JEDDAH, 17 December 2005 — Walid Juffali is presenting “The Investor,” an Arab entrepreneurial reality show, which will be shown on MBC television early in 2006.
The collaboration between the prominent Saudi businessman, well known for his global vision, and the Middle East Broadcasting Corporation is aimed to create a reality show that highlights real business opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the region.
“The Investor” reflects MBC’s commitment to some of the most pressing issues in the region, and contributes positively to the ongoing efforts to release the potential of this region by giving its predominantly young population platforms and opportunities for nurturing and developing their entrepreneurship skills.
“MBC has sought to develop a program that is not only culturally relevant but also gives voice to young idealists looking for that crucial first leg up in the Middle East business world,” said Mohammed Al Mulhem, MBC’s director of marketing. “We could not have asked for a more inspirational ‘investor’ to mentor and guide our contestants than Juffali,” he said, adding that “’The Investor’ brings together 13 pairs of young, aspiring entrepreneurs — from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Morocco to Oman, and it will be up to them to convince Juffali they’ve got what it takes to make it in reality.”
Juffali, chairman of one of the Kingdom’s most legendary houses, E. A. Juffali & Brothers, has enjoyed a successful professional life. He is also the chairman of the board, Saudi American Bank; deputy chairman of the board, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry; honorary consul general of Denmark; chairman, The Help Center, an Ahmed Juffali Charitable Foundation for mentally challenged children; and trustee member of International House, a Rockefeller Foundation.
Juffali set up his own private business some years ago, separate to his family empire, which helped build the Kingdom’s infrastructure since the 1940s. The result has broken the traditional business mould. W Investments (UK) Limited, seeks investment opportunities for private clients with heavy emphasis on business prospects and the potential for developing products and markets.
“I strongly believe that thinking ‘outside the box’ will lead to innovations. It is essential to see beyond the successes of today and look at the big picture in business across the world. It is all about anticipating change and above all adapting,” Juffali said.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a key member of the World Bank, and through their Business Edge management training program, were selected to be involved in the evaluation of contestants and to aid in the decision making primarily done by Juffali to qualify and disqualify contestants from further rounds.
