Ready to laugh your way through October? Dubai Comedy Festival 2026 is bringing a packed programme of international comedy stars, regional favourites and fresh voices to stages across the city. From Vir Das, Munawar Faruqui and Mo Gilligan to Katherine Ryan, Zarna Garg and a host of other performers, the lineup covers stand-up, comedy showcases and interactive live shows. Here’s your guide to the must-see shows, dates, venues and ticket prices.
Line-Up For Dubai Comedy Festival 2026
1. Muhandis Al Thouq Al Aam
Muhandis Al Thouq Al Aam brings a light-hearted story of family, dreams and the funny surprises that come with preparing for parenthood. The play is a story of a young couple eagerly awaiting their first child as they navigate emotional moments, unexpected twists and plenty of funny misunderstandings. At the heart of the play is their dream that their future son will grow up to become a “public taste engineer”, setting the stage for plenty of witty moments.
Where: Dubai Opera
When: October 9th to 10th
Cost: Starts at AED 260 per person
2. Jamie Lever
Jamie Lever brings her signature mix of celebrity mimicry, observational humour and energetic performance to the Dubai Comedy Festival 2026. Known for creating instantly recognisable characters and capturing everyday quirks, she has built a strong fan base with audiences worldwide. Daughter of comedy legend Johnny Lever, Jamie has established her own name through more than 160 sold-out shows and Bollywood appearances.
Where: Emirates Theatre Jumeirah
When: October 10th
Cost: Starts at AED 145 per person
3. Munawar Faruqui
A fresh set of stories, clever punchlines and sharp observations awaits as Munawar Faruqui takes the stage in Dubai. The Indian stand-up star has built a devoted following with his distinctive storytelling style, quick wit and sold-out performances. His material draws on everyday experiences and cultural nuances, turning familiar situations into thoughtful anecdotes and unexpected laughs. Expect an engaging set that mixes honest reflections with the comedian’s signature humour.
Where: Dubai Opera
When: October 11th
Cost: Starts at AED 125 per person
4. Hadeel & Maha
Maha Jaafar and Hadeel Marei take their popular Podcast W Nos, from the studio to the stage, bringing candid chats, playful gossip and plenty of laughs along the way. The duo will recreate the podcast’s easy-going format for a live crowd, with plenty of spontaneous moments. Adding an interactive element, audience members can share their personal dilemmas and get the duo’s take on them in real time.
Where: Pepperoni Comedy Club
When: October 11th
Cost: Starts at AED 125 per person
5. Imad Kehdy
Life in Dubai, grown-up responsibilities and the chaos of major life decisions all become material for Imad Kehdy’s latest stand-up special. Making his Dubai Comedy Festival debut, the Lebanese comedian follows up his first show, Hamburger, which toured the Arab world and Europe and sold more than 15,000 tickets. His new set takes inspiration from his own experiences of starting over in a new city, navigating marriage, career choices and the prospect of fatherhood.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: October 12th
Cost: Starts at AED 150 per person
6. Mo Gilligan
High-energy storytelling and rapid-fire punchlines take centre stage as Mo Gilligan brings The Mo You Know World Tour 2026 to Dubai. The award-winning British comedian first caught attention with his viral online sketches before building a successful stand-up career and selling out major arenas across the UK and Europe. His comedy turns familiar moments and everyday experiences into hilarious observations, delivered with his trademark charisma and animated style.
Where: Dubai Opera
When: October 12th
Cost: Starts at AED 250 per person
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7. Katherine Ryan
Katherine Ryan brings her fearless comic style back to Dubai Opera, with plenty of sharp takes on relationships, family life and the everyday chaos of modern living. The award-winning comedian, writer, actress and presenter has earned an international following through Netflix specials such as Glitter Room and In Trouble, as well as appearances on The Duchess, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week and Taskmaster. Her material often turns personal experiences and familiar situations into clever observations and biting punchlines.
Where: Dubai Opera
When: October 12th
Cost: Starts at AED 195 per person
8. Enissa Amani
Enissa Amani brings her distinctive brand of stand-up to Dubai, giving audiences a chance to see the Iranian-German comedian and television host live on stage. Since entering the comedy scene in 2013, Amani has appeared on major German TV programmes and performed across Europe and beyond. Her career milestones include winning Best Newcomer at the 2015 German Comedy Awards and becoming the first European woman to release a Netflix Original comedy special with Ehrenwort in 2018.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: October 13th
Cost: Starts at AED 150 per person
9. Alexander Merkul
Expect an unpredictable night of comedy as Russian comedian Alexander Merkul takes the stage with a show shaped by spontaneity and audience interaction. Presented by Facepalm Comedy, Dubai’s first Russian-speaking stand-up community, the performance blends traditional stand-up with improvisation, ensuring every show unfolds differently. Quick-fire jokes, candid conversations, audience participation and surprise guests keep the energy flowing throughout the evening.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: October 15th
Cost: Starts at AED 150 per person
10. Abbas Bukhari
Urdu comedy takes centre stage as Abbas Bukhari performs in Dubai with an all-new stand-up special packed with witty observations and relatable stories. Known for his laid-back delivery, the comedian finds plenty of material in married life, family expectations, friendships, culture and the quirks of everyday living. With a large regional fanbase and a track record of sold-out shows, Bukhari has made a name for himself in the comedy circuit, while his popular show Small Talk has further cemented his appeal.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: October 16th
Cost: Starts at AED 295 per person
11. Shane Todd
Shane Todd brings his latest stand-up show, Hold Me Back, to Dubai, serving up a lively mix of dry wit, personal stories, and self-deprecating comedy. The Northern Irish performer is also the voice behind the popular Tea With Me podcast and has taken his act to leading comedy venues worldwide. His laid-back delivery finds plenty of humour in ordinary situations, turning everyday experiences into sharp and entertaining routines.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: October 16th
Cost: Starts at AED 195 per person
12. Zarna Garg
Indian-American comedian Zarna Garg heads to Dubai with her acclaimed new show, Million Dollar Excuses, offering fearless humour and sharp takes on family, culture and modern life. Her distinctive storytelling has earned her sold-out shows around the world, along with a growing following across comedy and entertainment. A New York Times bestselling author and podcast host, Garg has also performed alongside Tina Fey and Amy Poehler and developed projects with Mindy Kaling and Kevin Hart.
Where: Dubai Opera
When: October 16th
Cost: Starts at AED 195 per person
13. John Achkar
What happens when personal stories, social expectations and sharp Arabic humour come together on one stage? Lebanese comedian John Achkar explores exactly that in his new stand-up special, Feena Nehke, offering audiences a candid and deeply personal performance. Known for his relatable delivery, Achkar delves into identity, family, faith and the pressures of everyday life, finding humour in experiences many will recognise.
Where: Dubai Opera
When: October 17th to 18th
Cost: Starts at AED 185 per person
14. Neema Naz
Iranian-Canadian comedian Neema Naz showcases his unique take on culture and everyday life at the Dubai Comedy Festival. Known for his candid delivery, he draws on personal experiences and social observations to create relatable comedy. His 2022 tour, “I’m Your Sugar Daddy,” attracted over 150,000 attendees in cities like Los Angeles and New York. Since then, he has performed alongside comedians such as Russell Peters and Theo Von, and his digital content has garnered over two billion views.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: October 17th
Cost: Starts at AED 195 per person
15. Rafi Bastos
Brazilian comedian Rafi Bastos takes the stage with Unfamiliar Territory, bringing his distinctive perspective, quick wit and sharp observational style to Dubai. With 17 years in comedy, three Netflix specials and more than 370 million YouTube views, he has built an international following through his fearless approach to the craft. His credits include performances at New York’s Comedy Cellar and Just for Laughs, as well as appearances across film and television.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: October 17th
Cost: Starts at AED 175 per person
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16. Daniel Fernandes
Ever wondered how much of your personality, habits and hang-ups you inherited from your family? Mumbai-based comedian Daniel Fernandes explores that question in Do You Know Who I Am?, a personal, witty look at identity, relationships, and the growing pains of adulthood. He mixes candid stories with clever observations on the patterns we pick up from our parents and unknowingly carry through life.
Where: Pepperoni Comedy Club, One Central
When: October 17th
Cost: Starts at AED 125 per person
17. One Year Of Pepperoni Live
A year of laughs deserves a big celebration, and One Year of Pepperoni Live marks the milestone with an all-star comedy lineup at Dubai Opera. Hosted by radio personality and entrepreneur Kris Fade, the anniversary show features Redouane Bougheraba, Nino Arial, Abz Ali and Noha Bashir, bringing different comedic styles together for one lively night. The event celebrates Pepperoni Comedy Club’s first anniversary and the moments that made its debut year memorable.
Where: Dubai Opera
When: October 17th
Cost: Starts at AED 175 per person
18. Amit Tandon
Modern life, changing traditions and the quirks of everyday relationships all come under Amit Tandon’s comic lens in his latest show, Aise Kaise. One of India’s popular stand-up names, Tandon is known for clean humour and an easy storytelling style that finds laughs in familiar situations. His set takes a playful look at family habits, social rituals, changing norms and the little things people often overlook.
Where: Dubai Opera
When: October 18th
Cost: Starts at AED 150 per person
19. Vir Das
Looking for a comedy night with global appeal? Vir Das lands in Dubai with his signature mix of sharp observations, intelligent storytelling and fearless humour. Widely recognised on the global comedy circuit, Das has reached audiences worldwide with Netflix specials such as Fool Volume and the International Emmy-winning Landing. His live career includes acclaimed performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Carnegie Hall and London’s Eventim Apollo, and he now brings his international stand-up act to Dubai.
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
When: October 18th
Cost: Starts at AED 195 per person
20. Mario Bassil
Lebanese comedian Mario Bassil heads to Pepperoni for an intimate solo show filled with energetic comedy, witty anecdotes and plenty of audience engagement. With his animated stage presence, rapid-fire responses and playful approach, Bassil has built a loyal following through years of performances across Lebanon and beyond. His live act combines personal stories with spontaneous moments, keeping the crowd involved throughout the set.
Where: Pepperoni Comedy Club, One Central
When: October 18th
Cost: Starts at AED 200 per person
21. Kings And Queens Of Comedy
South African comedy takes centre stage in Dubai as Blu Blood’s Kings and Queens of Comedy brings together four standout performers for one lively showcase. The lineup features Darren Maule, Celeste Ntuli, Vafa Naraghi and Bash with Tash, each bringing their own style, stories and comic perspective to the stage. A fixture on the South African stand-up circuit for more than a decade, the show has built a reputation for bringing established and emerging voices together under one roof.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: October 18th
Cost: Starts at AED 125 per person
22. Nino Arial
Ready for a taste of French comedy with a lively twist? Nino Arial heads to Dubai with his signature blend of personal stories, everyday observations and relationship humour. A popular name on the French comedy scene, Arial is known for his magnetic presence and natural ability to turn familiar experiences into entertaining anecdotes. Expect a spirited performance filled with spontaneous moments, infectious energy and plenty of laughs.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: October 18th
Cost: Starts at AED 300 per person
Dubai Comedy Festival 2026 has plenty of laughs lined up this October, so pick your favourite shows and book your tickets before they sell out.
Cover Image Courtesy: Vir Das Wikipedia/Website and Munawar Faruqui/Website