Meta, the UAE Cyber Security Council and Startupbootcamp announced on Monday the launch of Wearables Studio UAE, the country's first dedicated program for innovation, education and talent development in AI-powered wearable technology.
The initiative was unveiled at GISEC Global 2026 and is aimed at UAE students, developers, entrepreneurs and startups who want to build practical applications for wearable devices. Participants will get technical training, mentorship and hands-on experience, with the program designed to support the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.
Security built in from the start
The UAE Cyber Security Council is the national partner behind Wearables Studio UAE, contributing cybersecurity expertise so that projects developed through the program are grounded in security, privacy and user trust from the outset.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said: "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."
He added: "This will contribute to developing a new generation of talent equipped to shape the technologies of the future and use them safely."
Access to Meta's smart glasses
Meta is giving participants direct access to its wearable technology and engineering expertise through Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta smart glasses, allowing them to build and test AI-powered applications on real hardware.
Joelle Awwad, Director of Policy Campaigns and Programs, Africa, Middle East and Türkiye at Meta, said: "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."
She added: "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."
How the program will run
Startupbootcamp will lead delivery of Wearables Studio UAE on the ground, managing participant outreach, selection, workshops, mentorship and the final showcase.
The program will include public ideation sessions, expert-led workshops, technical mentoring, an in-person build sprint, a pitchathon and a final showcase at GITEX Global 2026.
Applications are open to innovators working across five sectors: Tourism and Cultural Heritage, Healthcare, Education, Arabic AI Companion, and Smart Retail. For UAE-based developers and startups interested in wearable technology, the program offers a direct route from idea to a demonstrable product, backed by both a global technology company and the national cybersecurity authority.
