Cancel your boring weekend plans because Dubai is about to make you laugh out till you’re falling off your seat, clutching your stomach! Razor-sharp stand-up, hilarious crowd work, family-friendly performances and laugh-out-loud theatre – you can expect all of this and more as the Dubai Comedy Festival is bringing some of the biggest names in comedy to the city this October. Whether you’re into witty one-liners, observational humour or chaotic improv, there’s something guaranteed to have you laughing until your cheeks hurt. Here’s every show announced so far and all the details you need to know!
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The Dubai Comedy Festival 2026 – What To Expect?
Running from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 18, this year’s festival will feature performances in English, Hindi, Arabic and Russian across Dubai Opera, Coca-Cola Arena, Emirates Theatre and the New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates. If you think these eight comedians are it, then you’re in for a surprise, as more comedians are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Until then, here’s the first wave of acts you can already book.
1. Mohandis Al Thauq Al Aam – The Opening Act
The festival kicks off with the popular Kuwaiti comedy production Mohandis Al Thauq Al Aam. Written and directed by Abdulaziz Safar, the Arabic-language play follows a couple preparing for parenthood, turning everyday family moments into hilarious chaos with a talented ensemble cast.
- Performance Date: Fri – Sat, October 9 – 10, 2026
- Location: Dubai Opera
- Price: From AED250
- For more information, visit the website
2. Jamie Lever – Makes Her Dubai Comedy Festival Debut
Known for her spot-on celebrity impressions and infectious stage presence, Jamie Lever has become one of India’s fastest-rising comedians. You probably know her as the daughter of comedy legend Johnny Lever. And this time, she’ll perform a Hindi-language show packed with relatable humour that’s suitable for audiences aged eight and above.
- Performance Date: Sat, October 10, 2026
- Location: Emirates Theatre, Jumeirah
- Price: From AED125
- For more information, visit the website
3. Munawar Faruqui – Returns With A Brand-New Set
One of India’s biggest stand-up stars, Munawar Faruqui is back in Dubai with fresh material! Covering everything from everyday life to the conversations people usually avoid, you can expect his signature blend of sharp observations, storytelling and clever punchlines.
- Performance Date: Sun, October 11, 2026
- Location: Dubai Opera
- Price: From AED125
- For more information, visit the website
4. Mo Gilligan – Bringing His World Tour In Dubai
Award-winning British comedian Mo Gilligan is back at the festival with his The Mo You Know World Tour. Loved for his energetic storytelling and relatable humour, Gilligan has become one of the UK’s biggest comedy exports, thanks to sold-out tours, TV appearances and viral sketches.
- Performance Date: Mon, October 12, 2026
- Location: Dubai Opera
- Price: From AED250
- For more information, visit the website
5. Alexander Merkul – Experience Unpredictable Crowd Work
Russian comedian Alexander Merkul is bringing a show where no two performances are ever the same! Combining stand-up with live improvisation, he keeps audiences on their toes by turning crowd interactions into PURE comedy gold.
- Performance Date: Thu, October 15, 2026
- Location: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
- Price: From AED150
- For more information, visit the website
6. Shane Todd – An Unmissable Festival Debut
Northern Irish comedian Shane Todd arrives in Dubai for the first time as part of the festival with Hold Me Back. Best known for his hit podcast Tea With Me, Todd has built a loyal international fanbase through his honest storytelling and effortless delivery.
- Performance Date: Fri, October 16, 2026
- Location: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
- Price: From AED195
- For more information, visit the website
7. John Achkar – Back Again With Feena Nehke
Lebanese comedian John Achkar is back with his latest Arabic-language show, Feena Nehke. Blending personal stories with observations about modern life, Achkar has become a fan favourite thanks to his warm, relatable style and quick wit.
- Performance Date: Sat, October 17, 2026
- Location: Dubai Opera
- Price: From AED185
- For more information, visit the website
8: Vir Das – Headlining The Festival Finale With A Bang
Closing out the festival is Emmy Award-winning comedian Vir Das! After his previous sold-out Dubai performances, Das is back with another witty, humour-packed show. Internationally recognised for his intelligent humour and insightful takes on culture, identity and everyday life, Das remains one of India’s biggest global comedy stars.
- Performance Date: Sun, October 18, 2026
- Location: Coca-Cola Arena
- Price: From AED195
- For more information, visit the website
9. Amit Tandon – Brings Aise Kaise To Dubai
Wrapping up the Dubai Opera schedule is Amit Tandon with his latest Hindi-language show, Aise Kaise. Having performed thousands of shows worldwide, Tandon is known for his clean, relatable comedy centred around family, relationships and everyday life.
- Performance Date: Sun, October 18, 2026
- Location: Dubai Opera
- Price: From AED150
- For more information, visit the website
If laughter really is the best medicine, this October, Dubai has your prescription sorted. With nine shows (so far) spanning four languages and some of the biggest names in global comedy, there’s every reason to grab your tickets before they disappear. More acts are still to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled on Gulf Buzz for all the latest updates and events worth adding to your calendar.
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