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 a pitchathon at GITEX, participants will transform ideas into working prototypes that solve real-world challenges across key UAE industries.
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.
Get access to Meta's Wearables Development Toolkit and Mock Device Kit to build and simulate integrations for Meta AI glasses.
Work directly with AI experts and industry mentors who'll help you design, build, and pitch your use case.
Pitch and showcase your wearable AI solution at GITEX (Dec 7–11).
The top 3 teams win from a $10,000 prize money ($5,000 / $3,000 / $2,000).
Engage in technical and design workshops along with pitching.
Selected teams will get the chance to showcase at the Meta AI Summit in Istanbul (Nov 24–25).
Applications are encouraged across five UAE priority sectors where wearable AI can create meaningful impact. However, the program is open to strong applications from other industries, which will be considered using the same selection criteria.
One in-person session, held during GISEC Global 2026 (September 16–18, 2026, Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai). The 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.
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.
Applications open alongside an in-person ideation session at GISEC designed to introduce wearable AI, inspire new use cases, and help applicants refine their ideas before applying.
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted based on the eligibility and selection criteria.
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.
A virtual pitchathon (November 6) closes the workshop phase, before teams pitch their wearable AI solutions in person at GITEX (Dec 7–11), with live mentoring from technical experts throughout.
Selected teams will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the Meta AI Summit (November 24–25). Teams participating in the GITEX Pitchathon (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.
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
