Meta AI Glasses Hit UAE via Etisalat Starting at 1,160 AED

Meta AI glasses are now officially available in the United Arab Emirates through telecom carrier Etisalat UAE, with sales launching on November 10 at a starting price of 1,160 AED (approximately $316). The rollout marks the first time a telecom operator in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has officially distributed Meta and EssilorLuxottica's smart eyewear lineup. Designed for commuters, athletes, and early adopters seeking hands-free digital capture and audio assistance, the entry barrier is lowered by installment plans, though higher-tier lens configurations push retail prices up to 2,310 AED.

Before this release, Etisalat's wearable catalog centered almost exclusively on traditional smartwatches from brands like Apple and Samsung. The addition of smart eyewear signals an effort to introduce ambient computing hardware directly to consumer carrier channels.

Available Models and Frame Configurations

The carrier's retail inventory spans several models co-developed with EssilorLuxottica, including standard Meta Glasses, Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, and the sports-tailored Oakley Meta HSTN designed for workout and running use.

The base tier begins at 1,160 AED for the standard Meta Glasses fitted with Adventurer frames and tinted brown lenses. Customers stepping up to premium options like the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 Wayfarer with grey Transitions photochromic lenses face an official price tag of 2,310 AED. All stated retail prices include local value-added tax (VAT).

Financing Options via SmartPay

To reduce the upfront cost hurdle, Etisalat has extended its SmartPay installment program to the smart glasses lineup. Buyers can split payments across 12-, 18-, or 24-month terms. Under a 24-month agreement, the standard Adventurer model starts at 55 AED per month.

Tamer Eltoni, Senior Vice President at Etisalat UAE, highlighted that AI-enabled wearables offer users a more immediate, hands-free interaction method. The carrier views smart glasses as a natural extension of its connected device ecosystem as consumer demand shifts toward voice and vision-based personal hardware.

For wearable enthusiasts in the region, does carrier financing make smart eyewear a compelling alternative to a conventional smartwatch, or does the form factor still feel secondary to your everyday phone?