Dubai Comedy Festival 2026: Mo Gilligan, Vir Das and more comedians announced
You’ll have abs from the amount of belly laughing that will take place in October
Love a good hearty laugh? There’s one place to be in Dubai, and that’s the Dubai Comedy Festival. Taking place from Friday, October 9 to 18, expect 10 days of pure comedy spanning eight languages.
Want to know who is on the line-up? The first wave of shows has been confirmed. Check it out:
Mo Gilligan
When: October 12
Where: Dubai Opera
Returning to Dubai Comedy Festival following a sold-out show in the city, Mo Gilligan brings his brand-new The Mo You Know world tour. He has become one of the most recognisable comedy voices in the UK and it shows, as his performances usually packs arenas across the world.
Over 16s only, tickets from Dhs250.
Vir Das
When: October 18
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
The Emmy Award-winning comedian Vir Das returns to Dubai Comedy Festival following a sold-out show in 2022. He is known for his sharp cultural commentary and a global perspective that connects with audiences everywhere he goes.
Over 16s only, tickets from Dhs195.
Jamie Lever
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When: October 10
Where: Emirates Theatre, Jumeirah
This is the first time Jamie Lever joins the comedy festival, and it’s one you should highly consider. She is the daughter of legendary comedian Johnny Lever but has built a reputation of her own with over 160 sold-out shows across 30 countries. She is known for her sharp impersonations and high-energy delivery and the kind of clean, crowd-pleasing comedy that works for the whole room. She’s a natural comedic, but you can also maybe expect a little singing and dancing thrown into her act.
Performance in Hindi, over 8s, tickets from Dhs125.
Munawar Faruqui
When: October 11
Where: Dubai Opera
Munawar Faruqui returns to Dubai with brand-new completely unfiltered material. He is one of India’s most in-demand comedians and tackles everything from everyday life to the conversations no one else is brave enough to start. It’s all delivered with the kind of timing and precision that has earned him a following well beyond India’s borders.
Performance in Hindi, over 16s, tickets from Dhs125.
John Achkar
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When: October 17
Where: Dubai Opera
John Achkar is bringing his latest stand-up show, Feena Nehke to Dubai Comedy Festival. Expect clever observations, personal stories and plenty of laughs as the Lebanese comedian explores family, identity and the relatable little moments that make us feel seen.
Performance in Arabic, over 13s, tickets from Dhs185
Amit Tandon
When: October 18
Where: Dubai Opera
Amit Tandon returns to Dubai with his latest show Aise Kaise. Married? Have kids? Or just simply wondering how life got this complicated. This is the show for you. And Tandon is popular too, as his beloved comedy antics have earned him sell-out shows across the Dubai circuit.
Performance in Hindi, over 16s, tickets from Dhs150
Shane Todd
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When: October 16
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
Northern Irish comedian Shane Todd is making his debut with the comedy festival, and he will showcasing his latest show Hold Me Back. He is known for his podcast Tea with Me and a storytelling style that is as honest as it is funny. Expect a show full of sharp observations, self-deprecating humour and the kind of material that hits just a little too close to home.
Performance in English, over 16s, tickets from Dhs195
Alexander Merkul
When: October 15
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
Making his Dubai Comedy Festival debut, Alexander Merkul brings a unique mix of stand-up and live improvisation to the stage. With audience interaction at the heart of the show, every performance is created in the moment, meaning no two nights are ever alike. Expect quick wit, spontaneity and a completely unpredictable comedy experience.
Performance in Russian, over 16s, tickets from Dhs150
Mohandis Al Thauq Al Aam
When: October 9 and 10
Where: Dubai Opera
Following the success of Malik El Masrah at Dubai Comedy Festival last year, Al Qaiser Events returns with a brand-new Kuwaiti production set to entertain Khaleeji audiences. 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 excitement, challenges and unexpected chaos of preparing for their first child, promising plenty of laughs along the way.
Performance in Arabic, over 3, tickets from Dh250
Think the list is impressive now? This is just the first wave, so we can expect more top comedians to join the list.
Stay tuned to whatson.ae as we are keeping an eye open for any announcements.
Want tickets?
Tickets will go on sale soon, but you can register for now on dubaicomedyfest.ae
Images: Dubai Comedy Festival
