Emmanuelle Vives — a bold French expat-turned-dune-bashing daredevil who traded R&D labs in France for real estate dreams and jeeping across the Ras Al Khaimah sands. Now a proud RAK-ite, she’s bringing chic European standards to local hospitality with her new venture, Permit to Chill.
Hit play to discover how she found love, launched a biz, and became the kind of person whose car still survives dune-bashing weekends at Exit 116.
Interview Highlights
💘 Came for love, stayed for RAK: Emmanuel followed her boyfriend (now husband) to Ras Al Khaimah and unexpectedly found her forever home — sorry, Canada.
🥊 Kickboxing dropout: Her kickboxing career came to a halt thanks to a very aggressive cat. She has photo evidence and zero regrets.
🚙 Desert queen: From “too scared to try” to “let’s lift the Jeep,” Emmanuel is now more dune-crazy than her husband — and proud of it.
🏡 Permit to Chill is born: Spotting a gap in RAK’s holiday home scene, she’s launching a personalized property management biz focused on hospitality, sustainability, and community.
💁♀️ Women in business? RAK is the place! Emmanuel swears it’s easier being a woman entrepreneur here than back in Europe — respectful, welcoming, and full of support.
🌍 Mission: promote RAK: She’s on a mission to highlight local gems, partner only with RAK-based businesses, and support animal and community charities along the way.
💡 R&D roots: With 10 years of R&D experience, Emmanuel brings a problem-solving mindset to every project — from home decor to holiday planning.
💬 Gives a big shoutout to WOW-RAK as her go-to for community events, activities, and getting the lowdown on what’s hot in the city.
Pull out quotes
“I came here for my boyfriend… and now I’m the one who refuses to leave!”
“Kickboxing stopped the day my cat won the fight.”
“Why settle for five-star hotels when you can get dune rides, a private chef, and a spa at your holiday home?”
Nominate a RAK Icon
Know Someone Who Deserves the Spotlight?
We’re always on the lookout for everyday legends, creative rebels, and behind-the-scenes changemakers. Nominate a RAK Icon who’s shaping the future!
NOMINATE NOW
Just send us an email with the following details to: 📧 info@wow-rak.com
Please include:
- Your name
- Nominee’s full name
- What they do (profession or passion)
- Why they deserve to be a RAK Icon
- Any contact info or social handles for the nominee
⚠️ Disclaimer: Submitting a nomination does not guarantee a video interview. All nominations are reviewed by the WOW-RAK x E-Find RAK team before selection.
About the Collaboration (WOW-RAK × E-Find RAK)
When storytelling meets discovery — you get a front-row seat to Ras Al Khaimah’s most inspiring journeys. That’s exactly what happens when WOW-RAK, the city’s lifestyle voice, joins hands with E-Find RAK, the digital compass for local talent and businesses. Think of it as your backstage pass to the people shaping RAK — with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of personality.
Together, we’re lifting the curtain on the movers and makers behind the emirate’s glow-up. From boardrooms to beach walks, RAK Icons brings you real stories from real legends — all rooted right here in Ras Al Khaimah.
Together, we’re putting the spotlight where it belongs: on the people behind the scenes — the dreamers, doers, and change-makers who are building, creating, and inspiring in Ras Al Khaimah. From accountants to artists, chefs to CEOs, RAK Icons is our way of saying, “Hey, have you met this amazing human yet?”
Because Ras Al Khaimah isn’t just about the views — it’s about the visionaries. And this collaboration is here to tell their stories, one incredible local at a time.
- E-Find RAK YouTube Channel
- WOW-RAK Homepage
- Submit a Story Tip (info@wow-rak.com)
