Latest news with #SamiKhoreibi
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
The Final Pitch Dubai unveils powerhouse investor-judges
Dubai has been a magnet for start-ups as the emirate attracts talent from all over the world. The Final Pitch, Asia's longest-running business reality TV show, is making its Middle East debut in Dubai. The series introduces a proven format that empowers ambitious founders through targeted mentorship by domain experts, an all-access personal tour of the investor-judges' businesses, and funding and collaboration opportunities. Four of Dubai's industry leaders have been named as investor-judges on the upcoming business reality TV show. Bringing decades of entrepreneurial and investment expertise to the table, the panel of investor-judges represents some of the region's most accomplished trailblazers across sectors, including digital transformation, real estate, fintech, clean tech, sustainability, and early to growth stage venture capital. The lineup features Cypher Capital Founding Partner and Phoenix Group PLC Co-Founder Bijan Alizadeh; 'The Wolf of Real Estate' CEO and Managing Partner of Harbor Real Estate Dr. Mohanad Alwadiya; 'Entrepreneur turned investor turned entrepreneur' Founding Partner of Incubayt Investments Ltd. Sami Khoreibi; visionary investor, strategic government advisor, and Founder of Triliv Holdings Jigar Sagar. Applications are now open for UAE based and non-UAE based international entrepreneurs looking to pitch their business to the panel of investor-judges. Selected startup founders will gain a unique opportunity to showcase their ventures, receive hands-on mentorship and potentially secure investment. Deadline for submissions is on June 8, 2025. Khaleej Times spoke to the jury members and what they wish to see in the pitch. Dr. Mohanad Alwadiya — 'The Wolf of Real Estate' CEO and Managing Partner of Harbor Real Estate What key qualities do you look for in founders beyond the business plan or pitch? As an investor, I look beyond the deck. I'm drawn to founders who demonstrate clarity of vision, a deep understanding of their market, and the humility to listen while having the courage to lead. Resilience is critical—especially in a region like ours. It's not just about having a good idea; it's about the ability to navigate uncertainty, adapt quickly, and keep executing. I'm also interested in how well a founder understands their own gaps and how they plan to fill them. Leadership is not about having all the answers—it's about building the right team and staying accountable. 2. Do you feel early-stage founders in the UAE are prepared for the kind of investor expectations around business discipline and scalability that come with serious funding? Many founders in the UAE are passionate, ambitious, and highly creative. But serious funding brings serious expectations—discipline, financial governance, and the ability to scale operations systematically. Often, this is where early-stage ventures struggle. They underestimate how rigorous the transition from startup to structured business really is. To attract real capital, you need more than innovation—you need process, planning, and a clear path to profitability. That's where mentorship, education, and exposure become critical. 3. What role do you see The Final Pitch playing in supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs in this region? The Final Pitch provides a vital platform for visibility—and visibility drives opportunity. In a market like the UAE, credibility and presence are everything. The show helps founders refine their story, articulate their vision clearly, and stand in front of serious investors with conviction. It's not just about funding—it's about building public trust, attracting talent, and creating momentum. For many startups, this kind of exposure can be a turning point. The format also encourages discipline—because when you pitch publicly, you're forced to think strategically, not just emotionally. 4. Any additional insights? In this region, we're not just building startups—we're shaping the future of a diversified economy. The entrepreneurs who will thrive are the ones who treat this as a long-term game. They will combine innovation with execution, visibility with integrity, and speed with structure. Platforms like The Final Pitch are helping shape a generation of founders who understand that funding is not the end goal—it's just the beginning of the real work. Bijan Alizadeh — Cypher Capital Founding Partner and Phoenix Group PLC Co-Founder 1. Where's the real traction in Web3 & Blockchain? Sophisticated investors are no longer simply purchasing digital assets and tokens in anticipation of speculative returns. Instead, they are strategically allocating capital toward the foundational infrastructure of the Web3 ecosystem. For a long time, traditional finance thought Web3 was either too volatile, too unregulated, or just a scam. But now, things have shifted - Asset managers are launching tokenized funds, Family offices are investing in blockchain infrastructure, Fintech-giants are integrating stablecoin rails for cross-border payments. I've always believed the future is web3 and now the biggest institutional players are seeing this too. 2. One Piece of Advice for Deep-Tech Founders Deep-tech founders can't just focus on the technology because ultimately we are not betting on code—we're betting on the founders vision, ability to execute and deliver. 3. The real value The Final Pitch levels the playing field, and gives all budding entrepreneurs a chance to get in front of proper VCs with real capital that can give you great advice, mentor you and give you real capital to take your business to the next level. It also gives entrepreneurs and their ideas visibility on a global stage and be a part of this amazing network of investors and mentors throughout. My advice to founders - It's not just about being seen—it's about being impossible to ignore and I am really looking forward to meeting all the great entrepreneurs and founders coming through the doors and meeting them at the Final Pitch. 4. Final Word? In Web3, the frontier is wide open—but only the bold should build here. If you're solving real problems, thinking globally, and playing the long game, this is your time. The next generation of billion-dollar protocols and companies won't come from the old guard—they'll come from the new generation that understands the future which is tech, web3, AI. Be relentless. Be undeniable. Be true to your vision and succeed even when everyone says you cant !! John Aguilar — Creator and host of The Final Pitch and Founder of Dragon's Nest, LLC FZ 1. What are some common blind spots or challenges early-stage founders face- no matter where they're from? Across the hundreds of pitches I've seen throughout Asia, one of the biggest blind spots among early-stage founders is not thinking big enough. Many build for their local market without considering how to make their venture attractive to global investors or scalable across borders. In today's interconnected world, the most compelling startups are those that solve universal problems with a localized approach. Another common challenge is storytelling—founders often struggle to communicate their 'why' in a way that resonates emotionally and commercially with potential backers. 2. What made Dubai the next natural destination for The Final Pitch, and how do you see the show adding value to the region's startup ecosystem? Dubai is fast becoming the region's entrepreneurial hub, with world-class infrastructure, progressive regulation, and a deepening pool of capital and talent. But more than funding, what founders need now is strategic partnership. That's where The Final Pitch comes in. Our investor-judges are not just check-writers—they're mentors and co-builders. Sami Khoreibi is drawn to idea-stage startups he can take from 0 to 1. Bijan Alizadeh, perhaps the show's most prolific investor, is ready to deploy up to $10 million for the right opportunity. A proptech founder would do well to pitch to 'The Wolf of Real Estate' Mohanad Alwadiya, while those eyeing public-private synergies can gain invaluable insight from Jigar Sagar.
Al Etihad
22-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Sami Khoreibi: UAE's net zero vision is an economic opportunity, not a burden
23 May 2025 00:18 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Sami Khoreibi, former CEO of Enviromena Power Systems, is now a visionary investor in sustainability and a strategic adviser to to Aletihad, he reflected on the UAE's remarkable clean energy journey from his time spent at clean energy company, Masdar.'The reason I moved to the UAE from Canada in 2007 was because of the potential of renewable energy and sustainability,' he said.'What we have seen in the past 18 years is nothing short of incredible. Even the most optimistic predictions have been surpassed.'Khoreibi attributes this success to two main factors - 'very strong leadership and amazing advancements in technology and cost', adding that the UAE has become not only a domestic champion of clean energy but also a global investor in the first company, Enviromena, played a key role in this transition before being acquired in then, he has witnessed even greater momentum, citing major solar projects like the Al Dhafra Solar PV project and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park as proof of the country's scale and growth is enabled by regulations and programmes that promote utility-scale and commercial solar, he also sees room for more inclusive energy solutions.'Most roofs cannot generate enough to cover household energy needs, especially with air conditioning loads. That is why I believe offsite net metering would be a game-changer,' he believes the UAE offers an ideal environment for launching green startups.'Now, whether you are in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Sharjah, there are fantastic public-private initiatives that support entrepreneurs.'Since leaving Enviromena, he has invested in nearly 20 early-stage sustainability startups, among them The Waste Lab (food waste management), Amp (energy optimisation), and Planno (AI-driven platform that maps solar potential on rooftops globally).'We are in a region full of talent, innovation and large markets,' he said, stressing the value of regional latest venture, Wisewell, focuses on high-tech, data-driven drinking water purification, reducing plastic waste and rethinking how water is delivered across the sees youth as essential to the sustainability movement.'There is nothing more valuable than youth engagement. They have grown up with sustainability embedded in their thinking; it is natural for them to expect industries and governments to protect the environment.'He pointed out that many green technologies, like electric vehicles and renewable energy, are not just environmentally beneficial but 'cheaper and better.'Reflecting on his journey, he recalled: 'In 2009, we built the first solar power plant in the Middle East for Masdar. That plant had 88,000 panels. Fast forward to today, and the Al Dhafra plant has nearly 70 million. That is just one project. We need to install 100,000 panels a day to meet regional targets, about one per second.'And he believes the opportunities for local entrepreneurs are a judge for the business reality TV show "The Final Pitch", he said the platform is more than a competition; it is a chance to mentor the next generation in many sectors like sustainability and renewable Final Pitch is a programme where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to top investors and experts, in the hope of gaining support, funding and building partnerships.'It is not just about pitching. We get to mentor, guide and truly connect with the entrepreneurs. And I learn a lot from them too.'Meanwhile, Khoreibi expressed optimism about the UAE's 2050 net zero target. 'Net zero will not be a burden. It will be one of our biggest economic drivers. We have reached the point where green solutions are better and cheaper. The UAE is wise to treat sustainability not as a cost, but as an investment. And that is exactly what will make it a global leader,' he concluded.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The Final Pitch Dubai unveils powerhouse investor-judges
Dubai, UAE: Four of Dubai's industry leaders have been named as investor-judges on the upcoming business reality TV show The Final Pitch Dubai. Bringing decades of entrepreneurial and investment expertise to the table, the panel of investor-judges represents some of the region's most accomplished trailblazers across sectors, including digital transformation, real estate, fintech, clean tech, sustainability, and early to growth stage venture capital. The lineup features Cypher Capital Founding Partner and Phoenix Group PLC Co-Founder Bijan Alizadeh; 'The Wolf of Real Estate' CEO and Managing Partner of Harbor Real Estate Dr. Mohanad Alwadiya; 'Entrepreneur turned investor turned entrepreneur' Founding Partner of Incubayt Investments Ltd. Sami Khoreibi; visionary investor and strategic government advisor Founder & Managing Partner of Triliv Holdings Jigar Sagar. The Final Pitch, Asia's longest-running business reality TV show, is making its Middle East debut in Dubai. The series introduces a proven format that empowers ambitious founders through targeted mentorship by domain experts, an all-access personal tour of the investor-judges' businesses, and funding and collaboration opportunities. Tasked with evaluating high-potential pitches, the investor-judge panel will challenge founders to refine their ideas, while offering access to markets, strategic resources, and smart capital Now open for Applications: UAE Startups Invited to Pitch Applications are now open for UAE based and non-UAE based international entrepreneurs looking to pitch their business to the panel of investor-judges. Selected startup founders will gain a unique opportunity to showcase their ventures, receive hands-on mentorship and potentially secure investment. The Final Pitch's format introduces high-caliber mentors that come in to give practical and strategic guidance to the entrepreneur contestants, while each investor-judge gets to engage directly with their shortlisted entrepreneurs by inviting them to their businesses, giving them special access to their world and inner circle. The founders receive invaluable feedback and insights from the investors themselves as they prepare to pitch in a high-stakes finale. Applications can be submitted at the show's website, Deadline for submissions is on May 27, 2025. The show, produced by award-winning production company Dragon's Nest, and supported in the UAE by its local production partner Ti22 Films - led by its CEO Reim El Houni who joins as Co-Executive Producer - will be filmed entirely in Dubai and is set to go into production in June 2025 across key locations in the city. It will exclusively air on OSN and OSN+ in Q4. 'Dubai is one of the most exciting places in the world to build and grow a business right now,' said John Aguilar, creator and host of The Final Pitch and Founder of Dragon's Nest, LLC FZ, the business and media investment firm bringing the show to the region. 'Our mission has always been to spotlight visionary founders and connect them with real opportunities for investment and mentorship. With this first UAE edition in Dubai, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the country's vision of fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and a knowledge-based economy – by helping build the next generation of business leaders.' -Ends- About The Final Pitch The Final Pitch is a business reality TV show produced by leading Asian production house Dragon's Nest (now Dragon's Nest LLC FZ in Dubai), where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their innovative ideas to top investors and industry experts. Launched in 2017, the show has empowered the next generation of entrepreneurs by connecting emerging founders with strategic mentorship and funding opportunities – over 350 start-ups have participated, generating millions of US dollars in funding and strategic partnerships. Following its success, The Final Pitch is expanding beyond borders with The Final Pitch: Dubai, its inaugural edition in the Middle East. The series furthers its mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Future UAE editions are being planned for Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain. Visit for more information on the show. For more information or interview requests, please contact: thefinalpitch@ To express interest to be an investor-judge, partner or sponsor, please contact: admin@ or monica@
Arab News
28-02-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Why Saudi Arabia is ditching plastic bottles in favor of tap water
RIYADH: Plastic consumption remains a deeply ingrained part of daily life in Saudi Arabia. However, growing public awareness and innovative solutions have brought the country to a crossroads in its sustainability journey. Each year, 5 billion plastic water bottles are discarded in Saudi Arabia, of which less than 5 percent are recycled. Despite mounting public concern about the environmental impact of plastic waste, 77 percent of Saudis continue to rely on bottled water as their main source of hydration, according to a study by Wisewell, a UAE-based water technology company. Sami Khoreibi, founder and CEO of Wisewell, refers to this contradiction as 'the plastic paradox' — a term that captures the disconnect between environmental concerns and real-world behavior. 'People know the risks, they're aware of the damage, but they don't feel like they have an alternative,' he told Arab News. 'And until now, they really haven't.' Unlike other materials, plastic does not biodegrade and can take up to 1,000 years to break down, according to the UN Environment Program. As it accumulates, it pollutes ecosystems, harms marine life, degrades soil, contaminates groundwater, and poses serious health risks. However, Saudi taste for bottled water is not entirely by choice. Khoreibi says Saudi residents have historically tended to prefer bottled water due to a lack of viable alternatives. 'For decades, tap water hasn't been widely trusted for drinking,' he said. 'And filtration solutions, when available, have either been too complex, lacked transparency, or weren't positioned as a real replacement for bottled water.' • Producing and transporting 1 kg of bottled water uses 27 kg of water, 0.85 kg of fossil fuel, and emits 562 grams of greenhouse gases. • Chemicals like BPA in plastic bottles are linked to health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. • Bottled water's environmental impact is up to 3,500 times greater than tap water. Saudi Arabia ensures tap water safety through advanced desalination and strict quality control. Due to its arid climate and absence of permanent rivers, about 60 percent of the country's potable water comes from desalination, with the rest from non-renewable groundwater. However, a mix of distrust in tap water, limited filtration options, and the extreme climate driving high hydration needs has led to a system where single-use plastic bottles are the default. Fortunately, this is not an irreversible trend. 'This is a region that has transformed itself time and time again,' said Khoreibi. 'If we can shift from an oil-dependent economy to a diversified one, we can absolutely change the way people consume water.' Beyond environmental damage, microplastics and nanoplastics also threaten public health. Studies show that particles shed from plastic bottles over time have entered human food systems and even the bloodstream. Scientists are now linking microplastic exposure to fertility issues, neurological disorders, and other health concerns. Khoreibi believes health concerns will be the biggest driver of change. 'People care about the planet, but let's be honest — what really moves people is personal health,' he said. 'If you're drinking from plastic bottles, you're exposing yourself to microplastics daily. And what we're seeing in new research is alarming — these particles are showing up in human organs, even in unborn babies. 'This isn't just an environmental issue anymore. It's a human health crisis.' A recent survey by Wisewell found that 65 percent of Saudi residents are already concerned about the health implications of plastic consumption. However, many have continued using bottled water because no widely trusted alternative has been available. To cut single-use plastics and triple recycling targets by 2030, the Saudi government has launched numerous initiatives under Vision 2030, including banning plastic bags and straws as part of its intensified sustainability efforts. Khoreibi stresses that tackling plastic waste at its source is more effective than relying solely on recycling. 'The best way to increase recycling rates is actually to reduce what needs to be recycled in the first place,' he said. 'We don't need more efficient ways to deal with plastic waste — we need to eliminate single-use plastic bottles entirely.' Khoreibi drew a direct parallel between the rise of sustainable water solutions and the early development of solar energy in the region. In 2007, he launched Abu Dhabi's first solar company at a time when the idea of using solar power in an oil-rich country was met with skepticism. 'They thought it was crazy,' he said. 'Why would a country with so much oil invest in solar? But fast forward a few years, and now solar is a key part of the energy mix.' He added: 'The same thing will happen with water — the idea that you need bottled water for safety and quality is a myth that's going to disappear.' Alternative solutions such as refill stations, biodegradable packaging, and home filtration systems are already transforming how people access clean water. Wisewell, for example, has developed a smart filtration system that provides real-time data on water quality, filter life, and consumption patterns. Khoreibi believes trust is key to adoption. 'Filtration isn't new, but people need to see and understand that it works,' he said. 'That's why our system gives users real-time data — they can actually monitor their water quality, so there's no more mystery about what they're drinking.' Saudi Arabia offers a prime landscape for shifting from bottled water consumption to sustainable alternatives. With one of the world's youngest populations, the country is eager for innovation. Additionally, the government is actively promoting sustainability and technology, while consumer awareness about plastic waste and microplastics is at an all-time high. Recognizing this shift, Wisewell has recently entered the Saudi market. The expansion aligns with Vision 2030's environmental goals, offering Saudi households a sustainable alternative to plastic water bottles. Khoreibi sees this as a crucial step in reducing the Kingdom's reliance on single-use plastics. 'This is one of the most exciting markets in the world right now for sustainability-driven solutions,' he said. 'Saudi Arabia is undergoing massive change, and there's a real appetite for innovation. We're not just launching a product — we're helping drive a movement.' Nonetheless, consumer education remains a challenge. 'It's not just about giving people an alternative — it's about making them feel confident in it,' Khoreibi said. 'They need to believe that a filtration-based system is not just an option, but the best option for their health, their convenience, and their wallets.' Khoreibi views Saudi Arabia's embrace of sustainable water solutions as part of a broader regional shift, positioning the Gulf not just as an importer of innovation but as a driver of global solutions. 'For so long, we've looked to the West for technology,' he said. 'Is it German? Is it American? Is it Japanese? But that's changing. The Gulf is now producing world-class technology — not just for itself, but for export. 'The future of sustainable water solutions doesn't have to come from Europe or North America. It can come from here.' Saudi Arabia has the potential to lead the region in eliminating single-use plastics, setting a precedent for neighboring countries. A successful effort would not only address its own plastic crisis but also help shape the global conversation on water consumption and sustainability. 'This isn't just about stopping plastic waste,' Khoreibi said. 'It's about rethinking the way we consume water entirely. And Saudi Arabia has the power to lead that change.'
