DUBAI'S BIGGEST STAGE FOR ENTREPRENEURS TAKES OFF

Asia's longest-running business reality series makes its UAE debut, showcasing the region's brightest start-up talent

- BY TANIA BHATTACHARYA Special to Gulf News

The red carpet rolled out as The Final Pitch: Dubai made its Middle Eastern debut, uniting the worlds of entertainment and entrepreneurial ambition in one glittering moment. After months of mounting anticipation across the region's startup circles, the show finally took flight with its November 17 debut, now airing on OSNtv and streaming on OSN+, ushering in a 10-episode journey that will unfold until December 15, with two new episodes dropping each week.

At a star-studded launch party on November 14, investor judges, participants, top officials from Meydan Free Zone, and some of the region's most influential A-listers came together to celebrate ambition, innovation and entrepreneurial brilliance.

Presented by Meydan Free Zone, the red-carpet event featured fireside chats with creator and host John Aguilar and judges Jigar Sagar and Sami Khoreibi, followed by a premiere screening and a night of entertainment against the vibrant Dubai skyline.

"When we started revamping the Meydan Free Zone in 2021, we thought about the success of entrepreneurs, so we helped them set up and build their businesses as easily as possible," said Hamed Ahli, Head of Meydan Free Zone. "We now want to reflect this success through The Final Pitch: Dubai."

REGIONAL EDITION

As presenting partner, Meydan Free Zone anchors the regional edition. The collaboration bridges television and the real-world ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs, from streamlined business setup to access to global markets.

As Asia's longest-running business reality television series, The Final Pitch has over 11 seasons on CNN Philippines, and has consistently connected budding entrepreneurs with seasoned investors, mentors and angel backers.