Doha: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has launched two experimental initiatives the AI Sandbox and XR Sandbox within the TASMU Innovation Lab, unveiled during Web Summit Qatar 2025.
These initiatives aim to foster technological advancement and innovation in Qatar's digital entrepreneurship ecosystem, empowering startups, researchers, and developers to explore experimental solutions in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) while expanding their applications to drive economic growth.
A sandbox refers to a secure, isolated testing environment designed to experiment and develop software, applications, or technologies without affecting core systems or existing operational environments. The AI Sandbox, developed in collaboration with the Deloitte AI Institute and powered by Googles Vertex AI platform, provides a flexible environment for developers, innovators, and businesses to experiment with and develop AI-driven solutions.
A key feature of the AI Sandbox is its ability to conduct testing of new solutions without impacting live operational systems. It supports low-code and no-code development capabilities, allowing users of varying expertise to participate and contribute ideas effectively.
Participants receive hands-on guidance from AI solution architects and data scientists through structured mentoring sessions. Developed in collaboration with Deloitte Digital, the XR Sandbox serves as an experimental incubator for Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR).
Director of Digital Innovation at MCIT, Eman Al Kuwari, emphasized the importance of AI and XR sandboxes as key enablers of digital innovation, stating: “These experimental environments serve as powerful catalysts for digital innovation, providing a secure and flexible space for collaboration between government entities, innovators, developers, businesses, data experts, and AI engineers. By offering these advanced platforms, we aim to accelerate digital transformation by adopting cutting-edge technologies capable of addressing real-world challenges, supporting economic growth, and strengthening Qatars position as a leader in digital transformation and innovation regionally and globally.”
Al Kuwari added: “The AI and XR Sandboxes offer a unique opportunity to explore new frontiers in digital interaction, opening doors to creativity and development. In alignment with the Digital Agenda 2030, our goal is to Qatarize these technologies to enhance quality of life, deliver innovative and efficient digital experiences that meet the needs of individuals and communities, and strengthen our ability to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.”
