The evolution of wearable technology has introduced a silent, localised threat to the privacy of high-profile individuals and corporate leaders in the UAE. Smart glasses are now virtually indistinguishable from standard eyewear.

However, in the UAE, covert recording is more than a privacy breach—it is a serious criminal act. Under UAE Federal Law, the unauthorised recording or sharing of someone’s image or conversation can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment. At Conflict Advisory Group, we integrate this legal and technical awareness into our specialist Close Protection frameworks.

The UAE Context: Why Detection is Mandatory

In the UAE's high-trust, high-discretion business culture, the presence of smart glasses in a majlis, a private boardroom, or a high-end social setting in Dubai Marina represents a unique set of risks:

Legal Liability: If a recording takes place on your premises or during your event, navigating the subsequent legal fallout requires immediate, professional fact-finding.
Reputational Ransom: Scammers use these discreet devices to capture candid moments, which are later used for "digital extortion" or "reputational sabotage"—threats the UAE authorities have recently warned against.
Corporate Espionage: In a global hub like Dubai, smart glasses are the tool of choice for capturing sensitive documents or "eavesdropping" in plain sight.

Detecting the "Tells": What to Look For

Our Close Protection teams are trained to identify these hardware red flags:

Lens Housing in End Pieces: Look for circular, glossy black circles where the frame meets the hinge. On light-coloured frames, these "beauty spots" are actually 3K camera lenses.
LED Concealment: While devices like Ray-Ban Meta have recording lights, our teams look for the use of "stealth stickers" or physical covers that neutralize this safety feature.
Abnormal Frame Density: Smart glasses require processors and batteries, often resulting in thicker-than-normal "temples" (the arms of the glasses).

The Strategic Response: Specialised UAE Close Protection

In the UAE, the role of Close Protection extends into the digital and technical realm. Our operatives do not just provide physical security; they act as a "privacy shield."

Behavioural Profiling: Our teams identify individuals exhibiting "camera-steady" head movements or repetitive frame adjustments—non-verbal cues typical of covert recording.
Perimeter Management: In environments where recording is strictly prohibited by UAE law, we ensure that technical "leak points" are identified and managed before a breach occurs.
Advisory & Response: If a breach is suspected, we provide the immediate intelligence needed to handle the situation according to local laws, protecting both your privacy and your legal standing.

Safeguarding Privacy in the Connected Middle East

The UAE's rapid digital transformation has made privacy a primary security concern. In 2026, a pair of glasses can be as compromising as a leaked email. For the sophisticated resident or business leader, the solution lies in a partner who understands the local legal gravity of these breaches.

Are you concerned about covert recording or require high-level security for your operations in the UAE? Explore our Close Protection Services or contact Conflict Advisory Group today for a confidential security consultation.