Dragons’ Den Heads to Saudi Arabia

LONDON: The Sony Pictures Television (SPT) format Dragons’ Den has been licensed to the Saudi Arabian broadcaster STV1, marking the first license of an international format in the territory.

The show has been licensed to Saudi TV through Creative Edge International and will begin production in Jeddah later this month. Beginning in January, Saudi Arabian viewers can watch the BBC version of Dragons’ Den, which will air in the run-up to the launch of the local version in February. The local Dragons’ Den will air weekly over 26 episodes. All five of the "dragons" for the Saudi TV version of the show come from Saudi Arabia and one of them is a locally well-known businesswoman. The panel of investors will test the mettle of would-be entrepreneurs looking for funding for their new business ideas.

Ed Louwerse, the managing director of 2waytraffic International at SPT, said: “We are very proud to mark this latest milestone for one of our most successful formats. Dragons’ Den is already a hit in more than 20 countries around the world and its sale to a major market such as the KSA is a significant new step in its international expansion. This sale to STV1 demonstrates the universal popularity and adaptability of this compelling show.”

“Dragons’ Den is a continuation of a long line of development that Creative Edge has committed to STV,” commented Assad Abualjadail, the CEO and founder of Creative Edge. “This show raises the bar in our fast-moving industry and is of particular appeal to young Saudi viewers.”