Brace yourselves for some side-splitting comedy.
The UAE’s comedy calendar is packed with punchlines in 2026, as some of the world’s sharpest stand-up stars prepare to take over stages across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From arena-filling international names and Netflix favourites to regional talents and viral performers, the line-up spans observational humour, musical comedy, satire and fearless storytelling. Whether you prefer quick-fire crowd work, cultural commentary or carefully crafted anecdotes, these upcoming shows promise plenty of reasons to laugh. Here are the biggest UAE comedy shows worth adding to your diary.
Mo Amer: 6 November 2026
Palestinian-American comedian and Netflix favourite Mo Amer will make his way to Etihad Arena for the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. Marking his return to the UAE, Mo Amer made his Dubai debut with the Dubai Comedy Festival in 2020, followed by another gig in 2025. His stand-up material digs deep into themes of fatherhood, fame, and identity, with the same candid, culturally charged storytelling that has made him a household name. Expect brutally honest observations, unexpected tenderness, and explosive punchlines delivered with charisma and bite.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Friday, 6 November 2026
Contact: www.etihadarena.ae
Maz Jobrani: 7 November 2026
Maz Jobrani returns to Etihad Arena on Saturday 7 November 2026 with his Catch Me While You Can tour. Part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season, the performance will be his final show in the capital as he steps back to spend more time with his family. Born in Tehran and raised in California, the Iranian-American comedian helped establish the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour. His stand-up explores immigration, family life and cultural misunderstandings, with specials including Netflix’s Immigrant. Having previously performed in Abu Dhabi alongside Mo Amer and Bassem Youssef, Jobrani offers Abu Dhabi fans a farewell evening of laughs.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday, 7 November 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Andrew Schulz: 21 November 2026
Comedian Andrew Schulz is returning to Abu Dhabi for another night of boundary-pushing stand-up. The New York comedian will perform at Etihad Arena on Saturday, 21 November 2026, as part of The Escapement, a three-day celebration bringing together watch collectors, luxury brands and independent makers. Known for his fearless takes on politics, current affairs and modern life, Schulz has built an international following through stand-up, his Flagrant podcast and the Netflix special Schulz Saves America. His screen credits also include You People and the remake of White Men Can’t Jump.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday, 21 November 2026
Contact: www.etihadarena.ae
Anubhav Singh Bassi: 21 November 2026
One of India’s most popular comedians, Anubhav Singh Bassi will bring his hit show Kisi Ko Batana Mat to Etihad Arena as part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. Since launching his stand-up career at an open mic in 2017, Bassi has become a major online comedy star, attracting more than 200 million YouTube views with his relatable storytelling and observational humour. He has also appeared in Amazon Funnies and made a cameo in ZEE5’s Comedy Couple. FACT Magazine joins Blu Blood as media partner for the show.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday, 21 November 2026
Contact: www.etihadarena.ae
Aries Spears: 21 November 2026
American comedian Aries Spears will make his Abu Dhabi debut at Etihad Arena with a stand-up set packed with quick-fire jokes and famous impressions. Best known for his work on television and the comedy circuit, Spears has built a career spanning stand-up, film, TV and podcasting. His impressions of stars including Michael Jackson, Mike Tyson and Eddie Murphy have become a major part of his act, while his film credits include Jerry Maguire and The Pest. FACT Magazine joins Blu Blood as media partner for his Abu Dhabi Comedy Season appearance.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday, 21 November 2026
Contact: www.etihadarena.ae
Jose Manalo & Wally Bayola: 22 November 2026
Filipino comedy favourites Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola are heading to Etihad Arena with The Ultimate Dabarkads Comedy Duo as part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. Taking place on Sunday, 22 November 2026, the show reunites the beloved Eat Bulaga! stars for an evening of spontaneous banter, memorable characters and distinctly Filipino humour. Their partnership spans more than two decades, with playful exchanges and everyday observations earning them fans across generations. For the UAE’s Filipino community, it’s a chance to share a familiar slice of home, whether gathering the barkada or treating the family to a night out.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Sunday, 22 November 2026
Contact: www.etihadarena.ae
Trevor Noah: 25, 26, 28 & 29 November 2026
South African comedian Trevor Noah is returning to Dubai for two exclusive performances at Dubai Opera on 25 and 26 November 2026. Presented by Live Nation Middle East, with FACT Magazine as media partner, the shows mark his first Dubai appearance since performing at Coca-Cola Arena in 2022. The Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer and former host of The Daily Show is known for his sharp social observations, global perspective and effortless storytelling. His latest Netflix special, Joy in the Trenches, was released in April 2026.
Where: Dubai Opera, Dubai Downtown, Dubai
When: 25, 26, 28 & 29 November 2026
Contact: www.livenation.me
Max Amini: 22 December 2026
Iranian-American comedian Max Amini brings his global tour to Dubai Opera on Tuesday, 22 December 2026, with English-language shows at 6.30pm and 10pm. Born in Arizona, he began stand-up while studying at UCLA in 2002, later building a global following through observational humour and spontaneous crowd work. His milestones include becoming the first Iranian-American artist to headline Madison Square Garden. The Los Angeles Times described him as “the most watched comedian in the world” on social media.
Where: Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
When: Tuesday, 22 December 2026
Contact: www.dubaiopera.com
Kevin Bridges: 9 January 2027
Start the year with a laugh as Kevin Bridges returns to Abu Dhabi for his Here If You Need Me World Tour. Taking place at Etihad Arena on Saturday 9 January 2027, the show forms part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. The Scottish comedian has built an international following with sharp observations, relatable stories and a knack for finding humour in everyday life. Known for appearances on Live at the Apollo and The Jonathan Ross Show, Bridges has performed to more than two million fans worldwide. Tickets start from AED 295 and are available through Platinumlist, Ticketmaster and Etihad Arena.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday 9 January 2027
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Paul Smith: 31 January 2027
British comedian Paul Smith is heading to Abu Dhabi as part of the capital’s comedy season. Taking over Etihad Arena on 31 January 2027, the Liverpool favourite is known for his quick wit, sharp storytelling and famously unpredictable crowd work. A regular headliner at Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club, Smith has become an online sensation, with clips of his audience interactions attracting millions of views. His spontaneous style means no two performances are ever quite the same, and Abu Dhabi audiences could easily find themselves becoming part of the punchline.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Sunday, 31 January 2027
Contact: www.etihadarena.ae
Whitney Cummings: 31 January 2027
Whitney Cummings is heading to the capital for Abu Dhabi Comedy Season, bringing her sharp wit and fearless humour to the stage. Best known as the creator and star of Whitney and co-creator of 2 Broke Girls, the American comedian has built a career on candid takes on relationships, modern life and everything in between. She has released six stand-up specials and hosts the hugely popular Good For You podcast, where her unfiltered conversations have attracted a loyal following. With a reputation for quick-fire observations and brutally funny honesty, Whitney Cummings’ Abu Dhabi show promises a night of big laughs from one of comedy’s most distinctive voices.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Sunday, 31 January 2027
Contact: www.etihadarena.ae
Simon Brodkin: 26 March 2027
Simon Brodkin returns to Dubai with his irreverent take on modern life at New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, on Friday, 26 March 2027. The British comedian behind Lee Nelson and fictional footballer Jason Bent will tackle celebrity culture, social media, mental health and everyday frustrations, alongside stories from his own life. Famous for pranks involving Sepp Blatter, Theresa May and Donald Trump, Brodkin’s previous tour, Screwed Up, spanned 170 dates worldwide.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai
When: Friday, 26 March 2027
Contact: www.livenation.me