Abu Dhabi Media Company, parent of Abu Dhabi TV, on Wednesday unveiled its new reality TV contest show, 'Ton of Cash,' billed as the largest scale reality TV show in the Arab world.

Rights to the series have been agreed with Endemol, the global leader in scripted and unscripted TV shows, whose successes include ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Deal or No Deal’.

Ton of Cash was shot on location in the UAE and Oman over 60 days. Adding a unique twist to the standard game show format, 'Ton of Cash' awards contestants with a prize of Dh1.5 million ($408,000) in the first show.

Over 13 episodes, two teams of seven players compete to keep the cash and vote on which contestants stay in the game. 

Ton of Cash’s potential to become the biggest reality TV show in the Arab world has attracted sponsorship from Nokia and Ford. Each episode will be presented by Aiman Al-Qaissooni, the popular host of ‘Super Star’.

Abu Dhabi Television’s executive director of broadcast, Karim Sarkis, at Abu Dhabi Media Company said: “We are proud that Abu Dhabi TV is the first channel in the world to be producing and airing Ton of Cash. The show’s combination of action and adventure promises to appeal to all ages of viewers across the Arab world.”

Ziad Kebbi, CEO of Endemol Middle East said: “Ton of Cash is biggest reality show in the Middle East with 13 locations, 60 days of filming and a production crew of 200.”

'Ford is excited to be part of A Ton of Cash, the region's biggest reality TV production,' said Hussein Murad, sales & marketing director of Ford Middle East.

'Ford is the leading manufacturer of trucks and SUVs, and we see this as the right tie-up and opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities, ruggedness and leadership of our products in the region. 'Ton of Cash' fits the adventurous character and dynamic spirit of our lineup and we look forward to an exciting show,' he remarked.

Hashim Hashim, senior marketing manager, Nokia Lower Gulf region, said, 'As life goes increasingly mobile and technology advances, Nokia ensures to provide devices that constantly support and answer the increasing and evolving needs of the different consumers.'

'With maps and navigation becoming a standard feature in all Nokia N-series multimedia computers and in a wide range of Nokia phones, we see our integration with this exciting program as a natural fit.'

The Nokia GPS-enabled devices will assist contestants on 'Ton of Cash' during their different challenges in finding locations and tracking their routes, while allowing them to share all of that directly on the Internet from their devices.'

Ton of Cash will be screened weekly on Abu Dhabi TV starting in October, with daily 15 minute diary snippets and highlights.-TradeArabia News Service