Philippine business reality show to debut in Dubai

Khaleej Times

24-03-2025

The UAE has emerged as a thriving hub for startups, fueled by innovation, ambition, and a dynamic ecosystem. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, are magnets for entrepreneurs, offering access to funding, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a multicultural market eager for fresh ideas. Whether in fintech, healthcare, AI, or e-commerce, UAE startups are reshaping industries and driving digital transformation in the region and beyond. Backed by visionary leadership and initiatives like Dubai's SME-focused platforms and Abu Dhabi's Hub71, these companies are not just surviving—they're flourishing, establishing the UAE as a launchpad for global success stories. The future looks bright for UAE innovators.
In this regard, The Final Pitch: Dubai, a business reality show in the Philippines, is now launching in the region.
'The UAE isn't just building an entrepreneurial ecosystem — it's shaping a blueprint for the future of business. But ecosystems don't thrive behind closed doors. They grow when stories are shared, where possibilities are seen. That's where media plays a vital role – by creating platforms that connect start-ups, investors, and corporate leaders in ways that drive real momentum. Here, business is built on relationships as much as results. By spotlighting ambitious ideas and the people behind them, media helps strengthen the start-up scene and makes it something others want to be part of,' said John Aguilar, creator and host of The Final Pitch and founder of Dragon's Nest.
For the show's founders, Dubai was the obvious choice. 'With its future-focused vision, world-class infrastructure, and supportive government initiatives, it provides an enabling environment where launching and scaling a business is truly seamless. Dubai's global, open energy creates the ideal environment for a show like The Final Pitch to thrive. Dubai also reflects the kind of ambition we value – it embraces bold thinking, calculated risks, and innovation. If we were to take the show to a global audience, Dubai was the most fitting place to begin,' Aguilar said.
Aguilar said that the show is designed to challenge founders to rethink their business models, refine their strategies, and prepare for opportunities that often emerge beyond the show itself. 'It begins with entrepreneurs pitching to a panel of investor judges – an intense first step where they have a few minutes to make a lasting impression. Judges then select the start-ups they see most potential in, not only as investors, but as mentors to help scale their businesses. This dynamic adds a layer of commitment and accountability that benefits both sides,' he added.
These chosen entrepreneurs then undergo a mentorship phase, guided by domain experts and industry leaders who help sharpen their pitch, business model, and give critical but positive feedback. This stage is important as it bridges the gap between their vision and what is achievable within the context of a reality pitching competition.
OSN has been named the exclusive broadcaster for The Final Pitch: Dubai. 'This collaboration reflects a shared vision – to spotlight entrepreneurship on a larger stage. By bringing real investment conversations, mentorship, and behind-the-scenes of how successful businesses are built to mainstream television, the format makes the start-up journey more relatable and aspirational for a wider audience,' Aguilar said.
The region is in the midst of an entrepreneurial boom, Dragon's Nest is exploring expansion into other UAE hubs like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, as well as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar over the next two to three years. 'Each market has its own strengths, but what unites them is a growing appetite for innovation, investment, and cross-border collaboration. Our vision is to create a regional platform where start-ups and investors can connect beyond their home markets – enabling growth, scale, and shared opportunities across the Middle East,' Aguilar said.