BUSINESS Innovative Eyewear Secures Distribution Deal for Expansion Into Middle East Market By Staff Monday, September 9, 2024 12:18 AM MIAMI—Innovative Eyewear, Inc. (NASDAQ: LUCY), the developer of ChatGPT-enabled smart eyewear under the Lucyd, Nautica, Eddie Bauer and Reebok brands, has announced an expansion into the Middle East market through an exclusive distribution agreement with Ecom Gulf FZCO (doing business as Mixireal). To kick off the partnership, Ecom Gulf FZCO will be participating in the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival, showcasing Innovative Eyewear's ChatGPT smart eyewear, according to the announcement. The exclusive distribution agreement with Ecom Gulf FZCO covers the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.This strategic partnership aims to introduce Innovative Eyewear's smart glasses to a rapidly growing market for tech products in the region, the company said."We are thrilled to partner with Ecom Gulf FZCO to bring our stylish and user-friendly smart eyewear to the Middle East. This region represents a significant opportunity for growth, with its tech-forward consumers and robust retail landscape,”said Harrison Gross, CEO of Innovative Eyewear. “Their participation in the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival aligns perfectly with our expansion strategy and showcases our commitment to the global adoption of smart eyewear."He added, "Their presence at the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival not only allows us to demonstrate our products to a highly relevant audience, but also reinforces our position as a leader in the intersection of fashion and technology."The Dubai AI & Web3 Festival, scheduled for September 11-12, 2024, at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, will focus on enabling digital economies and brings together global leaders in artificial intelligence and Web3 technologies."I am excited to announce our partnership with Innovative Eyewear, Inc. as the exclusive distributor of their pioneering smart glasses in the Middle East,” said Hisham Elhusseini, CEO of Ecom Gulf FZCO. “This collaboration marks a key milestone in our commitment to driving the future of smart living through GenAI technology, and we look forward to introducing these innovative products to our customers across the region."