The Final Pitch Dubai debuts in the UAE on November 17, 2025 with hosts John Aguilar (centre), Jigar Sagar (left) and Sami Khoreibi. SUPPLIED

Over a dozen ambitious startup founders from across the UAE and around the world are set to take center stage as The Final Pitch – Dubai makes its highly anticipated debut on November 17, airing exclusively on OSNtv and OSN+. Set against the dynamic backdrop of Expo City Dubai, the regional adaptation of the award-winning Asian entrepreneurship reality show will spotlight the UAE’s fast-growing startup ecosystem — from homegrown innovators tackling real-world challenges to international founders driving sustainability and tech ventures. John Aguilar, Creator and Host of The Final Pitch and CEO of Dragons Nest, said: “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. The Final Pitch – Dubai isn’t just an entertainment show — it’s where ideas meet opportunity.” Entrepreneurs from industries including technology, fintech, sustainability, health, and social impact will pitch to a panel of investor-judges and mentors. Selected founders will advance to receive mentorship and exposure to real business operations before delivering their final pitch, where deals may be made on-air. The show’s investor-judges include Jigar Sagar, strategic government advisor and founder of Triliv Holdings, who said: “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 ready for global growth.” Fellow investor-judge Sami Khoreibi, Founding Partner of Incubayt Investments, added: “Dubai has become one of the world’s most exciting frontiers for innovation. The show connects passionate founders with investors who understand what it takes to scale sustainable businesses.” This season’s contestants are: Set against the backdrop of Expo City Dubai, the series will showcase founders across sectors such as technology, sustainability, health, fintech and social impact, offering them mentorship and investment opportunities. According to the show’s creator and host, John Aguilar, “Dubai has become a crossroads for founders with global ambitions… The Final Pitch – Dubai isn’t just an entertainment reality show. It’s a real platform where ideas meet opportunity and where the region’s brightest entrepreneurs take centre stage.” The full list of contestants: 1. Mark White – Daily Five 2. Lisa Laterza – Detekta 3. Fardeen Shaikh & Zainab Shaikh – PAANI 4. Namrata Raina – QYUBIC 5. Nikita Zhuchkov & Helen Kareva – SpeakUp 6. Menna Shahin & Maxim Haartsen – eJaby 7. Wandalyn Calupig – Cancer E-Clinic 8. Sara Masinaei – Artful Minds 9. Annie Stacey – Reloved 10. Lorna Ghazali & Hassaan Ghazali – Plada 11. Katrina Skrypal – HydroLuxe 12. Abdullah Eid & Sharif Eid – Copa Fantasy 13. Deepak Lingam – EVChargerUAE 14. Jessica Panigari – Goods2Load 15. Sergio Sanchez & Henrik Hildebrandt – Rubia Gallega The Final Pitch – Dubai premieres on November 17, with new episodes dropping weekly on OSNtv and OSN+. The series begins with the founders pitching their ventures to a panel of investor-judges and angel investors. Those selected for the next rounds will receive intensive mentorship and exposure to the investor-judges’ businesses — culminating in a final pitch where offers and deals may be made. ICA/Expat Media
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