Lionsgate and Ish Entertainment have stuck a deal with a Dubai-based shingle to send Paris Hilton to the Middle East in search of a new best friend in a new version of Paris Hilton's My New BFF.

According to Variety, the Dubai-based Uniqon is funding most of the project, which will follow the celebrity heiress as she puts a group of young women -- half from the Middle East, half from elsewhere but currently living in Dubai -- through a series of tests to see who would best complement her lifestyle.

"I love it for the sheer wildcard aspect of it," said Ish Entertainment co-founder Michael Hirschhorn. "It's so out of the ordinary."

"Paris Hilton's My New BFF-Dubai" will adhere to the same format found in the U.S., where the original "My New BFF" airs on MTV, as well as in the U.K., where a version of the format was recently shot for ITV2.

But given Middle East sensibilities, Hirschhorn said the Dubai production won't be quite as racy as the U.S. or U.K. editions.

That means, for example, alcohol -- normally a reality TV staple -- won't play a role on this version. And the production has promised to adhere to local cultural sensitivities. Swearing, sexually explicit conversation or risque clothing will be kept to a minimum.

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

According to Hirschhorn's partner, Stella Stolper, Hilton has never been to Dubai before -- so part of the show will include her initial reactions to her first trip to the United Arab Emirates.

Hilton will be accompanied by her boyfriend, Doug Reinhardt, who will likely appear on camera as well. Production will start later this month and shoot for 17 days; the finale will then conclude with a final shoot in Los Angeles.