Abu Dhabi Comedy Season Announces 13 Major Shows Featuring International and Regional Stars

Sunday marked the official launch of the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season, kicked off by Morgan Jay's performance at Etihad Arena as part of his The Goofy Guy Tour. Bringing his signature TikTok on-screen humour to the stage, he established a high standard for the extensive season of comedy scheduled in the capital.

A diverse lineup of performers is heading to the capital between October and January, featuring a blend of international stars and regional favourites. The programme ranges from the storytelling of Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges to the political satire of Maz Jobrani and the improvisational humour of Egyptian performer Mina Nader.

Most events will take place at Etihad Arena in Yas Island as part of the third Abu Dhabi Comedy Season, following previous successful editions that welcomed high-profile names such as Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Trevor Noah and Bill Burr. Smaller venues are also participating, including The Club, which will host a special anniversary programme of The Laughter Factory.

Here are the 13 comedy performances announced for Abu Dhabi between October and February:

1. Russell Peters: October 25 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
   Known for attracting millions of viewers through early clips of his stand-up routines, the Canadian comedian whose parents emigrated from India became internationally recognised for observations about immigrant families, accents and cultural misunderstandings. His specials include Outsourced; Red, White and Brown; and Deported. Tickets from Dh275 ($75).
2. Mo Amer: November 6 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
   Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amer brings experiences of displacement and immigration to the stage. Born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents and raised in Houston, Amer co-created the semi-autobiographical Netflix series Mo with Ramy Youssef. Tickets from Dh325.
3. Maz Jobrani: November 7 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
   As a founding member of the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour in the 2000s, Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani uses humour to challenge assumptions about the Middle East. Politics, parenting and contemporary society continue to provide material for his international career. Tickets from Dh275.
4. The Laughter Factory: November 8 at The Club, Abu Dhabi
   Celebrating its 30th anniversary with a UAE tour, the organisation continues its tradition of bringing established and emerging comedians to smaller venues, offering the intimacy of a traditional club evening. Show starts at 7pm; tickets from Dh140.
5. Amine Radi: November 19 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
   Moroccan comedian Amine Radi delivers a performance moving between French and Arabic, focusing on everyday exchanges and social expectations. The phone-free show keeps the focus firmly on the stage. Tickets from Dh150.
6. Anubhav Singh Bassi: November 21 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
   Indian stand-up performer Anubhav Singh Bassi transforms ordinary anecdotes into elaborate comic adventures. His Hindi-language show, Kisi Ko Batana Mat, finds absurdity in innocent situations. Show starts at 6pm; tickets from Dh125.
7. Aries Spears: November 21 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
   The American performer, known for eight seasons on the sketch comedy programme Mad TV, combines celebrity impressions of figures like Michael Jackson, Eddie Murphy and Shaquille O'Neal with observational humour. Show starts at 10pm; tickets start at Dh120.
8. Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola: November 22 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
   Recognisable from the long-running variety programme Eat Bulaga!, the comedy partners present The Ultimate Dabarkads Comedy, featuring sketches, live music and audience participation. Tickets from Dh99.
9. NEMR: November 22 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
   Lebanese-American comedian NEMR brings his Rampant Disorder show to Abu Dhabi, offering energetic storytelling about relationships, culture and modern life. Tickets from Dh150.
10. Mina Nader: November 22 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
    Egyptian comedian Mina Nader builds his Arabic-language stand-up around conversations with spectators, transforming unexpected answers into improvised material. Doors open at 8pm; tickets start from Dh195.
11. Kevin Bridges: January 9 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
    Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges uses his distinctive Glaswegian delivery to extract humour from working-class experiences and everyday frustrations. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh295.
12. Whitney Cummings: January 31 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
    Having helped launch sitcoms like Whitney and 2 Broke Girls, Whitney Cummings brings her Big Baby tour to the UAE for the first time, examining relationships and gender expectations. Show starts at 6pm; tickets from Dh215.
13. Paul Smith: January 31 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
    Liverpudlian comedian Paul Smith closes January's line-up with his show HAPPY, combining spontaneous audience interactions with stories about daily complications. Show starts at 9.30pm; tickets from Dh275.