Paul Dawalibi is the kind of person who’s built billion-dollar companies, played pro esports, and still finds time to quote Dr. Seuss. As the CEO of RAK Digital Assets Oasis, he’s on a mission to transform Ras Al Khaimah into the Silicon Valley of the Middle East — no pressure, right? With a knack for turning ideas into empires and startups into success stories, Paul’s journey is part tech genius, part startup therapist, and totally inspiring. RAK gave him the blank canvas — and now he’s painting an innovative masterpiece.
Interview Highlights
From Unicorns to Oasis: Paul went from building startups (and even taking one public!) to helping entire governments shape tech ecosystems. Now, he’s calling the shots in RAK to build something bold and new from the ground up.
Wait, Did He Say Esports? Yup. Paul once played Apex Legends professionally against players half his age. He even earned a collector’s knife for it. Talk about leveling up, literally.
Problem Solver-in-Chief: Whether it’s customer woes or internal puzzles, Paul swears by the holy trinity of problem-solving: listening, gathering people in a room, and leaving finger-pointing at the door.
A Bookworm With Bite: He keeps two books in his office at all times — one about the metaverse and one by Dr. Seuss. (Spoiler: He thinks Oh, The Places You’ll Go! is the best leadership book ever written.)
Visionary Vibes Only: Paul isn’t just building a free zone; he’s crafting a movement. His mission? Attract the world’s brightest minds to RAK and create a tech ecosystem with soul.
Been There, Broke That: Paul’s been through the startup wringer — the near-payroll misses, the long grind, the emotional rollercoaster. That’s why he “gets” entrepreneurs better than most.
RAK > Random Desk Rental: Forget the usual free zone package — Paul’s team speaks fluent startup, throws in mentorship, and actually cares if your business survives. Revolutionary, right?
Pull Out Quotes
“If I as a CEO don’t care about the success of the companies that choose to come here, the free zone itself will never be successful.”
“It doesn’t matter what age you are, what stage you are at in your career — almost anything is possible to achieve.”
“This is the greatest leadership book ever written.” (Holding up Dr. Seuss’ ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go!’)
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!
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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)
