Shark Tank Dubai set for fourth season, building on AED 42 million investment success
Dubai Media has confirmed the return of the television programme Shark Tank Dubai for a fourth season on Dubai TV. The new season comes after the third season recorded investments of more than AED 42 million for 25 businesses from the UAE and neighbouring countries. Entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium enterprises will again have the chance to pitch their ideas to prominent investors, gain from their knowledge and obtain capital to grow their ventures.
Show aligns with Dubai’s economic ambitions
Through Shark Tank Dubai, Dubai Media underscores its dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The show aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which targets doubling the emirate’s economy, boosting foreign direct investment and ranking Dubai among the three leading global economic cities. The programme also showcases Dubai’s investment climate, which helps start-ups set up, scale and enter new markets.
The fourth season is sponsored by Emirates airline. It will gather entrepreneurs from the UAE and internationally to present their companies and products before a group of seasoned investors. Contestants will outline their business models, growth strategies and capital needs, aiming to prove their ventures’ promise and receive funding in return for ownership stakes. Additionally, they will obtain practical knowledge about various markets and industries.
Media and development partnership
Salem Belyouha, Chief Executive of the Media Content Sector at Dubai Media, said Shark Tank Dubai has become over its past seasons a flagship programme that merges media influence with economic benefit. It offers a venue where innovative concepts connect with experience and capital. He pointed out that the show’s fourth season demonstrates Dubai Media’s ongoing effort to create content that matches Dubai’s goals and backs its vision of a more varied, robust and sustainable economy.
“Media plays a vital role in development, with a strong capacity to generate opportunities by bringing attention to entrepreneurs and enterprises poised for success, while also promoting Dubai’s advantages and the enabling environment it provides for turning ideas into economically valuable projects,” Belyouha stated. He added that Shark Tank Dubai gives SME owners a direct channel to investors, allowing them to tap into expertise and market understanding, thereby granting promising businesses a real chance to grow and reach new levels.
Belyouha further noted that with the fourth season, Dubai Media is reinforcing its position in the entrepreneurial landscape, assisting a new wave of driven entrepreneurs ready to compete.
Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand at Emirates, expressed the airline’s pride in sponsoring the fourth season. He described the programme as a powerful platform that backs entrepreneurs and budding enterprises, showcasing creative concepts that can develop and expand from Dubai into broader markets.
Boutros added that the sponsorship is consistent with Emirates’ commitment to initiatives that strengthen Dubai’s status as a worldwide centre for commerce, innovation and investment, and that further the D33 agenda’s aim of a more diversified and competitive economy. He said Emirates views backing talent and ambitious concepts as an investment in Dubai’s future and its ongoing appeal to entrepreneurs and investors globally.
Panel of seasoned investors
A panel of investors with varied professional histories and substantial experience in founding, running and growing companies will feature in the fourth season. Their knowledge will enhance the programme’s discussions, giving contestants useful viewpoints on assessing business models, grasping market needs and spotting growth opportunities.
Mohammed Obaid Khalifa Al Zaabi, Chief Executive of OBK Investment Group and founder and CEO of Royal Yachts, joins the panel. He contributes deep experience in real estate, hospitality, marine leisure, technology and facilities management. Mona Ataya, founder of Mumzworld and co-founder of Bayt.com, will also serve on the panel. She is an investor and advisor with a notable record in building and expanding digital enterprises and aiding start-ups. Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, founder of Mal, is another panel member. He offers broad expertise in entrepreneurship, technology and digital financial services. Abdulla Mohammed Alashram, Chief Executive of AMA Group and former Group Chief Executive of 7X (previously Emirates Post Group), will also be on the panel. He brings over 20 years of experience in strategic growth and organisational change. Toufic Kreidieh, co-founder and Executive Chairman of Brands For Less Group, rounds out the panel. He has guided the group’s growth and expansion across numerous regional and international markets.
The varied expertise of the panel mirrors the wide array of companies and industries covered in the show, offering contestants tailored advice to guide them in making sound decisions about their ventures’ paths.
The third season drew over 77 entrepreneurs from the UAE and abroad, who showcased a broad spectrum of businesses and concepts over 13 episodes. That season’s success highlighted the programme’s capacity to link entrepreneurs with investors and to bolster Dubai’s reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship and business growth.
