The seventh edition of Dubai Comedy Festival returns from 9–18 October 2026
If your idea of a perfect night out involves belly laughs instead of blockbuster films, it’s time to mark your calendar.
Dubai Comedy Festival is making its much-anticipated return from 9–18 October 2026, promising ten days packed with some of the biggest names in comedy from around the world.
Now in its seventh edition, the festival is produced by BRAG and presented by Dubai Calendar, and the first wave of performers has officially been revealed.
Among those already confirmed are Mo Gilligan, Vir Das, Jamie Lever, Munawar Faruqui, John Achkar, Mohandis Al Thauq Al Aam, Amit Tandon, Shane Todd and Alexander Merkul, with even more acts still to be announced.
One of the things that makes Dubai Comedy Festival stand out is its incredible variety. With more than 40 shows performed across 10 days in eight languages, audiences can enjoy comedy in English, Arabic, Hindi, Russian, French and more, all taking place at some of Dubai’s best-known venues.
Mo Gilligan
12 October, Dubai Opera
Returning to Dubai Comedy Festival after selling out his previous show in the city, Mo Gilligan brings his brand-new The Mo You Know World Tour. From viral social media sketches to selling out arenas around the world, Gilligan has become one of the UK’s biggest comedy stars thanks to his energetic style, quick wit and instantly relatable humour.
AED 250
Vir Das
18 October, Coca-Cola Arena
Following his hugely successful appearances at the festival in 2022, Emmy Award-winning comedian Vir Das returns for a special one-night performance. Famous for his clever cultural observations and globally inspired comedy, Das continues to be one of the most recognisable names on the international stand-up circuit.
AED 195
Jamie Lever
10 October, Emirates Theatre, Jumeirah
Making her Dubai Comedy Festival debut, Jamie Lever brings her trademark mix of stand-up, impressions and musical comedy to the stage. While she may be the daughter of comedy icon Johnny Lever, she’s built a hugely successful career in her own right with more than 160 sold-out performances across 30 countries, along with film roles in Housefull 4 and Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon.
AED 125
Munawar Faruqui
11 October, Dubai Opera
Back by popular demand, Munawar Faruqui returns with a brand-new hour of fresh material. One of India’s biggest comedy stars, he’s known for finding humour in everyday life while tackling topics others often avoid, all delivered with his signature sharp timing.
AED 125
John Achkar
17 October, Dubai Opera
Lebanese comedian John Achkar returns with his latest stand-up show, Feena Nehke. Honest, thoughtful and packed with laughs, the show dives into family life, identity and those everyday moments that somehow connect us all.
AED 185
Amit Tandon
18 October, Dubai Opera
If marriage, parenting or simply surviving adulthood sounds familiar, Amit Tandon’s latest show, Aise Kaise, is one you won’t want to miss. Having performed more than 2,000 shows across 30 countries, he remains one of India’s most loved comedians and a regular favourite with Dubai audiences.
AED 150
Shane Todd
16 October, New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
Northern Irish comedian Shane Todd makes his Dubai Comedy Festival debut with Hold Me Back. Best known for his hit podcast Tea with Me, Todd combines brilliant storytelling, self-deprecating humour and everyday observations that feel just a little too relatable.
AED 195
Alexander Merkul
15 October, New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
Making his first Dubai Comedy Festival appearance, Alexander Merkul blends stand-up with live improvisation, creating a show that changes every single night. Audience interaction plays a huge role, meaning no two performances are ever quite the same.
AED 150
Mohandis Al Thauq Al Aam
9–10 October, Dubai Opera
Following the success of Malik El Masrah at last year’s festival, Al Qaiser Events returns with a brand-new Kuwaiti production. Written and directed by Abdulaziz Safar and starring Khaled Al-Muzaffar, Khaled Al-Ojairi, Mohammad Safar and Iman Faisal, Mohandis Al Thauq Al Aam follows a couple navigating the highs and lows of expecting their first child, with predictably chaotic and hilarious results.
AED 250
Registration is now open at dubaicomedyfest.ae, with ticket sale dates to be announced soon. Even more comedians and festival events are expected to be revealed over the coming months, making this year’s edition one of the biggest yet.
Whether you’re into observational humour, sharp satire, family-friendly laughs or improvised comedy, there’s something on the programme guaranteed to leave you in stitches.
9-18 October, Dubai. For registration and tickets details, visit dubaicomedyfest.ae
