Hydra Properties LLC announced today that casting for the first International reality TV series "The Hydra Executives" begins on December 15, 2007 in Hollywood and will feature a cast of budding American and British entrepreneurs to be filmed in Abu Dhabi, but broadcast entirely in English. (Hydra Properties YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B62RLeJcEw)

Hydra properties is hosting a brunch at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, 10 AM, Oasis Room (RSVPs only).

The reality TV series is the brainchild of CEO Sulaiman Al-Fahim, Hydra Properties LLC, a leading Abu Dhabi-based international real estate company and the key backer of the show. Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also sponsoring the show. According to Fahim around $5 million would be spent on the first season.

"We are inviting 16 entrepreneurs, eight Americans and eight Brits, to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to compete against each other for 15 weeks," said Al-Fahim. "Contestants will fly to the capital city of Abu Dhabi where they will spend their first 2 weeks in boot camp to learn the art of the real estate deal and how to identify various playing fields. Following this they will be split into two mixed teams to compete in real estate business assignments for a three month period." At the end of the competition one winner will walk away with the grand prize worth $1 million to set up his or her own style real estate venture.

The executive boardroom-style program is currently being shopped for global distribution in March 2008. It is being produced in association with Showtime Arabia, which is partly owned by Viacom, and Dubai's Infinity TV.

"It's little like the Olympics of reality TV," explained co-host and Executive Producer Ziad Batal. "The show brings 16 contestants into United States and United Kingdom in international teams to compete in business challenges spread over the UAE's thriving capital of Abu Dhabi. The winner receives a $1 million funding prize to start his or her business there. Other proposed reality TV programs in the works include an India vs. Pakistan edition."

Batal also said the UAE government is rolling out the red carpet for the show. The TV show is expected to provide global exposure to the country and its multibillion-dollar real estate industry. "It's really about attracting tourists and people who want to do business here."

"This all English reality show will be amongst the first of its kind for the Middle East audience and also the first involving the region's real estate sector," said CEO Marc-Antoine d'Halluin, Showtime Arabia. "We are delighted to be part of this great endeavor that Hydra has chosen and feel that this is one of the most creative shows that we've seen to date."

Showtime has already pledged to broadcast Hydra Executives in Asia and the Middle East, according to Batal, and negotiations are ongoing with the major US and European production houses for distribution in their broadcast areas.

"Foreigners don't watch Arabic, but Arabs watch English programming. Now they'll be getting a taste of both worlds," said Batal. Batal is no stranger to hit TV shows. He is also the creator of Street Smarts, a reality TV show entering its third season on Infinity TV, and he produces Showtime's Shake the Stadium, which aired this year.

Al-Fahim is known more for his successful global real estate projects than the TV industry. Hydra Properties' latest real estate ventures include half a dozen high-rise properties in the UAE and a $500 million mixed residential complex in Mazatlan, Mexico.

"Al-Fahim doesn't do the Donald Trump 'you're fired' kind of thing," explained Batal. "It's more like a tourist greeting, 'Welcome to my country, I am your host and let's get you connected to business in Abu Dhabi.'"

Additionally, the 16 contestants will be exposed to the crème de la crème of the UAE's business society, allowing each to set up needed networks. The entrepreneurs, hand-picked by Al-Fahim, will benefit from his tips and advice as they go through their various business dealings.

For people who want a shot at becoming an international reality-TV star as well as a million dollar entrepreneur, casting begins in both the US and Britain in December. Eligible candidates are required to have a background in real estate and/or architecture, engineering, sales, marketing and finance. They should also reflect qualities of success: passion, risk taking, dynamic people skills, multidisciplinary perspectives, innovation and change. The show is set to air in March 2008.

"It's entertainment, but of a different kind," said Al-Fahim, "It's about the world of adventure, about doing something that hasn't been done before, or doing something differently."

For more information and submissions for the show, candidates can visit www.hydraexecutives.com

About Hydra Properties LLL (www.Hydraproperties.com).
Hydra Properties is changing the landscape of the UAE. Its mission is to provide more than just properties. Hydra Properties delivers the latest concepts in state-of-the-art living. Driven by a passion for excellence, Hydra Properties will be the name behind some of the most prestigious residential and business developments in the UAE. Hydra Properties utilizes its professional expertise to manage projects from end to end including land purchase, appointment of award-winning architects, execution and monitoring of projects with contractors and follow-up to final handover. The processes and practices that are followed are in line with world standards. Hydra Properties is renowned for its ability to provide superior product value. Hydra Properties YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B62RLeJcEw