While being an integral part of the show, including during eliminations and providing updates to the contestants, Al Khaja also assisted Hilton as a guide while in the Middle East.

"[7] Ish Entertainment co-founder Michael Hirschhorn expanded on this, explaining that the Dubai production would not be as racy as the American or English editions.

The production had to receive several layers of approval before moving forward, and even Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, had to give his blessing.

While it was originally expected to air in 2010,[8] Lionsgate Television executives claim producers at Uniqon Emirates, LLC signed a written agreement, worth US$8 million, to co-produce and distribute Paris Hilton's Dubai BFF in the Middle East.

Uniqon Emirates failed to pay more than US$4.7 million to cover the production and distribution costs and Lionsgate filed a federal suit for breach of contract in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on February 2, 2010.