Apart from Star Academy, which was a huge hit 3 years ago, but never recaptured its initial massive audience, no other reality TV shows managed to generate similar success... until Street Smarts.

This show bucked the trend of unsuccessful reality TV programs in the Middle East with Street Smarts 1, by proving that a culturally sensitive reality show could be hugely popular.

Contestants of Street Smarts 1 with creator of the show Ziad Al Batal

So, it returned again with Street Smarts 2.

 The contestants of Street Smarts 2

And 'Street Smarts 2' has now achieved a nomination in the ‘Best Reality TV Programme’ category for inaugural pan-Arab MEB Awards 2007.

Street Smarts 2 features 16 Arab participants contending for prize money of US$ 100,000. The contestants are split into two mixed teams and will be judged on their expertise and skills through 15 intense and intellectually stimulating assignments in business, entertainment and creativity.

Over 4,500 applications were submitted from all around the Arab region, and the final contestants chosen come from Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Oman and Algeria. Every week, the losing team will vote out one team member. The viewing audience will also participate via SMS, voting off the contestant from the losing team.

Street Smarts is an Infinity TV production. The show is hosted by the popular Taleen Kirresh and is sponsored by Al Qudra Holding, an investment company in the UAE.

Apperantly, reality TV works in the Middle East. A production by MBC, 'The Biggest Winner' was also successful.

So, what's next?