Saudi Arabia’s STV to remake Dragon’s Den

Saudi Arabian broadcaster STV1 is to produce a local version of hit reality business format Dragon’s Den after striking a deal with distributor Sony Pictures Television.

The Middle Eastern network will begin production later this month and will air the series in the new year. The deal was inked through local production company Creative Edge International.

Sony Pictures TV claims that this is the first time that an international format has been licensed to a broadcaster in Saudi Arabia.

STV1 will initially air 26 episodes of the locally produced series, which will feature five prominent business executive including a high profile businesswoman.

The broadcaster has also acquired the UK version of the show, which currently airs on the BBC.