.png)
In a city like Dubai that never slows down, laughter becomes more than just entertainment; it serves as a vital counterpoint to the fast-paced rhythm of life. Comedy offers a momentary escape, a chance to reflect, and a shared experience that connects people from all walks of life.
The Dubai Comedy Festival was created to bring exactly this spirit to the city, showcasing both international stars and regional talent. Past editions have welcomed a mix of acclaimed comedians and rising voices like Mo Amer, Michelle Wolf, Gad Elmaleh, Mo Gilligan, Katherine Ryan, Jim Jeffries, Jimmy Carr, and Bassem Youssef. This year promises an even larger, more diverse lineup that keeps the laughter going across eleven nights without giving everything away too soon.
With such an extensive schedule, planning ahead is essential. Understanding the day-by-day lineup allows attendees to tailor their experience, ensuring they don't miss their preferred acts. Whether you're a fan of sharp observational humour or heartfelt storytelling, the Dubai Comedy Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable journey through the world of comedy.
At a Glance:
Alt text: Laughter Unfolded by the Day
Since its launch in 2015, the Dubai Comedy Festival has grown from a modest four-day gathering into an 11-day showcase of laughter. This year, it runs from 2–12 October 2025.
Across venues like Dubai Opera and the New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates, the festival blends acclaimed international comedians with rising voices. With tickets ranging from AED 150 for family-friendly shows to AED 595 for premium performances, the sheer scale of the line-up calls for careful planning.
Selecting the right days and shows according to your tastes ensures a personal, fully immersive comedy experience.
The Dubai Comedy Festival 2025 kicks off at Coca-Cola Arena on October 2, featuring Tom Segura's "Come Together" tour. Known for his Netflix specials and hit podcasts, Segura delivers an evening of sharp wit and unfiltered humour. This performance marks his return to Dubai following a successful 2024 show.
After the thrill of an opening night, when the jokes are still echoing, it’s natural to drift somewhere to let the evening continue. DOORS Dubai offers a nearby table with fresh seafood, grilled steaks, and more, just minutes from the stage, perfect for winding down after the laughter fades.
If you relish comedy that crosses boundaries and brings everyone together, this day delivers. On October 4 at Mall of the Emirates, expect acts from Hassan Phills, Shawn Chidiac, Tape Face, Stuff!, Con Coutis, and Mush, featuring a range of entertainment that includes physical comedy, mime, and interactive family adventures.
A perfect night for families, friends from different cultures, or anyone wanting something playful and communal.
For anyone who loves seeing comic heavyweights and up-and-comers side by side, October 5 is essential. Omid Djalili and Akaash Singh bring their polished shows, while Emaad Siddiqui offers a fresh, personal voice that speaks of growing up in the Gulf. Expect storytelling, culture, and a stage full of heart.
When humour meets melody, chaos meets craft. Morgan Jay headlines the evening of October 6 with his signature mix of stand-up and music, offering fans something different: jokes that ride rhythm, energy that pulses, and a vibe that breaks the usual stand-up mould.
And if music stirs you as much as laughter, Dubai’s UNTOLD Festival is another experience not to miss
October 7 and 8, bring some of the festival’s sharpest performers to the stage. Joanne McNally pairs candid storytelling with a fearless delivery, while Andrew Schulz and Flagrant Live draw arena-sized crowds with their mix of cultural observations and improvised energy.
Together, these nights speak to audiences who enjoy comedy that is direct, unfiltered, and best experienced with a full house.
The evenings of October 9, 10, and 11 focus on themes of culture and belonging. Mo Amer brings his global perspective back to Dubai, Amer Zahr sharpens humour with a political edge, and local comics carve out space for stories grounded in their own experiences. It’s a night where comedy speaks as much to lived reality as it does to laughter.
For those who like their comedy served with a side of the unexpected, October 11 and 12 promise two nights of playful invention. From the surreal antics of Laser Kiwi to the mischief of 101 Ways to Annoy Your Parents, the stages at New Covent Garden and Dubai Opera shift into family-friendly gear, offering humour that leaps between sketch, spectacle, and all-ages fun.
For lovers of storytelling with depth, October 12 culminates with Zakir Khan in Hindi, sharing poetic, personal tales mixed with warmth and humour; stories that feel like home. A grand finish to the festival that promises laughs and echoes. If this taste of comedy leaves you wanting more, Festivals of Dubai can guide you to other experiences and celebrations across the city.
Please note: As with any festival, the programme continues to grow. The dates and line-up shared here are current, though new names and shows may yet be added. Prices and timings also change, making the official festival site the most reliable source for accurate information before you book.
Comedy may set the tone for the evening, but in Dubai, no night feels complete without a table that matches the occasion. A full day of laughter leaves you hungry for more than quick bites; it calls for flavours that live up to the mood, dishes that feel just as layered as the performances.
That’s where DOORS Dubai comes in, minutes away from all venues. Whether you choose a lively table with friends or reserve the Presidential Table for an evening guided by a private butler, every detail is designed to turn dinner into its own performance. Here, the evening flows from stage to table, with fresh seafood, expertly grilled steaks, and refined seasonal dishes that keep the night’s energy alive and satisfy every craving.
For those who want the laughter to carry on long after the lights dim, reserving a table ensures the night ends as strongly as it began.
The festival runs from 2–12 October 2025, across multiple venues, including Dubai Opera, New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates, and Coca-Cola Arena.
Tickets vary from AED 150 for family-friendly shows to AED 595 for premium performances. It’s best to check the official festival website for availability, prices, and seating options.
Yes. Some performances, especially on October 4, 11, and 12, feature family-friendly comedy, sketch acts, and interactive humour suitable for all ages.
The festival programme is dynamic. While this guide reflects the current lineup, additional shows and performers may be added, so checking the official website before booking is recommended.
Just minutes from all major venues, DOORS Dubai is perfect for extending the night. Known for its fresh seafood, grilled steaks, and attentive service, it keeps the energy going after a whole evening of laughter.
Discover IMAGINE, the Festival City light show in Dubai with water, fire, and projection nightly. Free entry, top views, family fun, and dining nearby.
Celebrate Christmas in Dubai with festive brunches. Discover top venues, seasonal menus, family-friendly options, and refined dining at DOORS Dubai.
.svg)