Big laughs are on their way to Saudi Arabia. As part of the sixth edition of the legendary Riyadh Season festivities, the capital city will welcome the first-ever Riyadh Comedy Festival, set to take place from September 26 to October 9 at Boulevard City.
Over the course of two weeks, the festival, which was announced by Chairman of the GEA, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has promised to bring 50 of the world’s top comedians to Riyadh this autumn. Below, we spotlight 28 of the biggest names already confirmed.
Mo Amer
Born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents and raised in Houston, Mo Amer has become one of the sharpest voices in global comedy. Best known for his hit Netflix series Mo and his work with the comedy troupe Allah Made Me Funny, he blends personal storytelling with sharp social commentary. His stand-up explores everything from immigration and identity to the quirks of everyday life, delivered with warmth, wit, and a distinctly Arab-American perspective.
Jack Whitehall
One of the UK’s most recognisable comedians, Jack Whitehall has built a career balancing cheeky charm with self-deprecating humour. From starring in the sitcom Fresh Meat to co-creating Bad Education, his on-screen presence is as strong as his sold-out stand-up tours. Whitehall’s travel-comedy series Travels with My Father further cemented his global appeal, showing off his quick wit while taking audiences on awkwardly hilarious adventures with his dad.
Aziz Ansari
An Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Aziz Ansari is best known for creating and starring in the acclaimed Netflix series Master of None. With stand-up specials like Buried Alive and Right Now, Ansari has earned a global fan base for his observational humour, rapid delivery and ability to dissect millennial culture with pinpoint precision.
Bill Burr
A comedy titan with a biting edge, Bill Burr is beloved for his brutally honest takes on everything from marriage to politics. Known for his stand-up specials including Paper Tiger and I'm Sorry You Feel That Way, Burr also created and starred in the animated Netflix series F Is for Family and made his directorial debut with Old Dads.
Dave Chappelle
Widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time, Dave Chappelle is known for his fearless, thought-provoking humour that blends sharp social commentary with laid-back storytelling. Rising to global fame with Chappelle’s Show, his sketch comedy series that became a cultural touchstone, he walked away from the spotlight at the height of his fame, only to return stronger with a series of acclaimed Netflix specials.
Pete Davidson
The former Saturday Night Live cast member has carved out a niche for himself with his raw, confessional style of comedy. With hit specials like Alive from New York and the semi-autobiographical series Bupkis, Davidson's blend of dark humour and personal storytelling has made him a standout on the international stage.
Kevin Hart
One of the highest-paid comedians in the world, Kevin Hart is a household name thanks to blockbuster films (Jumanji, Central Intelligence), hit specials (Laugh at My Pain, Irresponsible), and sold-out stadium tours. His electric energy and infectious charisma make every show a spectacle.
Tom Segura
Co-host of the wildly popular Your Mom’s House podcast and author of the bestselling memoir I’d Like to Play Alone, Please, Segura has become a fan favourite with his sharp wit, deadpan delivery and laid-back storytelling style. His Netflix specials, including Ball Hog and Disgraceful, are top-tier comedy.
Sebastian Maniscalco
With his expressive physicality and Italian-American family stories, Sebastian Maniscalco has turned everyday observations into a comedy art form. He’s sold out Madison Square Garden and starred in films like The Irishman and About My Father. Expect plenty of animated rants about social etiquette.
Sam Morril
One of New York’s fastest-rising stars, Morril is a master of dark humour and razor-sharp punchlines. His special Same Time Tomorrow earned critical acclaim, and he’s co-host of the popular We Might Be Drunk podcast with Mark Normand. A true comic’s comic.
Jo Koy
Beloved for his warm energy and family-centred material, Jo Koy has built a massive global following through Netflix specials like In His Elements and Live from the LA Forum. His routines about Filipino culture and growing up with a single mom strike a universal chord.
Jim Jefferies
Known for his unfiltered takes on gun control, religion, and politics, Australian comic Jim Jefferies rose to fame with his HBO special I Swear to God. His Comedy Central show The Jim Jefferies Show blended stand-up with sharp commentary, and his style is as daring as it is thought-provoking.
Gabriel Iglesias
Affectionately known as “Fluffy,” Iglesias blends character voices, storytelling, and hilarious sound effects into a family-friendly act that’s wildly entertaining. He’s one of the few comedians to sell out Dodger Stadium and is a staple on Netflix with specials like One Show Fits All.
Andrew Schulz
From viral YouTube clips to his boundary-pushing Infamous special, Schulz has built a career by challenging norms. His crowd work is unmatched, and his no-holds-barred style has earned him millions of fans and a place at the forefront of the new comedy generation.
Jimmy Carr
British comedian Jimmy Carr is known for his dark humour, rapid-fire delivery, and perfect timing. Host of countless U.K. panel shows and Netflix specials like His Dark Material, Carr’s wit is sharp, and his one-liners are lethal.
Maz Jobrani
An Iranian-American voice in comedy, Maz Jobrani brings cultural commentary and political insight wrapped in humour. A founding member of the Axis of Evil comedy tour, his Netflix special Immigrant explores identity, belonging, and bridging cultural divides.
Omid Djalili
British-Iranian actor and comedian Omid Djalili blends physical comedy with quick wit and a knack for impersonations. His routines explore multiculturalism, identity and history with a light-hearted yet intelligent flair.
Whitney Cummings
Creator of 2 Broke Girls and Whitney, Cummings is a powerhouse performer known for her brutally honest takes on relationships and feminism. Her specials like Can I Touch It? showcase her sharp timing and fearless delivery.
Jessica Kirson
A comedy club favourite, Kirson’s energetic style and inner monologue impressions bring the house down. Her special Talking to Myself and appearances on The Tonight Show and The Degenerates have made her a standout voice in U.S. comedy.
Andrew Santino
As the co-host of the Bad Friends podcast with Bobby Lee and star of FX’s Dave, Santino blends sarcasm, self-deprecation and chaos. His special Cheeseburger reflects on fame, failure, and funny people problems.
Bobby Lee
Unpredictable and wild, Bobby Lee’s absurdist humour and unique delivery have earned him cult status. A veteran of MADtv and co-host of TigerBelly, his chemistry with Santino on Bad Friends is a major draw.
Nimesh Patel
A former writer for SNL and The Oscars, Patel's intelligent takes on race, family and modern culture come with a confident, cool delivery. His specials Lucky Lefty and Thank You China are gaining him a strong following.
Russell Peters
A pioneer in global comedy, Canadian-Indian comic Russell Peters blends culture, comedy and crowd work into his signature style. He was the first comedian to sell out arenas globally and continues to be one of the most influential names in comedy.
Zarna Garg
An Indian-American rising star, Zarna Garg is known for her clean comedy and hilarious takes on immigrant life, Indian parents and arranged marriage. Winner of Kevin Hart’s Lyft Comics and a social media favourite, she’s bringing a refreshing voice to the global stage.
Chris Tucker
One of the most recognisable comedy voices of the late ’90s and early 2000s, Chris Tucker rose to global fame with his unforgettable role as Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour film series. Known for his rapid-fire delivery and expressive energy, Tucker originally cut his teeth in stand-up before Hollywood came calling.
Louis C.K.
A six-time Emmy Award winner, Louis C.K. became a household name through his brutally honest stand-up and critically acclaimed series Louie. With a style that blends observational humour with raw, personal introspection, Louis remains one of the most influential comedians of his generation.
Mark Normand
New Orleans native Mark Normand has quietly become one of the most respected names in modern stand-up. A favourite among comedy insiders, his self-deprecating wit and neurotic delivery have landed him spots on Netflix, late-night talk shows, and sold-out comedy clubs worldwide. His special Out to Lunch is a masterclass in tight joke writing.
Jimeoin
With his signature blend of cheeky observational humour and expressive physical comedy, Jimeoin has long been a beloved staple of the UK and Australian stand-up scenes. Whether riffing on relationships, language, or the strange rituals of modern life, Jimeoin’s charm lies in his ability to make the mundane hilarious.
Hannibal Buress
Known for his offbeat perspective, Hannibal Buress has been redefining comedy for over a decade. Whether he’s roasting celebrities on The Eric Andre Show, dropping dry one-liners in Broad City, or headlining stages with his laid-back charisma, Buress consistently brings something unexpected. A true original.
Chris DiStefano
Brash, energetic, and proudly unfiltered, Chris DiStefano brings big energy and wild storytelling to the stage. His specials Speshy Weshy and Size 38 Waist have earned cult status among fans of raw, high-octane comedy.
Stay tuned for more details as the Riyadh Comedy Festival gears up for what could be the biggest laugh-fest the Kingdom has ever seen.
