Meta Launches UAE’s First Wearables Studio in Dubai

Meta, in partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council and programme delivery partner Startupbootcamp, launched Wearables Studio UAE, a national innovation, education and talent initiative focused on AI-powered experiences for wearable technologies. Unveiled at GISEC Global 2026, the programme is designed to equip students, developers, entrepreneurs and startups with technical training, mentorship and hands-on access to wearable hardware to build industry-ready skills.

As the national partner, the UAE Cyber Security Council will anchor the initiative in security and privacy. “The growing use of AI in wearable devices is opening new opportunities for innovation. At the same time, it requires cybersecurity and privacy to be built into these technologies from the outset, rather than added later. Through this initiative, we aim to help students, developers, entrepreneurs and startups turn their ideas into practical applications within an environment that promotes responsible innovation and user trust,” said Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government. “This will contribute to developing a new generation of talent equipped to shape the technologies of the future and use them safely."

Meta will provide direct access to its wearable platforms, including Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta smart glasses, alongside engineering expertise. “We’re excited to bring Wearables Studio UAE to life with the government backing of the UAE Cyber Security Council and the program expertise of Startupbootcamp, building the right ecosystem to turn AI hardware leadership into hands-on skills for the next generation of UAE’s innovators,” said Joelle Awwad, Director of Policy Campaigns and Programs, Africa, Middle East and Türkiye at Meta. “Through our wearable platforms – Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta smart glasses – students, developers and startups will get the tools and mentorship to build experiences that matter for people’s everyday lives, with safety and privacy built in from the start,” added Awwad.

Startupbootcamp will manage outreach, selection, workshops, mentorship and the final showcase. The programme combines public ideation sessions, expert-led workshops, technical mentoring and an in-person build sprint, culminating in a pitchathon and final showcase at GITEX Global 2026. Applications are open to innovators in sectors aligned with national priorities, including tourism and cultural heritage, healthcare, education, Arabic AI companion and smart retail. The top three teams will share a USD 10,000 prize pool.