying opportunities and inducing innovative business models, services and products in the field of ICT.

Technologies & Participants

Target Technologies

Applications providing over-the-top (OTT) services
Cloud Computing
Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality and the Metaverse
Blockchain
Digital Twin
Internet of Things (IoT)

Target Participants

ICT firms
Entrepreneurs
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Licensees that wish to test a new service for a period of no longer than 12 months

TDRA - UAE ICT Regulatory Sandbox Application Form

Welcome to TDRA's ICT Regulatory Sandbox. This platform is tailored for innovators like you to test and refine ICT solutions in compliance with UAE's standards and regulations

Click here to Apply

Our
FAQs

What are some of the benefits for participating in the ICT Regulatory Sandbox?

Facilities or exemptions from the TDRA’s Regulatory Framework as detailed in the Guidelines.
Support and Guidance

What are the requirements to enroll in the ICT Regulatory Sandbox?

Proof of compliance with the standards of requirements for participation in the system.
Demonstrate the readiness of the technology business model for market launch.
A certified true copy of the business license, including details of its shareholder structure.
Business plan, including but not limited to target users and an estimate of the size of the target market.
Test plan (max. 5 pages), including but not limited to business model safeguards, exit plan, and implementation timeline with key milestones including key performance indicators (e.g. number of users, expected revenue volume, growth, etc.).

When can I participate in the ICT Regulatory Sandbox?

TDRA will announce the opening of registration when the first batch is launched.
The mechanism for participation in the system will be in batches that will be announced and participated in within a specific period announced by TDRA from time to time.

What are the possible exiting scenarios?

Approval of participant to operate in the UAE, subject to compliance with the Regulatory Framework.
Request to extend or modify the testing plan due to the need to gather further evidence on validity of the model.
Terminate participation in the ICT Regulatory Sandbox.