Innovation City CEO pitches the free zone as a Middle East tech-capital contender
Paul Dawalibi points to 2–3 day licensing, sector focus and costs 20–30% below comparable Dubai free zones as the case, with the 1,000-startup milestone as an early marker.
- Notable rate: 30%
- Volume / scale: 1,000
What happened
In a wide-ranging interview, Innovation City CEO Paul Dawalibi makes the case that the free zone is building toward genuine tech-capital status rather than functioning as a fast-licensing shortcut. The pitch rests on three legs: speed (2–3 day licensing), sector focus (AI, Web3, gaming, robotics, healthtech) and cost (RAKEZ-wide pricing typically 20–30% below comparable Dubai free zones).
Why it matters
Whether that ambition is realised depends on execution over the next few years rather than any single announcement — the 1,000-startup milestone is a start, not a finish line. Inside RAK will keep tracking the numbers as they come in; our RAKEZ & business setup guide covers what founders actually need to know to license today.
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Frequently asked
What is the main update in Innovation City CEO pitches the free zone as a Middle East tech-capital contender?
In a wide-ranging interview, Innovation City CEO Paul Dawalibi makes the case that the free zone is building toward….
Why does this matter for Ras Al Khaimah?
It accelerates RAK’s innovation and AI ecosystem, attracting startups, talent and venture activity.
What are the key numbers behind this story?
The standout figure is 30% (Notable rate). This scale underpins the strategic importance of the development for the emirate.
InsideRAK is an independent publisher and is not affiliated with any Ras Al Khaimah government body. This report was compiled from the sources above and verified against published records. Spot an error? corrections@insiderak.com
