Dubai is all set to have a reality show of its own. Leading entertainment television channel, Infinity TV announced (Sunday, 9 April, 2006), the launch of a first-of-its-kind reality television show in the Middle East called ‘Street Smarts’, at a press conference held at Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai. The action-packed show will feature 16 young male and female Arab participants from the region, who will contend for a prize money of US$ 100,000.
The contestants of the show will be split into two mixed teams and will be judged on their expertise and skills through 16 intense and intellectually stimulating assignments given to them by the show’s host. The person successfully completing all assignments at the end of the show will walk away with the prize money. The 8 male and 8 female contestants will live together in Dubai throughout the duration of the show, with separate accommodation facilities for men and women.
Speaking at the press conference, Hashem A.Quaissieh, Vice Chairman, Infinity TV, said: "Around the world, the popularity of reality TV shows has sky-rocketed in the recent years, with several television channels airing a variety of reality shows that captivate audiences across all age groups. Audiences in the Middle East too have been keen followers of these shows, with many of them hoping they could be a part of such shows themselves. With the launch of ‘Street Smarts’, we are turning this dream into reality.”
“This gripping show is certain to keep audiences glued to their television sets, not only because of the unique format of the show, but also because the audience plays a key role in choosing the winner via SMS,” Quaissieh added.
Personal skills, team work and the ability to build alliances as well to outsmart team mates are what the contestants require to win this show. The team that wins the weekly assignment will be rewarded with AED 10,000 in cash to be split between them. ‘Street Smarts’ will be hosted by Infinity TV’s anchor Taleen Kirresh.
“Although the show will be very intense and demanding, with constant advice from us, the contestants will be able to prove that they are capable of handling the tasks at hand and do whatever it takes to win. Every week we will decide the winners and the losers, and the elimination process will be broadcast live from a specially constructed US$500,000 studio. The contest is held purely for entertainment purpose and these youngsters can look forward to having loads of fun,” said Kirresh.
Every week, the losing team will vote out one team member. The viewing audience will also participate via SMS, voting off the participant from the losing team, and the audience’s vote will be final. At the end of 32 episodes, the show will have one contestant claiming US$100,000.
Infinity TV launched in Dubai during October 2004, offers all kinds of entertaining, educational and appealing programs like movies, sitcoms, documentaries, musicals, children and sport programs suiting the tastes and preferences of all audiences. Based in Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAE, Infinity TV is broadcasted free to air via Nile Sat, Hotbird and Arabsat. The channel seeks to stretch beyond borders and bring viewers all around the world a rich bouquet of appealing programs and shows.
