Filipino entrepreneur John Aguilar. ARCHIVE

When Filipino serial entrepreneur John Aguilar dreamed of helping 100,000 entrepreneurs gain access to money, market, and mentorship, he envisioned a platform that would go beyond borders. Today, that dream takes center stage in Dubai. Aguilar, the creator and host of The Final Pitch—the Philippines’ first business reality TV show on CNN Philippines—is bringing his award-winning concept to the Middle East for the first time. The Final Pitch – Dubai premieres on November 17 on OSNtv and OSN+, filmed against the futuristic backdrop of Expo City Dubai. “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,” Aguilar said. Aguilar is no stranger to building dreams from scratch. A former decathlete and now the CEO of Dragon’s Nest, a venture builder and innovation hub, he has spent years helping startups find their footing. He’s also the producer behind Philippine Realty TV and host of the Methods to Greatness podcast, which uncovers the success secrets of top global performers. Through The Final Pitch, Aguilar has already helped inject millions of dollars into the Philippine startup ecosystem. Now, he aims to do the same in Dubai — one of the world’s most dynamic hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship.

A platform for dreamers and doers

The UAE edition promises an exhilarating mix of innovation, mentorship, and deal-making. Entrepreneurs across industries — from sustainability and fintech to wellness and social impact — will pitch to a high-powered panel of investors and mentors. Among them is 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 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.” The upcoming season features 16 founders and co-founders from the UAE and beyond, each representing a bold new idea: Mark White – Daily Five (wellness platform) Lisa Laterza – Detekta (AI-driven RegTech) Fardeen Shaikh & Zainab Shaikh – PAANI (luxury hydration brand) 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 Ghazali & Hassaan Ghazali – Plada Katrina Skrypal – HydroLuxe Abdullah Eid & Sharif Eid – Copa Fantasy Deepak Lingam – EVChargerUAE Jessica Panigari – Goods2Load Sergio Sanchez & Henrik Hildebrandt – Rubia Gallega These entrepreneurs will face the show’s investor-judges in high-stakes boardroom sessions, mentorship rounds, and on-site business challenges — culminating in a final pitch where real investment deals may be sealed on-air. For Aguilar, The Final Pitch – Dubai is more than a TV series — it’s a mission to elevate the region’s entrepreneurial landscape and inspire a new wave of founders. “As a Filipino entrepreneur, taking The Final Pitch to Dubai is both a dream and a responsibility,” he said. “I want to show that Asian entrepreneurs can lead globally — and that great ideas can come from anywhere.” With its premiere, The Final Pitch – Dubai not only cements Aguilar’s growing influence as a regional business leader but also reaffirms his lifelong pursuit: to build nations, one entrepreneur at a time. PIA/Expat Media
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