UAE Cyber Security CouncilMetaStartupbootcamp
UAE · September 2026AI ImpactHub

Meta Wearables Studio

UAE Cyber Security CouncilMetaStartupbootcampProgram partnerImplementation partner

Build the next generation of wearable AI
with Meta Wearables Studio UAE

Meta Wearables Studio UAE is a hands-on innovation program helping young innovators, startups, developers and students design AI-powered experiences for wearable devices. Through expert-led workshops, industry mentorship, and an intensive build sprint, participants will transform ideas into working prototypes that solve real-world challenges across key UAE industries.

Ray-Ban Meta glasses

What is the
Meta Wearables Studio UAE?

Meta Wearables Studio UAE, delivered in partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council and Startupbootcamp, is a hands-on innovation program designed to accelerate wearable AI innovation across the Emirates.

Participants progress through a structured journey — from ideation and technical enablement to mentorship, prototyping, and a live showcase — while collaborating with industry experts, corporate partners, and creators.

Whether you're looking to validate a commercial use case or eager to build innovative wearable experiences, Wearables Studio provides the support needed to bring your ideas to life.

Why join Meta Wearables Studio?

Build for the Next Generation of Wearables

Get access to Meta's Wearables Development Toolkit and Mock Device Kit to build and simulate integrations for Meta AI glasses.

Access to Experts

Work directly with AI experts and industry mentors who'll help you design, build, and pitch your use case.

Pitch at GITEX

Build in an intensive Hackathon sprint, pitch, and showcase at GITEX (Dec 7–11).

Prize Pool of $10,000

The top 3 teams win from a $10,000 prize money ($5,000 / $3,000 / $2,000).

Technical Workshops

Engage in technical and design workshops along with pitching.

Chance to Showcase at the Meta AI Summit

Selected teams will get the chance to showcase at the Meta AI Summit in Istanbul (Nov 23–24).

Program themes

Applications are encouraged across five UAE priority sectors where wearable-first AI can make the biggest difference.

During the application phase

Three ideation sessions

One session, offered three times — pick whichever suits you. Two sessions are held during GISEC Global 2026 (September 16–18, 2026, Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai), and a third is held during AI Everything (ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi). Each session opens the learning journey with use case inspiration drawn from global wearable AI examples, then guides teams through rapid ideation grounded in the program's vertical themes, and closes with live Q&A.

Pick a date

Session 01Thu, Sep 17GISEC Global, Dubai
Session 02Thu, Sep 17GISEC Global, Dubai
Session 03Tue, Oct 6AI Everything, Abu Dhabi

What each session covers

  • Wearable AI in context: where it sits in the broader AI and consumer technology landscape
  • Use case inspiration from global examples — Be My Eyes, 18Birdies, and Disney parks
  • Design thinking for the glasses form factor: glanceable, voice-first, hands-free, eyes-busy contexts
  • Vertical theme deep-dives based on the program's selected themes
  • Rapid ideation exercise using Meta AI as an ideation partner
  • Concept shortlisting and direction setting
  • Live Q&A with the program team

Who can apply?

A man wearing Meta AI glasses, lifting the frame with his hand

Eligibility criteria

Open to: startups, developers, technical students, and product teams.

Wearable-first thinking: applicants should demonstrate interest in building AI applications for wearable devices and wearable-first experiences.

UAE-based: must be based in the UAE.

Selection criteria

  • Strength and relevance of the use case
  • Wearable-first thinking and interaction design
  • User value and practicality
  • Technical feasibility within the program timeline
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Team capability and/or execution potential
Close-up of a person wearing Meta AI glasses
The journey

Program journey

01

Applications & Ideation

Applications open alongside two in-person ideation sessions in GISEC designed to introduce wearable AI, inspire new use cases, and help applicants refine their ideas before applying.

02

Selection

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted based on the eligibility and selection criteria.

03

Workshops & Mentorship

Practical sessions covering UX for Wearables, the Developer Toolkit, Building Intelligent Wearables, AI Prototyping, Cybersecurity, Privacy and Product Development. Teams also begin working with their dedicated advisory pod.

04

Hackathon & Pitchathon

Held during GITEX. Teams participate in an intensive build sprint to rapidly prototype wearable AI solutions and then pitch at GITEX (Dec 7–11), with live mentoring from technical experts throughout.

05

Showcase

Selected teams will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the Meta AI Summit (November 23–24). Teams participating in the GITEX Hackathon (December 7–11) will also have the opportunity to showcase and pitch their solutions, with all participating teams competing for the prize money, awarded to the top three teams.

Program timeline

September 16
Applications open
September 17
Ideation Session 1 · Dubai
September 17
Ideation Session 2 · Dubai
October 6
Ideation Session 3 · Abu Dhabi
October 16
Application deadline
October 17 – 26
Selection & team formation
November 2
Program kick-off
November 2 – 22
Workshops & mentorship phase
November 23 – 24
Meta AI Summit
November 23 – 30
Additional mentorship
December 7 – 11
Hackathon, Pitchathon & Showcase
December
Post-program support
A person wearing Oakley Meta AI glasses

Ready to build the future of wearable AI?

Join Meta Wearables Studio UAE and turn your idea into a real-world wearable AI solution alongside industry experts, technical mentors, and corporate partners.

Apply now
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The Wearables Studio is a hands-on program supporting young innovators, startups, developers and students in building AI applications for wearable devices, such as the Meta Ray-Ban or Meta Oakley glasses.