Du to launch reality show for local entrepreneurs

Dubai UAE telecom company du is set to launch a reality TV programme aimed at boosting the local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Titled The Entrepreneur, it will pit budding businessmen against each other in a bid to win a cash award of Dh1 million for investment and professional services to support the growth of their enterprises.

"We are convinced there are many good ideas out there which need to be heard and need to be promoted," said Hala Badri, executive vice president for Brand and Communications, at du.

"The UAE is brimming with fantastic entrepreneurial talent which just needs a platform to take it to the next level. The Entrepreneur aims to empower and support the new breed of UAE entrepreneurs who build new enterprises that are innovative, sustainable and, most importantly, contribute meaningfully towards the social development of communities."

The judges will be influential members of the local SME industry: Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for SMEs; Nisreen Shocair, president of Virgin Megastore, Mena; Yogesh Mehta, founder and managing director of Petrochem; and Manal Al Gurg, director of retail at the Eisa Saleh Al Gurg Group. "We've been calling for the private sector to come up with these initiatives and I think this is a great contribution for entrepreneurship," Al Janahi said.

"If we can create celebrities out of entrepreneurs we can encourage other people to start their own businesses. I'm sure there are very good people because I've been dealing with them and we always strive to look for new people."

Stiff competition

Du is expecting 3,000 to 5,000 candidates to apply. The shortlisted contestants will be invited to participate in an audition in which they will be required to pitch their ideas, products or businesses in front of the judges. Only the 10 best contestants will be selected to be on the show, who will then battle it out in a final round of challenges.

In the final episode, one winner will walk away with the prize money and support from du. The professional services will include one-on-one mentoring and consultancy, facilitating meetings with the right individuals, marketing and public relations.

The competition is open to UAE residents at least 18 years old, who have a company registered in their name. NGOs, societies and associations are welcome to submit their business ideas.

The show is expected to be aired in the third quarter this year on the Dubai One channel. Sony Television Arabia will produce the show. Depending on the success of the first edition, there may be others.

"This is new territory for us. We will see how it is received and go from there," said du's Badri.

Entries can be made online at www.theentrepreneur.ae until March 31.