Huge news for comedy fans in the UAE: the headliners have just been announced for the all new Dubai Comedy Festival, and they’re … drum roll … American legend Dave Chappelle and South African charmer Trevor Noah.

Running from October 14-24, the 10-day Comedy Festival will be held in venues throughout Dubai Marina – with the headline gigs at a purpose-built 4,500 seat venue at Skydive Dubai. Noah will be on stage on October 24, while Dave Chappelle will be headlining on October 22 and 23.

dave chappelle

The man is a legend – Dave Chappelle. 

Also performing during the week are Ali Al Sayed, Saudi Arabian YouTube star Bader Saleh and American comedy-trickster Mac King.

GET TO KNOW THE HEADLINERS

TREVOR NOAH 

The South African comedian started his career on a soap opera – Isidingo – in 2002 when he was just 18, and then began showing off his funny side on radio. Over the last decade he’s built a solid comedy career, known for his personable style and his commentary on modern South Africa.

This year he made worldwide headlines when it was announced he’d take over from Jon Stewart on the iconic Daily Show: on which he says he’ll “be taking things in a slightly different direction”.

He’ll begin that gig on September 28 (which probably means his trip to the UAE will be a whirlwind one).

DAVE CHAPPELLE 

Widely considered a comedy genius, the American is perhaps best known for his 2003 sketch comedy TV series Chappelle’s Show.

He famously turned down a US$50 million offer for more seasons of the legendary sketch series in 2005, and went somewhat underground after that – performing only occasionally, and often unannounced.

In the last few years, however, he’s made a bit of a comeback: so his Dubai show will be a rare chance to see one of the most slick yet most slippery comedians to ever have picked up a mic.

Tickets are due to go on sale in the second week of September – but you can register now to be first in line for ticket releases.