Dubai’s biggest annual celebration of stand-up is back this October, and the Dubai Comedy Festival: Mo Gilligan, Vir Das and more announced line-up is already shaping up to be one of the city’s most exciting entertainment calendars yet. Running for 10 days and spanning eight languages, the festival will bring a mix of international headliners, regional favorites, and fresh comic voices to venues across the city, with more names still to come.
First wave of acts announced
The opening batch of performers confirms that the Dubai Comedy Festival: Mo Gilligan, Vir Das and more announced is leaning into variety, with shows in English, Arabic, Hindi, Russian, and more. From arena-filling stars to rising scene-makers, the program is designed to offer something for every kind of comedy fan.
Mo Gilligan is among the biggest draws. Returning to the Dubai Comedy Festival after a sold-out city appearance, the British comic will bring his new The Mo You Know world tour to Dubai Opera on October 12. Known for his high-energy delivery and broad appeal, Gilligan has become one of the UK’s most recognizable comedy names. The show is for ages 16 and above, with tickets starting at Dhs250.
Vir Das will also make a welcome return, taking the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on October 18. The Emmy Award-winning comedian played to a sold-out crowd in 2022 and is back with the mix of sharp political and cultural observation that has made him a global favorite. Tickets begin at Dhs195, and the show is restricted to over-16s.
Regional favorites and debut performances
Jamie Lever will make her festival debut on October 10 at Emirates Theatre, Jumeirah. The Indian performer, daughter of veteran comedian Johnny Lever, has carved out her own path with more than 160 sold-out shows across 30 countries. Her act is known for quick impersonations, a strong stage presence, and an energetic style that often includes a little singing and dancing. The performance will be in Hindi, is suitable for ages eight and up, and tickets start at Dhs125.
Munawar Faruqui returns to Dubai Opera on October 11 with fresh, unapologetic material. One of India’s most in-demand comedians, he is known for turning everyday experiences and uncomfortable truths into punchy stand-up. The show will be performed in Hindi, is for over-16s, and tickets start at Dhs125.
Lebanese comic John Achkar joins the festival on October 17 with Feena Nehke at Dubai Opera. Expect personal storytelling, sharp commentary, and plenty of material built around family, identity, and the everyday moments audiences recognize instantly. The show will be performed in Arabic for ages 13 and above, with tickets from Dhs185.
Amit Tandon returns to Dubai Opera on October 18 with Aise Kaise, a show aimed at anyone trying to make sense of married life, parenting, or just the general chaos of adulthood. A familiar name on the Dubai comedy circuit, Tandon has built a strong following through consistently sold-out shows. The Hindi-language performance is for over-16s, with tickets from Dhs150.
More international names join the bill
Shane Todd is set to make his festival debut on October 16 at New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, with Hold Me Back. The Northern Irish comic, also known for his podcast Tea with Me, is expected to deliver the kind of self-aware storytelling and dry humor that has made him a favorite with audiences. The show will be in English and is for over-16s, with tickets priced from Dhs195.
Alexander Merkul will also appear at New Covent Garden Theatre on October 15, bringing a show that blends stand-up with live improvisation. Built around audience interaction, the performance is designed to be different every night, with quick thinking and unpredictability at its core. The Russian-language show is for ages 16 and above, with tickets from Dhs150.
Arabic-language theatre will also have a place at the festival through Mohandis Al Thauq Al Aam, a new Kuwaiti production at Dubai Opera on October 9 and 10. Presented by Al Qaiser Events, the show follows a couple preparing for their first child and the complications that come with it. Written and directed by Abdulaziz Safar and starring Khaled Al-Muzaffar, Khaled Al-Ojairi, Mohammad Safar, and Iman Faisal, the production builds on the success of Malik El Masrah from last year’s festival. Tickets start at Dhs250, and the show is suitable for audiences over three years old.
The first announcement already suggests a packed festival schedule, but this is only the beginning. More names are expected to be added in the coming weeks, making the Dubai Comedy Festival: Mo Gilligan, Vir Das and more announced just the opening chapter of what promises to be a major month for live entertainment in Dubai.
Tickets will go on sale soon, but registration is already open at dubaicomedyfest.ae for those who want early access to updates. With the Dubai Comedy Festival: Mo Gilligan, Vir Das and more announced line-up taking shape, comedy fans may want to move quickly once sales begin.