RAK Digital Assets Oasis names gaming veteran Paul Dawalibi as new CEO

Ras Al Khaimah: The Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO), a free zone dedicated to digital and virtual asset companies, has announced the appointment of Paul Dawalibi as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic move signals RAK DAO’s ambition to become a leading global ecosystem for future-forward industries.

Dawalibi, a technology entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over two decades of experience, is a well-known voice in the MENA region’s technology and gaming sectors. His expertise in emerging technologies aligns with RAK DAO’s focus on Web3, AI, blockchain, and gaming.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi expressed his pleasure at Dawalibi’s appointment, thanking outgoing CEO Dr. Sameer Al Ansari for his foundational work. Dawalibi stated he is “deeply honoured” to join RAK DAO, emphasizing RAK’s commitment to designing a thriving global innovation ecosystem.

“I am deeply honoured to join RAK DAO at this moment of inflexion,” said Dawalibi. “RAK is not only laying the groundwork for the future of the digital economy—it is designing the blueprint for how innovation ecosystems will thrive globally,” he added.

“This government understands that ‘fun’ is not just entertainment—it is the key to transforming industries, engaging communities, and building enduring value. I’m excited to partner with our community of builders, founders, and visionaries to make RAK DAO the home of the next generation of innovation.”

Since its launch, RAK DAO has gained global attention for its regulatory framework supporting digital asset businesses. Under Dawalibi’s leadership, RAK DAO will concentrate on ecosystem development, international partnerships, gaming and metaverse acceleration, and public-private collaboration.

Outgoing CEO Dr Al Ansari hailed Dawalibi as a “global icon” whose leadership will be crucial for RAK DAO’s next growth phase. Dawalibi aims to create an innovation hub in Ras Al Khaimah that is comparable to Silicon Valley and that supports the companies of the future. His appointment is effective immediately.

“At RAK DAO, we are going to create a ‘density of intensity’ around innovation and technology that the world has not seen outside of Silicon Valley”, said Paul. “Most free zones are just trying to sell you a desk. At RAK DAO, we are going to build the free zone of the future to support the companies of the future”.