Tune in to Dubai One at 9pm on 3 October to watch the premiere episode of the UAE’s first reality TV show – created by du

Tom Urquhart announced as ‘The Entrepreneur’ presenter, supported by Anthea Ayache

The eagerly-anticipated launch of du’s ‘The Entrepreneur’ is finally here: be sure to tune in to Dubai One during primetime at 9pm on 3 October to watch the premiere episode, and see the nation’s most talented entrepreneurs compete for the prize of a lifetime in the UAE’s first ever reality show!

Episode one of the eight-part series of ‘The Entrepreneur’ would be an introduction to the series, giving a chance to know the judges, understand the mechanics of the show and get a sneak peak at the auditions. The competitors are put through their paces to prove they’ve got what it takes to be the UAE’s number one entrepreneur. Who will survive the nail-biting session in front of the judging panel, to make it to the next episode?

The winner of ‘The Entrepreneur’ will be decided in episode eight. They will receive the incredible prize of AED1 million in cash, plus a guaranteed investment opportunity, a dream business meeting to set their idea on track, media exposure, the chance to grow their company value – and money-can’t-buy recognition,  adding up to another AED 1 million in prize value.

“We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, and we’re thrilled to finally be able to unveil months of hard work to the UAE! ‘The Entrepreneur’ has been an exciting project from the moment of its inception, and has been created by some of the UAE’s very best. Our contestants represent the cream of the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit, and we hope to not only provide them with the know-how that will help their businesses to flourish, but to inspire others across the emirates to follow in their footsteps,” said Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du.

Tom Urquhart will present ‘The Entrepreneur’, ably supported by Anthea Ayache. Urquhart, after studying English at university in the UK, has been in Dubai since 2001 and has worked for several leading media establishments. Having made a name for himself in print, radio and television, Urquhart was a natural choice for ‘The Entrepreneur.” Similarly, Ayache proved the ideal co-host with her extensive background in broadcast journalism. After working in her home country Lebanon, as well as in Dubai and London, the glamorous presenter has a multicultural background that resonates with the diverse contestants and the UAE’s vibrant population.

Judging the competition is an eminent panel of high-achieving entrepreneurs. They are Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO, The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development (MBRE); Muna Al Gurg, Director of Retail, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG); Nisreen Shocair, President, Virgin Megastore, MENA, and Yogesh Mehta, Founder and Managing Director, Petrochem.

du has strategically partnered with some of the most well known companies to make the dreams of the UAE’s entrepreneurs come true. Dubai One is the official broadcaster; Sony Pictures Television Arabia is the production partner; Dubai Silicon Oasis is the strategic partner; Ernst & Young is the exclusive advisor; WAMDA is the knowledge partner and Leo Burnett is the show’s venture partner.

Badri added, “On behalf of my colleagues I would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who has made this incredible achievement possible. The contestants, the applicants, our dynamic presenters, respected judges and, of course, our partners – thank you all for taking part in this inspirational journey to encouraging more entrepreneurial ventures in the UAE.” 

Episodes will be broadcast on Dubai One at 9pm every Wednesday, with the grand finale on 21 November, 2012. 

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