Entrepreneur and investor Matt Higgins becomes the first shark on the U.S. and Dubai versions of the hit "Shark Tank" franchise, a show that allows investors to pitch their ideas to raise money from a panel of investors.

Shark Tank Dubai: Higgins joins "Shark Tank Dubai" for the second season as a guest shark, where he will compete for deals from companies in the region alongside fellow investors Faisal Belhoul, Amira Sajwani, Elie Khouri and Adel Sajan.

"It's so exciting to be back in the tank, albeit halfway across the world!" Higgins said. "Shark Tank provides such an incredible opportunity to meet entrepreneurs from all walks of life."

Higgins, who is the co-founder of RSE Ventures, first starred as a recurring guest shark on "Shark Tank" on Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) owned channel ABC in Seasons 10 and Seasons 11. "Shark Tank" is produced by Sony Pictures Television (NYSE:SONY) and MGM Television, a unit of Amazon.com.

Higgins told Benzinga there were several reasons he joined "Shark Tank Dubai."

"Ever since I first stepped foot in the UAE, I was struck not only by the tremendous entrepreneurial spirit on the ground, but also how supportive the regulatory environment is for startups. Everyone is aligned in fostering a culture of experimentation, innovation, and lowering the bar to taking risks," Higgins told Benzinga in an exclusive interview.

Higgins highlighted the growth of the United Arab Emirates in the interview and the opportunities for investors.

"I've already invested in property in Abu Dhabi, and Dubai is next. I've expanded businesses in my portfolio, such as Magnolia Bakery, into the UAE because I truly believe the region provides limitless potential. I believe in the near future, UAE will become one-stop shopping for U.S. brands looking to expand internationally to India and beyond."

Higgins said "Shark Tank" highlights the "dream of financial freedom through business ownership" and the UAE embodies innovation and technological experimentation.

"I can't think of a better place to launch Shark Tank than the UAE, given the incredible growth I see happening in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular, soon home to the greatest concentration of cultural institutions on earth and the second Sphere."

While "Shark Tank Dubai" is part of the same franchise American viewers know and love, Higgins said there was one major difference competing on deals.

“What was different from Hollywood? Well the Sharks on Shark Tank Dubai are a bit less sharky, and actually wait their turn! That was a welcome change from shouting over Mr. Wonderful.”

Read Also: Matt Higgins On Stage At VeeCon 2023: How To Think About AI, Win Long Term

About Matt Higgins: Known to many as an entrepreneur, investor or recent bestselling author, Higgins wears many hats and brings an experienced shark to "Shark Tank Dubai's" second season.

"Matt brings an international perspective as an American investor and understands what it takes for a business to succeed not only in Dubai, but globally. Being a self-made founder and investor, Matt relates to the entrepreneurs that come into the tank and helps them take their venture to the next level," Dubai Media Senior Vice President TV & Radio Channels Sarah Al Jarman said.  

The entrepreneurial spirit of Higgins came at a young age, as he previously sold flowers on street corners in Queens, New York at the age of 10 while growing up in poverty. Higgins dropped out of high school at the age of 16 and later earned his GED and attended Queens College.

Overcoming early obstacles, Higgins went on to receive a J.D. from Fordham Law and become the youngest press secretary for the mayor of New York, overseeing the global media response to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Higgins spent 15 years working in senior leadership positions with the National Football League teams, the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.

Along with co-founding RSE Ventures, Higgins is the co-owner of VaynerMedia, a social-media-first agency founded by Gary Vaynerchuk (aka Gary Vee).

Higgins is also an executive fellow at the Harvard Business School where he co-teaches "Moving Beyond Direct-to-Consumer" a leading course on direct-to-consumer brands in the United States.

In 2023, Higgins authored the bestselling book "Burn the Boats," which has now been translated into multiple languages and continues to inspire entrepreneurs around the world.

Read Next:

• Can Money Buy Happiness? Here’s What ‘Shark Tank’ Star Matt Higgins Says

Photo courtesy of Shark Tank Dubai.