10x Industry

Expo City Dubai Champions the Startup Scene

Ever wonder where the next big business idea in Dubai might get its start? It looks like Expo City Dubai is becoming a major player in that story. They've just been named the official Business Community Partner for "The Final Pitch: Dubai," which is Asia's longest-running business reality TV show, now making its debut in the Middle East.

If you're an SME owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, this is pretty interesting. Filming is already happening at Expo City, which is also the official venue for the show. This partnership seems to make a lot of sense when you look at what Expo City Dubai is all about.

A Natural Fit for Business Growth

Expo City Dubai is positioned as a global hub for business and trade. It's a free zone that aims to create an environment where businesses, no matter their size, can succeed. This aligns well with "The Final Pitch," which focuses on connecting entrepreneurs with mentorship, visibility, and actual capital to grow their ventures.

Manal AlBayat, Chief Engagement Officer at Expo City Dubai, highlighted that the city's ecosystem is home to organisations of all sizes, from startups to large corporations, all working towards sustainable progress. Hosting "The Final Pitch" and its innovative contestants seems like a natural step in fostering that growth.

Where Bold Ideas Find Their Footing

Expo City Dubai acts as a hub for innovation and collaboration. They offer flexible business options, modern infrastructure, and access to a global network. This makes it an ideal spot for startups, SMEs, and larger companies to set up shop and thrive. It's also a fitting backdrop for "The Final Pitch" to make its Middle East debut. The city's aim is to help businesses not just scale, but to do so with a purpose, contributing to Dubai's economic vision and wider regional and global progress.

John Aguilar, the creator and host of "The Final Pitch," sees this partnership with Expo City Dubai as a significant moment for the show's regional launch. He believes the city's commitment to a forward-thinking business landscape provides the perfect platform for the show.

What "The Final Pitch: Dubai" Means for Entrepreneurs

"The Final Pitch: Dubai" will bring together a group of investor judges and angels with a selection of founders from the UAE and other countries. These founders will be pitching their ideas in the hopes of securing funding, strategic partnerships, and access to new markets. The show's regional launch is a step towards creating a globally scalable format that aims to deliver real business results for both founders and investors.

The show is being produced by Dragon's Nest and supported locally by Ti22 Films. You can expect to see it air exclusively on OSN and OSN+ in the fourth quarter of 2025.

For SMEs and those with big ideas, this collaboration between Expo City Dubai and "The Final Pitch" could be a significant development, offering new avenues for growth and visibility in the region.