Project RAK Strengthens UAE Presence as CEO Mike Shami Relocates to Dubai

In real estate investment, proximity matters.

That is especially true in a fast-moving market like the UAE, where access, relationships, timing, and local insight can all influence the quality of an opportunity. For Project RAK, having leadership close to the market is not just a personal milestone. It is a strategic advantage.

We are pleased to share that Project RAK CEO, Mike Shami, has relocated with his family from Surrey, British Columbia to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

This move brings additional senior leadership regularly closer to the developers, partners, decision-makers, and emerging opportunities that continue to shape the UAE’s real estate landscape. It also strengthens Project RAK’s ability to move with greater speed, confidence, and first-hand market visibility.

For investors, this should matter.

Project RAK was built around the strategy that Ras Al Khaimah represents one of the UAE’s most compelling growth markets. As development accelerates, tourism expands, and global attention increases, the ability to be present on the ground becomes increasingly valuable.

Being local allows Project RAK to further deepen relationships, assess opportunities directly, and stay closer to the details that can be difficult to fully evaluate from abroad. Pricing, timelines, developer reputation, unit selection, project positioning, and negotiation dynamics are all better understood when leadership is actively in the market.

Mikel’s relocation gives Project RAK a more practical and immediate connection to the region.

“As I embark on this exciting new chapter with my family, having moved to the UAE just before New Year’s Eve, I’m thrilled to share the numerous advantages this transition brings for our property investment journey. This personal move not only represents a new beginning for my family and I, but also positions Project RAK to seize the opportunities in a vibrant market. I am committed to maximizing returns for our investors while building lasting relationships in this dynamic landscape.”

For Mike, the move reflects both personal confidence in the market and professional commitment. Relocating a family internationally is not a casual decision, nor one Mike takes lightly. It requires confidence in the opportunity.

For Project RAK, that commitment directly supports the company’s execution strategy.

With Mike now based in Dubai, along with several other key team members, Project RAK is better positioned to maintain regular face to face access with key stakeholders across the UAE. These relationships are an important part of how opportunities are identified, assessed, and advanced. In a relationship-driven market, being present can create meaningful advantages.

It allows for faster conversations and in-person meetings.

It improves visibility into what is happening on the ground.

It helps strengthen trust with developers and partners.

And it gives Project RAK a closer view of how the market is evolving in real time.

This is particularly important as Ras Al Khaimah continues to gain attention from investors, developers, and global brands. Major projects, infrastructure investment, hospitality expansion, and international interest are all contributing to a more active and competitive environment. In this kind of market, early access and strong local relationships make a material difference.

Project RAK’s focus remains clear: identify strong real estate-backed opportunities, build relationships with credible partners, and support investors with a disciplined approach to the UAE property market. Michael’s move to Dubai strengthens that focus. It gives Project RAK greater proximity to opportunity, a stronger regional presence, and a more direct role in the conversations shaping the market today.

As Project RAK continues to grow, this on-the-ground leadership plays an important role in how the company evaluates new opportunities, supports investor confidence, and builds long-term value in one of the region’s most dynamic real estate markets. For our investors and partners, this is an important step forward. 

Project RAK is not watching the market from a distance. We are in it.