Lyvely and RAK DAO Launch Region's First Digital Creator Trade License The license will empower content creators, influencers, streamers, educators, and digital entrepreneurs to formally register their creator businesses under UAE jurisdiction, granting them access to the full suite of business, residency, and banking infrastructure.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Lively / RAK DAO

Lyvely, the UAE's first social monetization platform, has partnered with RAK DAO (Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis) to officially launch the Digital Creator Trade License — the first license of its kind in the Middle East.

The license will empower content creators, influencers, streamers, educators, and digital entrepreneurs to formally register their creator businesses under UAE jurisdiction, granting them access to the full suite of business, residency, and banking infrastructure.

"This is more than just a license — it's a gateway to freedom, ownership, and legitimacy for millions of creators who have been underserved by traditional economic systems," said Farah Zafar, co-founder and CEO of Lyvely. "We are building the foundation for the future of income — one where creators are seen, supported, and empowered to thrive."

For the first time, digital creators in the UAE and globally can

  • Register a 100% creator-owned business within a Web3 and digital asset-native free zone,
  • Obtain a residency visa and access to UAE corporate banking services,
  • Receive regulatory clarity and long-term security for digital revenue streams,
  • Access tools for cross-border monetization, tokenized earnings, and scalable brand building.

The partnership between Lyvely and RAK DAO enables creators to move from "platform-dependent hustlers" to legally recognized entrepreneurs in control of their income, identity, and intellectual property.

"RAK DAO is not just enabling the future of technology, innovation, and Web3 — we are accelerating it," said Paul Dawalibi, CEO of RAK DAO. "This initiative with Lyvely is a clear example of our commitment to building creator-first, founder first, regulation-forward ecosystems that support innovation without borders and fuel the start up ecosystem which puts RAK firmly on the map."

This license is more than a regional first—it is a strategic signal. As global creators face increasing de-platforming risks, algorithmic control, and lack of ownership, the UAE is positioning itself as a safe haven for sovereign creators, offering infrastructure, capital access, and business support within a forward-thinking regulatory framework.

Lyvely, backed by Phoenix Group, is at the forefront of this shift. With its hybrid monetization stack—including memberships, gated content, affiliate commerce, live gigs, tipping, and token-based rewards—Lyvely is shaping the infrastructure for the next generation of digital work.

"We envision a world where creators across the world can monetise their passion and now with RAK DAO they can fully legitimize their business through this creator liecnse in under 10 minutes said Dave Catudal, co-founder of Lyvely. "This partnership makes that vision real."

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Tesla Awards Elon Musk a Massive $29 Billion Pay Package to 'Retain and Incentivize' the CEO: 'More Important Than Ever Before'

The Tesla board announced it unanimously approved the pay package for Musk, as his 2018 pay package remains tied up in legal limbo.

Growing a Business

How to Get Your Business Recommended by AI Tools Like ChatGPT — and Win More Clients

AI tools like ChatGPT are now recommending businesses — here's how to make sure yours gets picked.

Growing a Business

This Restaurant CEO Created His Own National Holiday (and Turned It Into a Business Strategy)

Mehdi Zarhloul discusses how he built a thriving Las Vegas restaurant brand, Crazy Pita, and proves you don't have to wait for permission to succeed.

Business News

Apple Smashes Expectations With $94 Billion Quarter. Here's How the iPhone Maker Did It.

Apple just reported a significant revenue beat for its latest quarter, exceeding analyst expectations.

Thought Leaders

This Is the Courage Formula You Need to Transform How You Lead

Courageous leadership is about embracing vulnerability and integrity, especially in uncomfortable moments like giving tough feedback.