Qatar and UAE both have interesting free-hold business zones ideal for IP-heavy work. One of the interesting aspects of some zones is that they are chartered t

Qatar and UAE both have interesting free-hold business zones ideal for IP-heavy work. One of the interesting aspects of some zones is that they are chartered to do all dispute resolution via foreign law (e.g. UK law) You are right, UAE is way ahead on the freezone aspect. Qatar, however, is way ahead on the academic front with the most concentrated selection of western academic branches (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_City https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_City). For us, having a Cornell University Medical School branch next door, complete with tenured Cornell Med School professors was a huge sell for Qatar.