The Dubai Comedy Festival 2026 is returning for its seventh edition, bringing a major mix of international comedy stars to Dubai this October. The festival will run from Friday, October 9, to Sunday, October 18, 2026. Shows will take place at Dubai Opera, Coca-Cola Arena and theatres at Mall of the Emirates.
Dubai Comedy Festival 2026 Brings A Global Line-Up
The festival will feature comedians performing in English, Hindi, Arabic and Russian. This reflects Dubai’s highly diverse audience and international community.
The event has grown significantly since its first edition in 2015. American comedian Dave Chappelle headlined the inaugural festival, performing his first Middle East show at Skydive Dubai.
This year, more performers are expected to be announced in the coming months. However, the first group of headliners already offers plenty of reasons for comedy fans to start planning.
Arabic Comedy Opens The Festival
The festival begins with Mohandis Al Thauq Al Aam on October 9 and 10 at Dubai Opera.
The Arabic-language Kuwaiti production follows a couple preparing to welcome their first child. The story combines family situations, chaos and comedy.
The show is written and directed by Abdulaziz Safar. It stars Khaled Al-Muzaffar, Khaled Al-Ojairi, Mohammad Safar and Iman Faisal. Tickets start from Dhs250.
Jamie Lever And Munawar Faruqui Take The Stage
Indian comedian Jamie Lever will perform on October 10 at Emirates Theatre in Jumeirah. The Hindi-language show will feature her well-known impersonations and energetic comedy.
Lever has performed more than 160 sold-out shows across 30 countries since making her debut in 2014. Tickets start from Dhs125.
On October 11, Munawar Faruqui will perform at Dubai Opera. He will bring a new Hindi-language show featuring personal observations and sharp comedy. Tickets start from Dhs125.
Katherine Ryan And Mo Gilligan Return
Two major British comedy names will perform on October 12.
Katherine Ryan returns to Dubai Opera after headlining the 2024 festival. Her show will cover family, relationships, ambition and modern life. Tickets start from Dhs195.
Meanwhile, Mo Gilligan will present his new The Mo You Know World Tour. Known for his high-energy observations, Gilligan remains a popular name on the Dubai comedy scene. Tickets start from Dhs250.
More Comedy Stars Join The Festival
Russian comedian Alexander Merkul will perform on October 15 at New Covent Garden Theatre in Mall of the Emirates. His show will combine stand-up and improvisation. Tickets start from Dhs150.
On October 16, Northern Irish comedian Shane Todd will make his Dubai Comedy Festival debut with his show Hold Me Back. Tickets start from Dhs195.
Also on October 16, Indian comedian Zarna Garg will present Million Dollar Excuses at Dubai Opera. Tickets start from Dhs195.
Lebanese comedian John Achkar will perform his Arabic-language show Feena Nehke on October 17. Tickets start from Dhs185.
Vir Das And Amit Tandon End The Festival
The final day brings two popular Indian comedians.
Vir Das will perform at Coca-Cola Arena on October 18. The Emmy Award-winning comedian is known for cultural commentary and global perspectives. Tickets start from Dhs195.
Also on October 18, Amit Tandon will perform his Hindi-language show Aise Kaise at Dubai Opera. He has performed more than 2,000 times across 30 countries. Tickets start from Dhs150.
With international stars, multiple languages and new shows, Dubai Comedy Festival 2026 is shaping up as one of Dubai’s major entertainment events this autumn. Tickets are already available, while additional names are expected to join the line-up.
