Upcoming UAE comedy shows: From Bassem Youssef to Michael McIntyre

Brace yourselves for some side-splitting comedy.

Get ready for unforgettable nights of laughter with a slew of comedians taking to stages across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. So, if you’re a lover of live comedy, these are the all-important dates for your diaries. Curtain up – here is a list of all the upcoming UAE comedy shows.

Russell Peters: 23 November 2023

Here’s some news that will put a smile on your face. Canadian comedian Russell Peters has announced that he’s not only performing at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, but filming his new stand-up special at the show. On Friday, 23 November, fans can participate in the event in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Russell’s signature style includes observational comedy, and he makes jokes about identity politics. Expect jokes to cover race, ethnicity, class and basically any cultural stereotype. He is not afraid to poke fun at himself and his South Asian upbringing.

GO: Visit http://www.livenation.me for tickets and more information. 

Bassem Youssef: 25 November 2023

Mark your calendars because Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef is all set to grace the UAE with his unique brand of humour. Following his recent interviews with Piers Morgan that have been going viral on social media, this comedic talent will perform at Theatre by Erth in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 25 November. Prepare to be in splits as Bassem Youssef brings his witty sense of humour to the stage. Tickets are available via Platinumlist and start at AED 299.

GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.ne for tickets and more information.

Jim Gaffigan: 25 November 2023

Get ready to roll on the floor laughing because the one and only Jim Gaffigan is heading your way. The renowned American stand-up comedian is set to grace the stage at Dubai Opera on Saturday, 25 November as part of his Barely Alive Tour. With three Emmy wins, seven Grammy nominations and a spot on Forbes’ top ten comedians list, he is a bonafide comedy sensation. His ninth stand-up special, Comedy Monster, has also been nominated for a Grammy. But Jim isn’t just a stand-up superstar. He’s also a talented actor with projects such as Linoleum, Portlandia and Law & Order under his belt. His best acting gig has to be the critically acclaimed semi-autobiographical show, The Jim Gaffigan Show, which he also wrote and produced

GO: Visit https://www.livenation.me for tickets and more information.

Russell Howard: 11 December 2023

Russell Howard is one of the UK’s most uproarious comedians. He is set to grace the stage at Dubai Opera on Monday, 11 December, promising an evening filled with side-splitting humour, uncontrollable giggles and a dose of sheer joy. Russell’s second Netflix special, Lubricant, received an overwhelming response, amassing one billion views. He has also carved a niche for himself in the entertainment world with TV and radio. Many fondly remember his TV show Russell Howard’s Good News, which showed his knack for finding humour in the everyday and shedding light on the lighter side of life. Now, his brand-new show, aptly titled Russell Howard Live, promises to bring fresh material, unrestrained wit, and an evening of unadulterated fun that Dubai audiences won’t want to miss.

GO: Visit www.dubaiopera.com for more information.

Michael McIntyre: 13 January 2024

We’ve got some news that will put a smile on your face. The British comedian Michael McIntyre has announced that he is coming to the UAE with his Macnificent World Tour. Michael hails from London, England and is best known for his British wit, conservative style and floppy hair. In 2009, he performed for approximately 500,000 people in a record-breaking six nights at Wembley Arena and four at The O2 Arena in London, UK. In 2012, he became one of the world’s biggest-selling comedians. The Macnificent tour is visiting countries around the world and includes dates in Australia, Denmark, New Zealand and Singapore. Judging by clips from the tour, it includes jokes on everything from Brexit to the cost-of-living crisis.

GO: Follow @gmeuae for more information.

Jo Koy: 26 May 2024

We have some news that is going to put a smile on your face. Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy is bringing his world tour to Abu Dhabi. Jo Koy hails from Washington, United States. He dropped out of university to pursue stand-up comedy. He started performing in coffee houses in Las Vegas and landed a regular night at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. He has appeared on shows ranging from Chelsea Lately to The Adam Coralla Show. Plus, he has created Netflix specials including Jo Koy: Comin in Hot and Jo Koy: Live from Seattle. Jo Koy is currently on a world tour, which is coming to cities including Antwerp, Brisbane, London, Oslo, San Diego and Singapore. He will only be visiting Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. We’re hoping he brings his signature satirical humour to the UAE capital. He is known for his jokes about families and the Filipino diaspora.

GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.