Laughter really is the best medicine, and this October the Dubai Comedy Festival returns to deliver the dose we all need.
From 2 to 12 October, 22 comedians will take the stage across the city, performing in Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Russian and French. Expect smart, relatable humour and a celebration of comedy in all its forms.
Here is a peek at some of the must-see performances
Malik Al-Masarah
When: 3–4 October
Where: Dubai Opera
Malik Al-Masrah, or The King of the Stage, truly lives up to its name as it takes over Dubai Opera for the Comedy Festival on 3 and 4 October 2025. Set in a post-apocalyptic 2060, the play follows retired artist Ibrahim Ahsanahom, brilliantly portrayed by Khaled Al-Muthafar, as he reflects on a life of ambition, ego, and the quirks of fame.
Show 1: 3 October Doors Open: 8:00 pm | Show Starts: 8:30 pm
Show 2: 4 October Doors Open: 9:00 pm | Show Starts: 9:30 pm
Omid Djalili
When: 5 October
Where: Dubai Opera
Omid Djalili, the award-winning Iranian British comedian, actor and writer, has charmed audiences worldwide and he is bringing his talent to Dubai. Whether he is roasting everyday habits or taking a cheeky swipe at the rich and famous, his show is equal parts smart and hilarious.
Doors Open: 5:30 pm | Show Starts: 6:00 pm
Akaash Singh
When: 5 October
Where: Dubai Opera
Expect a night of unpredictable laughs with Akaash Singh, the Indian American comedian who thrives on turning the crowd into part of the show. Known for his sharp wit, quick comebacks, and fearless crowd work, no two performances are ever the same. Catch him in Dubai on 5 October for an unforgettable evening of comedy.
Doors Open: 8:30 pm | Show Starts: 9:00 pm
Morgan Jay
When: 6 October
Where: Dubai Opera
Known for his spicy, fearless humour targeting pairs in the crowd. With a show built on authenticity, relatability and pure chaos, it is an unforgettable night of comedy you will not want to miss.
Doors Open: 9:00 pm | Show Starts: 9:30 pm
Joanne McNally
When: 7 October
Where: Dubai Opera
Ever had your therapist ghost you? Joanne McNally, the Irish stand-up comedian, writer and actress, has and she turns heartbreak, love, and boy chaos into comedy gold we can all relate to. Co-host of the award-winning podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me, she will have us laughing, cringing and nodding along like she is reading our minds.
Show 1: Doors Open: 6:00 pm | Show Starts: 6:30 pm
Show 2: Doors Open: 9:00 pm | Show Starts: 9:30 pm
Mo Amer
When: 9–10 October
Where: Dubai Opera
Ever wondered what it is really like growing up between two worlds? Mohammed Mustafa Amer, the Palestinian American comedian and actor, turns his family stories and experiences in America into comedy that hits hard.
Show 1: Doors Open: 6:00 pm | Show Starts: 6:30 pm
Show 2: Doors Open: 9:00 pm | Show Starts: 9:30 pm
Amer Zahr
When: 11 October
Where: Dubai Opera
Forget the news. Arab gossip is where the real headlines are. In his latest show, Palestinian-American comedian Amer Zahr turns family drama, cultural quirks, and community whispers into razor sharp punchlines you will be quoting for weeks.
Doors Open: 2:30 pm | Show Starts: 3:00 pm
Nearly Parents Podcast Live
When: 11 October
Where: Dubai Opera
From wedding bells to baby scans, Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo are swapping Newlyweds for Nearly Parents and they are bringing every hilarious, messy, and heart melting moment to the stage. Expect unfiltered chats, laugh out loud stories, and the kind of honesty you only get from two people figuring it all out in real time.
Doors Open: 5:30 pm | Show Starts: 6:00 pm
John Achkar
When: 11 October
Where: Dubai Opera
Still figuring life out in your thirties? So is John Achkar and he is making it hilarious. The Lebanese comedian brings sharp storytelling to the stage, using expressive facial cues and dynamic body language to turn everyday chaos into comedy you cannot look away from.
Doors Open: 8:30 pm | Show Starts: 9:00 pm
Gaurav Kapoor
When: 12 October
Where: Dubai Opera
Ever laughed so hard you forgot your worries? Gaurav Kapoor, one of India’s most loved comedians, brings his razor-sharp observations and effortless storytelling to Dubai. From middle class quirks to the chaos of everyday life, his comedy is relatable, clever, and impossible not to enjoy.
Doors Open: 3:00 pm | Show Starts: 3:30 pm
Ivan Abramov
When: 12 October
Where: Dubai Opera
Russian comedian Ivan Abramov brings intelligence, wit, and a unique perspective to the stage, turning everyday life into laugh out comedy. With millions of views on YouTube for his specials A Big Child and My Girls, he delivers clever observations, unexpected humour, and a show that proves comedy can be smart, relatable, and utterly entertaining.
Doors Open: 6:00 pm | Show Starts: 6:30 pm
Redouane Bougheraba
When: 12 October
Where: Dubai Opera
Marseille’s Redouane Bougheraba returns to Dubai with his signature blend of raw, improvisational comedy and sharp social commentary. From everyday life to streetwise observations, his shows like On m’appelle Marseille have won fans across France. Expect quick wit, unexpected laughs, and a truly unforgettable comedy experience.
Doors Open: 9:00 pm | Show Starts: 9:30 pm
Visit: Dubai Comedy Festival
Rania is an explorer of new places, a reader of stories from around the world, and loves experimenting with new food. She embraces different cultures and chases learning wherever she goes.
