Something exciting is brewing in our citys local comedy community! Dubai-based stand-up comedian Saaniya Abbas is about to become the first ever UAE-based comic to bring a solo show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! And I hope you know I’m talking about one of the biggest stages in the comedy world! But before she heads off to make history, she’s giving audiences in Dubai and Abu Dhabi an early look at her brand-new hour, Hellarious. I have all the belly-achingly hilarious details you need to know, so keep reading to find out more.
Also read: 21 Things You Can Get For FREE In Dubai On Your Birthday!
Stealing Hearts & Winning Laughs From Around The World
Saaniya has spent years making people laugh around the world. She’s already performed at top comedy venues like The Comedy Cellar and The Stand in New York, opened for Frankie Boyle at the UK’s Victorious Festival, and toured stages across India and the UK. With a growing online following of over 500,000 fans, her mix of playful sarcasm and honest storytelling is stealing hearts and winning laughs everywhere she goes.
Putting The ‘Hell’ In Hellarious
In Hellarious, Saaniya is taking you through a journey of her life. And I don’t mean Instagram BTS moments. You’re going to see the messy, the funny, and all the painfully real parts. From navigating divorce in a traditional culture to poking fun at her sudden online fame, she uses humour as a way to process, rebel, and connect. Don’t believe me? Take it from the women herself – “My mum always said I’d go to hell,” Saaniya says with a grin. “So I figured I might as well write a show about it.”
Backed By Comedy Dubai’s Royalty – The Laughter Factory
This exciting preview tour is in collaboration with The Laughter Factory, the region’s most iconic and longest-running comedy platform. Known for bringing stars like Russell Peters, Michael McIntyre, and Sarah Millican to the Middle East, their partnership with Saaniya marks a powerful moment: a regional voice stepping confidently onto a global stage.
And this May, get ready to laugh your socks off because The Laughter Factory is back with a killer lineup! Catch the hilarity at top venues across Dubai and Abu Dhabi from May 16th to 24th, including the iconic AURA Skypool on May 21st. Don’t miss side-splitting performances by Aaron Butler, Justin Panks, Roxy, and Viswajit Dilip. With shows starting at 8:30pm, it’s the perfect excuse to grab your gang, ditch the stress, and soak up the serotonin! Get your hands on tickets at tickets at www.thelaughterfactory.com.
A Win For Local Creativity
Saaniya’s inclusion in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe isn’t just about one comedian’s big break – it’s a huge leap forward for the UAE’s creative scene. The Fringe, which draws over 3 million people each year, has helped launch the careers of some of the world’s most famous comedians. Now, a voice from Dubai is joining that list.
Where To Catch Her Before The Fringe
Before Saaniya heads to Edinburgh, you can catch Hellarious at these exclusive preview shows:
- Dubai – Friday, May 30
- Abu Dhabi – Saturday, May 31
If you love smart comedy with heart, attitude, and a lot of laughs, this is your chance to see it before the rest of the world does! Grab your tickets here, starting from AED 100.
