Dubai Debuts The Final Pitch: 16 Founders, Big Ideas

Dubai, UAE – 27 October 2025: The spotlight is on sixteen visionary founders as The Final Pitch – Dubai prepares to make its Middle East debut this November. Filmed against the iconic backdrop of Expo City Dubai, the series celebrates the region’s dynamic start-up ecosystem, showcasing entrepreneurs who are redefining technology, sustainability, health, fintech, and social impact. The show premieres on 17 November, exclusively on OSNtv and streaming on OSN+.

This Middle East adaptation of the award-winning Asian franchise brings together sixteen founders, each pitching their innovative businesses to a panel of esteemed investor-judges. Selected candidates progress to the next round, benefiting from intensive mentorship sessions and, in some cases, a rare opportunity to experience a full day within the investor-judges’ companies. The series concludes with the founders’ final pitch, where successful entrepreneurs secure offers and forge transformative business deals.

John Aguilar, Creator and Host of The Final Pitch and CEO of Dragons Nest LLC-FZ, said, “Dubai has emerged as a global crossroads for ambitious founders. Filming at Expo City, a symbol of the UAE’s forward-thinking vision, is the perfect stage for this milestone season. The Final Pitch – Dubai is more than entertainment — it’s a genuine platform where ideas meet opportunity and the brightest entrepreneurial minds take center stage.”

Strategic partners Meydan Free Zone and Rove Hotels, alongside support from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, play a pivotal role in connecting founders with the mentorship, resources, and community essential for growth within Dubai’s thriving start-up ecosystem.

Investor-judge Jigar Sagar, strategic government advisor and founder of Triliv Holdings, remarked, “Entrepreneurship is embedded in Dubai’s DNA. Partnering with The Final Pitch – Dubai allows us to support founders transforming ideas into tangible businesses ready for global expansion.”

Investor-judge Sami Khoreibi, Investor and Founding Partner at Incubayt Investments, added, “Dubai is one of the world’s most exciting innovation frontiers. This show is powerful because it connects visionary founders with investors who can scale their ideas into sustainable, impactful businesses. It’s the ecosystem in action.”

Among this season’s diverse candidates are:

• Mark White, creator of Daily Five, a wellness platform promoting lasting habits in just five minutes daily.

• Lisa Laterza, founder of Detekta, an AI-driven RegTech solution simplifying compliance for GCC financial firms.

• Fardeen & Zainab Shaikh, launching PAANI, a luxury hydration brand offering mineral water in sleek, reusable aluminum cans.

Other participants include Namrata Raina (QYUBIC), Nikita Zhuchkov & Helen Kareva (SpeakUp), Menna Shahin & Maxim Haartsen (eJaby), Wandalyn Calupig (Cancer E-Clinic), Sara Masinaei (Artful Minds), Annie Stacey (Reloved), Lorna & Hassaan Ghazali (Plada), Katrina Skrypal (HydroLuxe), Abdullah & Sharif Eid (Copa Fantasy), Deepak Lingam (EVChargerUAE), Jessica Panigari (Goods2Load), and Sergio Sanchez & Henrik Hildebrandt (Rubia Gallega). Collectively, they embody the creativity, perseverance, and energy driving the UAE’s rapidly evolving start-up landscape.

The Final Pitch – Dubai unites founders, investors, and mentors on a single platform, celebrating innovation, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit that positions the UAE as a global hub for ideas, investment, and growth.

Catch the premiere on 17 November with weekly episodes on OSNtv and streaming on OSN+, following the journeys of sixteen remarkable founders as they turn vision into reality.