The Dubai startup ecosystem is set for a new highlight as The Final Pitch, an acclaimed business reality series, announces its regional debut. Sixteen ambitious founders, hailing from the UAE and beyond, have been selected to compete in the inaugural season of The Final Pitch – Dubai. The show, filmed at the iconic Expo City Dubai, aims to provide a significant platform for the region’s most promising entrepreneurs, with the premiere scheduled for November 17th on OSNtv and OSN+.
A New Stage for Regional Innovation
This Middle East adaptation of the successful Asian franchise will connect entrepreneurs with a panel of investor-judges and angel investors. The format begins with the sixteen founders pitching their businesses, after which a select group will advance to receive intensive mentorship. The series will culminate in a final pitch session where investment offers are made and deals are finalized. John Aguilar, Creator and Host of the show, highlighted the significance of the location, stating, “Dubai has become a crossroads for founders with global ambitions. Filming at Expo City, a landmark that embodies the UAE’s forward-thinking vision, felt right for this milestone season.”
Investor Perspectives on Dubai’s Ecosystem
The show has attracted prominent investors from the region who see it as a vehicle for fostering tangible growth. Jigar Sagar, a strategic government advisor and founder of Triliv Holdings, commented, “Entrepreneurship is woven into Dubai’s DNA. Partnering with The Final Pitch – Dubai allows us to support founders who are transforming that spirit into tangible businesses that are ready for global growth.” Sami Khoreibi, Investor and Founding Partner at Incubayt Investments, added, “What makes The Final Pitch – Dubai powerful is that it doesn’t just highlight great ideas — it connects passionate founders with investors who understand what it takes to scale them into meaningful, sustainable businesses. This is the ecosystem at work.”
Meet the Competing Founders
The diverse cohort of sixteen founders represents a wide array of sectors including wellness, FinTech, sustainability, and social impact. Among the contestants are Mark White, founder of the wellness platform Daily Five; Lisa Laterza, who brings Detekta, an AI-driven RegTech venture for GCC financial firms; and husband-and-wife duo Fardeen and Zainab Shaikh, who introduce PAANI, a luxury hydration brand using reusable aluminum cans. Other founders include Namrata Raina (QYUBIC), Nikita Zhuchkov and Helen Kareva (SpeakUp), and Wandalyn Calupig (Cancer E-Clinic), reflecting the vibrant and innovative energy shaping the UAE’s startup landscape.
About The Final Pitch
The Final Pitch is a business reality TV show where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their innovative ideas to top investors and industry experts. Launched in Asia in 2017, the show has connected over 350 startups with strategic mentorship and funding opportunities, generating millions of dollars in investments and partnerships. The Final Pitch: Dubai marks its inaugural edition in the Middle East, with future series planned for the wider UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to further its mission of fostering regional innovation and entrepreneurship.
Source: Zawya
