Meta has partnered with the UAE Cyber Security Council and Startupbootcamp to launch Wearables Studio UAE. The initiative marks the nation’s first dedicated innovation, education and talent development programme focused on building AI-powered experiences for wearable technologies.

The programme was unveiled at GISEC Global 2026. Consequently, it aims to upskill and educate UAE students, developers, entrepreneurs and startups. Additionally, participants will gain technical expertise, mentorship and practical experience needed to build AI-powered wearable applications.

The launch also supports the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. This strategy prioritises AI adoption and future-ready talent development for the country’s growing tech ecosystem. Therefore, Wearables Studio UAE gives participants hands-on access to wearable technology, technical training and expert mentorship. As a result, the programme helps accelerate locally relevant AI solutions and turn ideas into real-world impact.

As the national partner, the UAE Cyber Security Council brings cybersecurity expertise to the table. This ensures the initiative’s innovation is built on a foundation of security, privacy and user trust.

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, commented on the growing use of AI in wearable devices. He noted that this trend opens new opportunities for innovation. However, he added that it also requires cybersecurity and privacy to be built into these technologies from the outset, rather than added later. Through this initiative, he said, students, developers, entrepreneurs and startups can turn their ideas into practical applications within an environment that promotes responsible innovation and user trust. This, in turn, will help develop a new generation of talent equipped to shape future technologies safely.

Meanwhile, Meta is opening up its AI hardware experience to the public through this programme, giving participants direct access to its wearable technology and engineering expertise.

Joelle Awwad, Director of Policy Campaigns and Programmes, Africa, Middle East and Türkiye at Meta, said the company is excited to bring the programme to life with government backing from the UAE Cyber Security Council and the programme expertise of Startupbootcamp. She explained that the goal is to build the right ecosystem to turn AI hardware experience into hands-on skills for the next generation of UAE’s innovators. Through Meta’s wearable platforms, namely Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta smart glasses, she added that students, developers and startups will get the tools and mentorship needed to build experiences that matter for everyday life, with safety and privacy built in from the start.

As the programme’s implementation partner, Startupbootcamp will lead delivery on the ground. Specifically, it will oversee participant outreach, selection, workshops, mentorship activities and the final showcase programme.

Furthermore, as AI becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, wearable technologies are emerging as a new interface between digital intelligence and the physical world. This enables more intuitive, contextual and immersive experiences. Designed as an interactive innovation journey, the programme will empower participants to develop AI-powered experiences on Meta’s wearable platforms. It combines public ideation sessions, expert-led workshops, technical mentoring and an in-person build sprint. Eventually, this culminates in a pitchathon and final showcase at GITEX Global 2026.

Applications are now open to innovators across sectors aligned with national innovation goals. These include Tourism and Cultural Heritage, Healthcare, Education, Arabic AI Companion and Smart Retail.

Finally, the top three teams will share a US$10,000 prize pool. Overall, Wearables Studio UAE reflects a broader push to align AI innovation with national priorities, while placing security and privacy at the centre of wearable technology development.

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