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 UAE comedy dates worth adding to your diary.
Shawn Chidiac: 5 October 2026
Dubai’s homegrown comedy disruptor Shawn Chidiac, best known online as My Parents Are Divorced, returns with his solo headline show Laughing in Translation Remix on 5 October at Coca-Cola Arena. Fresh from sold-out nights at Dubai Opera and viral sketches that nail life between cultures, Chidiac leans into rapid-fire characters, spot-on accents and the awkward moments every Dubai resident recognises. Expect sharp observations on identity, family, dating and diaspora drama.
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Satwa, Dubai
When: Monday, 5 October 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Morgan Jay: 11 October 2026
Morgan Jay is bringing The Goofy Guy Tour to Abu Dhabi. The viral comedian and musician will perform at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday, 11 October 2026, delivering a show that blends stand-up comedy, live music, improv and spontaneous crowd work. Presented by Live Nation Middle East in partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi and Miral, with FACT Magazine as official media partner, the event adds another major international name to the capital’s comedy calendar. Known for his quick wit, sing-alongs and playful audience interactions, Morgan Jay returns to the UAE following his appearance at Dubai Comedy Festival.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday, 11 October 2026
Contact: www.livenation.me
Munawar Faruqui: 11 October 2026
One of India’s most recognised stand-up comedians, Munawar Faruqui is set to bring his distinctive storytelling and sharp observational humour to the Dubai Comedy Festival 2026. Known for his fearless approach to comedy, he has built a massive following through his relatable narratives, satire, and witty commentary on everyday experiences. Beyond stand-up, he is also a rapper, writer, and performer, with his popularity reaching new heights through major entertainment platforms and reality television appearances.
Where: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
When: Saturday, 11 October 2026
Contact: www.dubaicomedyfest.ae
Mo Gilligan: 12 October 2026
Mo Gilligan will be taking over Dubai Opera as part of this year’s Dubai Comedy Festival. Expect quick wit, sharp observations, and a high-energy performance that has turned him into one of the world’s biggest comedic exports. This will not be his first stint in Dubai, as the comedian last performed at the same venue as part of the Dubai Comedy Festival in 2024. His show in Dubai follows the recent release of his Netflix documentary Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy, in which the British comedian investigates “our global fried chicken obsession – and the hidden costs behind our cravings”.
Where: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
When: Monday, 12 October 2026
Contact: www.dubaicomedyfest.ae
Shane Todd: 16 October 2026
Comedian Shane Todd will be making his way from Northern Ireland to Dubai for the Dubai Comedy Festival 2026. Taking the stage at New Covent Garden Theatre, audiences can expect his trademark mix of witty observations, hilarious personal stories and energetic delivery. Shane Todd is no stranger to Dubai, having previously performed a sold-out show at the QE2 Theatre. Now, he returns to the city to bring another unforgettable night of comedy to fans.
Where: QE2 Theatre, Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, Dubai
When: Friday, 16 October 2026
Contact: www.dubaicomedyfest.ae
Zarna Garg: 16 October 2026
Zarna Garg returns to the Dubai Comedy Festival with her brand-new show, Million Dollar Excuses at Dubai Opera. One of the sharpest voices in comedy today, the Indian immigrant mother and comedian brings her signature fearless storytelling, incisive social observations, and razor-sharp wit to a night of laughs about family, culture, and the beautiful chaos of modern life. Celebrated for her distinctive comedic style, including her Amazon Prime special One in a Billion, Zarna also hosts the popular The Zarna Garg Family Show podcast.
Where: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
When: Friday, 16 October 2026
Contact: www.dubaicomedyfest.ae
John Achkar: 17 October
Lebanese stand-up comedian John Achkar is set to entertain audiences at Dubai Comedy Festival 2026 with his signature Arabic-language comedy and relatable storytelling. Known for exploring themes such as Arab culture, identity, relationships, marriage, and everyday life, John Achkar has built a strong international following with performances across the world.
Where: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
When: Saturday, 17 October 2026
Contact: www.dubaicomedyfest.ae
Vir Das: 18 October 2026
Indian comedian Vir Das is making a highly anticipated return to Dubai as part of the Dubai Comedy Festival 2026. Taking the stage at Coca-Cola Arena, he is set to deliver his signature blend of sharp wit, clever storytelling and global observations. Known for his charismatic stage presence and thought-provoking humour, Vir Das promises an evening of big laughs, fresh perspectives and the unique comedic style that has made him one of India’s most celebrated stand-up acts.
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Al Satwa, Dubai
When: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Contact: www.dubaicomedyfest.ae
Russell Peters: 25 October 2026
Russell Peters is heading back to Abu Dhabi, marking a major comedy moment for the capital this autumn. Presented by Live Nation Middle East in partnership with FACT Magazine, the show promises a no-holds-barred night that has made Russell Peters a household name across continents. Whether he’s dissecting everyday life or turning audience interactions into the punchline, his sets are famously unpredictable, delivered with the pace and precision of someone who has spent decades perfecting his craft. He made history as the first comedian to sell out Toronto’s Air Canada Centre, London’s O2 Arena and New York’s Madison Square Garden, cementing his status as a global touring force long before streaming specials became the norm.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Sunday, 25 October 2026
Contact: www.livenation.me
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
American comedian Maz Jobrani was previously part of the Axis of Evil comedy group. He starred in the comedy film Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero, which he co-wrote and co-produced. He has also appeared on TV shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Grey’s Anatomy, Last Man Standing and Shameless. He has also shared a stand-up comedy special on Netflix, Immigrant. Not only has the Iranian-American comic made appearances in television’s most popular shows, but he’s also an LA Times best-selling author. Plus, he previously performed at the White House.
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
Trevor Noah: 25 & 26 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 and 26 November 2026
Contact: www.livenation.me