Meet the headliners of the upcoming Dubai Comedy Festival
Al Murray, Frank Skinner and Mo Gilligan are just some of the names confirmed.
It was only weeks ago that FACT reported on the return of the annual Dubai Comedy Festival on 12 April — and here we are, revealing its headliners. While more names are expected in the weeks ahead, here’s what we know of the star-studded line-up so far.
Presented by Dubai Calendar in collaboration with BRAG and Live Nation, the 2024 edition of the Dubai Comedy Festival will unfold across multiple venues in the city, including Coca-Cola Arena and Dubai Opera.
Katherine Ryan
Fans of side-splitting comedy won’t want to miss Katherine Ryan’s Dubai debut. A multifaceted talent excelling as a comedian, writer, presenter, actress, and singer, Ryan’s biting comedy style, often likened to the legendary Joan Rivers, has earned her accolades and a dedicated fan. With appearances on popular British TV and radio panel shows, including her role as a regular team captain on “8 Out of 10 Cats,” Ryan has become a household name. As a stand-up comedian, Katherine Ryan has released two highly acclaimed Netflix specials, “In Trouble” (2017) and “Glitter Room” (2019). In 2023, she clinched the Outstanding Female Comedy Entertainment Performance award at the National Comedy Awards for “Backstage with Katherine Ryan.”
12 April at Dubai Opera Main Hall.
Gad Elmaleh
French-Moroccan stand-up comedian and actor Gad Elmaleh has garnered widespread recognition in France, Morocco, and the United States. Boasting an illustrious career dating back to 1997, his film roles include appearances in Coco, Priceless, La Doublure, and Midnight in Paris. Recognised as the funniest person in France, Gad Elmaleh has been honoured with the title ‘Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters’ by the French Minister of Culture. Additionally, he holds the distinguished title of ‘Knight of the National Order of Quebec’ in Canada.
12 and 13 April at Dubai Opera Main Hall.
Kenny Sebastian
The celebrated Indian stand-up comedian Kenny Sebastian will light up the Dubai Opera Main Hall on Sunday, 14 April. Boasting a formidable online following, Sebastian has raked in over 152 million views on his YouTube channel. He’s also the voice behind the podcast ‘Simple Ken’, and has showcased his comedic skills as a judge on Amazon Prime Video’s comedy talent show, Comicstaan. His ability to effortlessly toggle between English and Hindi adds a delightful twist to his humour and has seen him tour extensively in Australia, Singapore, the UAE and the United States.
14 April at Dubai Opera Main Hall.
Mike Eshaq
Comedian, actor, filmmaker, and former marine, Mike Eshaq, is a true jack-of-all-trades. Transitioning from military service to the world of comedy, Mike infuses his performances with a unique blend of humour, drawing from his Middle Eastern heritage, his experiences as a United States Marine, and his identity as a rule-breaking Muslim. Catch his live performance, where he will showcase his comedic prowess refined through appearances at venues such as The Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv, as well as his roles in popular TV shows like ‘Detroiters’ and ‘Grace and Frankie.’
14 April at Dubai Opera Studio
Al Murray
The English comedian, actor, musician, and writer, is poised to captivate audiences at the Dubai Opera Main Hall. Having graduated from the University of Oxford, Al Murray embarked on his comedy journey in the early ’90s, gaining prominence for his ‘Pub Landlord’ persona—an amusing “know-all know-nothing blowhard.” Murray has earned accolades for his contributions, including the Sky One sitcom Time Gentlemen Please and the ITV chat show Al Murray’s Happy Hour. Acknowledged as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy by The Observer in 2003, and voted the 16th greatest stand-up comic on Channel 4’s 100 Greatest Stand-Ups in 2007, Al Murray consistently enchants audiences with his wit on both stage and screen.
15 April at Dubai Opera Main Hall.
Frank Skinner
Boasting a comedy career that spans nearly four decades, Christopher Graham Collins MBE, professionally known as Frank Skinner, has mastered the art of observational humour. Known for iconic television shows such as Fantasy Football League and Baddiel and Skinner Unplanned, as well as his role as the host of The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, Skinner’s versatile talent has garnered widespread acclaim. His significant contributions to entertainment were recognised in the 2023 New Year Honours, where he was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
15 April at Dubai Opera Main Hall.
Imah Dumagay
Experience a joyous expedition of laughter and cultural insight with Imah Dumagay, the beloved Filipino comedic sensation, as she graces the stage with her stand-up comedy spectacle, “The Climb.” Imah’s quick wit and relatable humour will illuminate the evening as she shares uproarious tales of her journey from humble beginnings to navigating the nuances of a more affluent lifestyle.
15 April at Dubai Opera Theater.
Chris Distefano
Renowned for his distinctive comedic flair showcased on MTV’s reality shows “Guy Code” and “Girl Code,” Chris Distefano promises an evening of unstoppable hilarity at Dubai Opera. His Netflix specials, “Size 38 Waist” and “Speshy Weshy,” seamlessly blend charming charisma with a unique comedic style. With a track record of sold-out shows at prestigious venues like Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden, Chris continues to entertain audiences on a grand scale, demonstrating his ability to connect with everyone in attendance.
16 April at Dubai Opera Main Hall.
Amer Zahr
The Palestinian-American comedian, speaker, writer, and academic, promises an evening of laughter laced with thought-provoking humor. In 2013, he established the “1001 Laughs Dearborn Comedy Festival,” a yearly event that continues to captivate audiences. Additionally, Amer is the author of “Being a Palestinian Makes Me Smile” and the creator of the documentary “We’re Not White,” released in August 2017.
17 April at Dubai Opera Main Hall.
Internet Sensations
Prepare to have your funny bones tickled as the “Internet Sensations” comedy ensemble, featuring Shawn Chidiac, Anand Raman, and Sundeep Fernandes, takes the spotlight at Dubai Opera. Renowned for their viral job interview skits, Sundeep and Anand bring their sharp wit and relatable humour to the live stage, ensuring an uproarious evening with their impeccable comedic timing. Joining them is Shawn Chidiac, famously known as ‘My Parents Are Divorced’, showcasing his uncanny impressions and remarkable mimicry skills and guaranteeing a masterclass in character comedy.
17 April at Dubai Opera Theater.
Omid Singh
Anticipate an enriching evening of multicultural humour and genuine narratives as Omid Singh, the Iranian-Indian comedic maestro, graces the stage at Dubai Opera Theater. Renowned for his diverse background, Singh’s comedic finesse resonates with audiences of all walks, showcasing his knack for celebrating the nuances of different cultures. From his globetrotting childhood, including a decade in Dubai, to his experiences in bustling metropolises like New York City and Los Angeles, Singh’s journey is a captivating tapestry of cultural blends and personal tales, ensuring an evening brimming with laughter and a refreshing outlook on life.
17 April at Dubai Opera Theater.
Chinedu Unaka
Los Angeles-based comedian, actor, and writer, Chinedu Unaka will be descending on Dubai Opera for a night of non-stop laughter. Recently lauded for his standout performances on Comedy Central Presents and as a featured guest on the Arsenio Hall Late Night Show as part of the Netflix is Joke Comedy Festival, Chinedu is swiftly rising as a star on the global comedy scene. With his hit comedy album, “Mostly Kidding,” soaring to #1 on iTunes, and his notable roles in projects like ‘Abbott Elementary’ and ‘House Party,’ Chinedu Unaka promises an evening of stand-up comedy filled with sharp wit, humour, and his distinctive take on life.
18 April at Dubai Opera Theatre.
Zarna Garg
Known for her incisive social observations and razor-sharp humour, Zarna Garg has become a pioneering figure in comedy. The Indian immigrant mother and comedian, currently touring with her “Practical People Win” show, has received widespread recognition for her distinctive comedic style, notably through her special “One in a Billion” on Amazon Prime. Celebrated for her bold, engaging humour, Zarna also hosts the popular “The Zarna Garg Family Show” podcast and has been honoured by Variety as one of their “10 Comics to Watch.”
18 April at Dubai Opera Main Hall
Mo Gilligan
This British stand-up comedian’s journey to global success began in 2017, fueled by years of sharing comedy clips on social media as a hobby. He later co-hosted the chat show “The Big Narstie Show,” which debuted in 2018. With a unique approach to British culture, Mo Gilligan seamlessly weaves through various comedic genres, including grime comedy, physical comedy, and musical comedy. Anticipate a performance that promises a multifaceted range of humour on the stage.
19 April at Dubai Opera Main Hall.
Spencer & Vogue
Unlike their hit podcast, ‘Spencer and Vogue,’ this live performance promises no edits or re-dos, providing an authentic and hilarious glimpse into their lives. From Spencer’s quirky obsession with James Blunt to the shared competitiveness that forms the foundation of their relationship, the couple invites you to an entertaining evening. Having already sold out three nights at the Olympia in Dublin, with an additional announcement of a UK and Ireland tour, the show builds on the success of their chart-topping podcast, boasting over 25 million downloads.
19 April at Dubai Opera Main Hall.
Anubhav Singh Bassi
The renowned Indian actor and YouTuber, is gearing up to grace the stage at Dubai Opera with his latest show, ‘Kisi Ko Batana Mat’ (Don’t Tell Anyone). Launching his stand-up comedy career with a memorable open mic performance in 2017, Bassi has since skyrocketed to fame as a YouTube sensation, amassing over 200 million views globally. Beyond his online triumphs, Bassi delivered a monologue for Amazon Funnies and made a notable cameo in ZEE5’s Comedy Couple (2020)
20 April at Dubai Opera Main Hall.
Bil 3arab
Bil 3arabi, comprising Arab comedians who have carved out their own niche in the comedy scene, stands as the pioneers of Arabic Comedy in Dubai. Since their inception in 2017, they have captivated audiences across the emirate with hundreds of shows and recently concluded the taping of a comedy special with OSN. This immensely talented group of comics, including Badr (Mohamed Badr), Eslam (Abdelsattar Alzeftawy), Ali (Ali Asmar), and Eddie (Mohamed Al Sayed), promises to spread hilarity in the UAE’s mother tongue, leaving audiences in fits of laughter
21 April at Dubai Opera Theater.
Bel Masry
Egypt’s first comedy factory, Bel Masry, is returning to Dubai with two shows. Leading the pack on the first night is Ahmed El Hareedy, known for his blend of rap and comedy. Following him are Bernadette, Reem Nabil and Walid Khairy, whose crowd work will have everyone in stitches. The second night will see Ola Roshdy, along with Balto-famed Mahmoud Konafa. Islam Amin will also make the audience laugh out loud followed by rising star Shehab El Ashry, and comedy veteran Hashem El Garhy.
18 and 19 April at Roxy Cinemas, Dubai Hills Mall.
Alfred Adriaan
Alfred Adriaan will be bringing his Unfit and Forty show to Dubai. His journey into comedy began with a passion for storytelling and a knack for finding humour in everyday life. From anecdotes of married life to navigating life with kids, he promises a sense of genuine connection with the audience.
19 April at Roxy Cinemas, Dubai Hills Mall.
Emirati Showcase
Get ready to witness Emirati comedic talent with the Emirati Showcase. Witness hilarious acts by the likes of Abdallah Alansari, known as the Emirati Puppet Master and Ali Saleh Awadh as he tackles difficult subjects with his insightful comedy. Watch Abdalla Al Qassab, a psychologist turned comedian, whose understanding of human behaviour lends a distinctive touch to his acts. Joining them are Saif Almherie and Obaid Ali Obaid who can turn everyday situations into hilarious tales.
20 April at Roxy Cinemas, Dubai Hills Mall.
Riaad Moosa
Riaad Moosa from South Africa is bringing his comedic brilliance to Dubai. Transitioning from medicine to comedy, Moosa has won hearts for his blend of observational humour. Offering glimpses into his life as a Muslim, father of four, husband, and entertainer, his talent has earned him prestigious accolades such as the Best Actor award at The South African Film and Television Awards and the Comic’s Choice Award.
20 April at Roxy Cinemas, Dubai Hills Mall.
GO: Visit www.dubaicomedyfest.ae for tickets and more information.
