OSN is exclusive broadcaster of The Final Pitch for regional debut
The creators of The Final Pitch, what claims to be Asia's longest-running business reality show, have announced the series will make its Middle East debut on OSN, which has been named as the show's exclusive broadcaster.
The series, which has helped launch and scale startups across Asia, will now provide a platform for UAE-based entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses to top investors, securing mentorship and potential funding.
The UAE edition is being brought to the region by Dragon's Nest, a business and media investment firm led by The Final Pitch creator and presenter John Aguilar.
The Final Pitch Dubai will follow the same format as its Asian edition, with entrepreneurs presenting their ideas to a panel of investor-judges who will evaluate, select, and invite their entrepreneur picks to tour their headquarters and businesses. The show goes the extra mile by providing the entrepreneurs with domain experts and mentors who will guide them as they prepare for their final pitch.
The show is expected to go into production in June 2025 and will air on OSN's TV network and streaming service OSN+, ensuring broad regional reach.
'At OSN, we are committed to showcasing content that inspires and empowers audiences across the region. The Final Pitch Dubai aligns perfectly with our vision of supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and the business leaders of tomorrow,' said Rolla Karam, SVP, Content Acquisition & Arabic Channels at OSN. 'We are excited to bring this dynamic and impactful show to our viewers, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to make their mark in the UAE's thriving startup ecosystem.'
The show's arrival on OSN aims to mark a major step in bringing high-quality, business-focused reality television to the region, tapping into the UAE's thriving startup scene and growing culture of entrepreneurship.
The show's creators have also revealed that UAE-based production house Ti22 Films has been appointed as the official production partner, with Reim El Houni, Founder and CEO of Ti22 Films, joining as Co-Executive Producer. Ti22 Films, known for its high-profile productions for global networks such as BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel, will aim to ensure The Final Pitch Dubai is produced to the highest standards.
'Being a big consumer and fan of business shows, I am thrilled to be co-executive producer on The Final Pitch Dubai,' said El Houni. 'Having executive produced TV shows in Dubai for close to two decades and seen how the entrepreneurial ecosystem has developed, I think now is the right time to create impactful content that can shine a light on young businesses that will shape tomorrow.'
John Aguilar, creator and host of The Final Pitch and founder of Dragon's Nest, said: 'Dubai is the perfect home for our first edition in the Middle East. The city's thriving startup scene, forward-thinking investors, and reputation for innovation make it an ideal setting for The Final Pitch.'
The show is currently shortlisting its investor-judges with Aguilar and team scheduled to meet with and finalize the high-profile panel by March. 'We want to make sure that the investor-judges we invite will represent and celebrate the diversity of the Dubai business community and have venture capital, corporates, government, and even family offices as part of our panel,' he said. 'I'm personally looking forward to going on the tours of the businesses of the judges because this is a show that will truly showcase Dubai's top businesses to the world – and what we can learn from them.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
UAE convoy arrives in Gaza with more than 1,000 tonnes of aid
Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza An aid convoy from the UAE has arrived in Gaza carrying more than 1,000 tonnes of food supplies. The aid was sent as part of the UAE's continuing Gallant Knight 3 operation, launched by President Sheikh Mohamed to support Gaza's civilians. The convoy carried approximately 1,039 tonnes of food supplies and flour to address the urgent needs of around 1.3 million people, reported the state news agency Wam. "This latest delivery is part of the UAE's ongoing support for the people of Gaza, who are enduring dire humanitarian conditions amid severe shortages of essential food items," said Wam. Last month, The National reported on a charity organisation in Sharjah's launch of a scheme to deliver fresh bread to Gaza. Under the auspices of Gallant Knight 3, a Dh750,000 monthly budget was allocated to the project being helmed by Sharjah Charity International, as part of an emergency response to the worsening humanitarian situation in the enclave. The war, which is now in its 20th month, has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza authorities. Hamas is still holding 58 hostages taken during the October 7 attacks, in which 1,200 people were killed. Around a third of the captives are believed to still be alive.
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Sheikh Khaled approves Dh4.62bn housing package for Abu Dhabi citizens
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on Thursday approved Dh4.62 billion in housing support for Emiratis in the capital. The benefits package – the second to be delivered this year – will be shared between 3,052 citizens and comes on the eve of the nation's Eid Al Adha celebrations. The assistance is largely made up of housing loans valued at Dh4.4 billion, which will be provided to 2,862 people. Exemptions from housing loan repayments worth Dh212 million were also agreed on behalf of 190 citizens, limited-income retirees and beneficiaries of deceased citizens. Sheikh Khaled previously approved a housing benefits package worth Dh6.75 billion for Emiratis before Eid Al Fitr this year. 'The new housing benefits package reflects the leadership's commitment to empowering citizens through the provision of quality housing that promotes family stability and elevates quality of life," said Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of the board of directors of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority. The housing aid was delivered under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The support follows the recent endorsement of an additional community support subsidy of Dh250,000 for existing beneficiaries of housing loans, including a reduction of up to 50 per cent in monthly loan repayments, and a wide range of other services and facilities.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
How this Indian expat is teaching her kids to 'grow, not just save, money'
Leena Bansal, from India, is a fashion brand strategist and consultant based in Dubai. She has been in the UAE for four years, and feels that with all the temptations it brings, Dubai has helped her become more strategic with her money. She seeks advice from those close to her as she grows her wealth into a portfolio she can one day lean back on, but attributes her early learning to her mother's trust. If you had to use one word to describe money what would it be? Potential. How would you describe your relationship with money? Early in my career, I was earning a modest salary. My husband and I lived in a small apartment; we were always within reach of each other. The simplicity of those days made them some of the happiest times of my life. Now, as our careers progress, money creates experiences that lead to happiness. Coming from a business background and running my own business for many years now I feel I have a healthy relationship with money. How do you think this relationship was formed? When I first started my career I dreamt of launching my own brand, but back then I didn't have enough money or the necessary resources to make it work. My brand couldn't sustain itself and I had to pivot. It was tough, it took me years to reach where I am today largely because of my mindset of being overly cautious with spending, even though it was essential for the growth of my business. The shift came when I understood that strategic spending when done thoughtfully is crucial for growth. What lessons about money management did you learn from your mother? My mother came from a very humble background. Once my father married her, his business flourished and he always gave credit to her, saying she's his lucky charm. Whenever I needed money from her, she used to ask two simple questions, why do you need it and how much do you want? And without a second thought she would say, "go and take it from my purse". This trust instilled a deep sense of responsibility in me. Who do you speak to about money matters and is it something you consider 'taboo'? I openly discuss money matters with my husband as we explore investment avenues to secure our future amidst rising inflation. We also involve our children in financial conversations, ensuring they understand the value of smart financial planning. Who has taught you the most about financial management? My father, being a businessman, always handled his finances with great diligence. During tax filing days his accountant would work from our home, turning a corner of our living room into his workplace. The discussions between them shaped my understanding of investments and planning for the future. What do you think has been the most profound experience you've had so far in relation to money, and what has it taught you? Around 20 years before I decided to launch my own brand, I invested all my savings and even took a loan from my brother-in-law, who was in the finance industry, for a project. Unfortunately, I lost that money after more than a year of effort. At that time, it was a heartbreaking setback, but in hindsight, it was also a turning point. That journey introduced me to incredible people, got me so many industry insights, which led to opening my first company Indibala, a fashion buying house. Losing money is never easy but this episode taught me resilience and learning the importance of adaptability in business. How do you think living in the UAE has changed your relationship with money? Dubai, being an expensive city, requires careful planning when it comes to spending, saving, and making smart financial decisions. While opportunities to earn more are abundant, so are the temptations to spend. This has made me more mindful of where my money goes each month and the importance of wealth management. If you could give your child or your younger self one piece of advice about money what would that be and why? For me, money is not just about earning and spending, it's about growing it strategically. I have learned that while saving is crucial, the real power of money lies in how you invest it. Both my children transfer part of their salary into their investment account, which restricts them from many entertainment activities right now but they feel safe this way. Dubai
