DUBAI — The world's most successful cooking competition completes its Middle Eastern debut season on STV1 this week, when Badr Al-Sheikh and Afnan Al-Jaadi go head-to-head to win the title of MasterChef Arabia. Last week we said goodbye to Dania and Abdel Hakim after a series of challenges got the better of them, which included creating a meal out of leftovers and recreating each of the judges favorite childhood dishes. “It's been a remarkable journey,” said 27-year-old Afnan from Jeddah, who has been teaching herself to cook since discovering a passion for food at the age 13. “I won't forget the live lobster episode in a hurry!” she added. “Win or lose, MasterChef Arabia has been life changing for me,” said 21-year old Badr, whose mother taught him to cook at home in Khobar. Judge Hafedh Al Koheji explains how MasterChef Arabia is designed to put aspiring chefs through their paces. “The Mystery Box challenges the contestant's creativity, while the Pressure Test is about the contestants time-management skills.” Al Koheji added: “The Team Challenges test the teamwork and leadership skills. If they go on to be full-time chefs these are integral skills in any professional kitchen.” Both contestants now have the confidence to open their own restaurants, but before that happens they will go head to head to determine who will be the very first person to win the title of MasterChef Arabia. The MasterChef Arabia Final will be broadcast today at 10:30pm on STV1. SBC, in collaboration with Creative Edge, have brought MasterChef to the Middle East for the very first time – to air exclusively on Saudi TV. — SG
