The Middle East to Get Its Own 'Project Runway' Show

World-renowned Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab is teaming up with broadcast giant MBC Group to produce a Middle Eastern version of the widely successful reality television show franchise, Project Runway, reports Al Arabiya.

Saab will also head the judging panel, which also includes Tunisian-Italian fashion icon, actress, and TV personality Afef Jnifen. The two will be joined by a different celebrity guest star or expert judge every episode to fill the third judging position.

Aspiring fashion designers who will be participating in the show will be mentored by Faris Al Shehri, as well as Lebanese-Australian model Jessica Kahawaty, who will also be presenting Project Runway ME. Taping for Project Runway ME has already begun at MBC studios in Beirut, and the show is expected to air in the last quarter of 2016 on MBC 4 and MBC Masr.

“The Arabic adaptation of Project Runway will be further enhanced especially when compared to other local adaptations around the world - thus featuring additional features and greater entertainment production values during every episode, right down to the grand finale, which will be televised live from the heart of the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates – more specifically at Dubai Design District,” MBC Group official spokesman Mazen Hayek said.