The Abu Dhabi Comedy Season officially returns to the capital of the United Arab Emirates this autumn for its third and most ambitious edition yet.
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, alongside leading global event promoters Live Nation ME, the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season 2026 brings a star-studded roster of international comedy heavyweights, arena-filling icons, and boundary-pushing regional talent to the UAE capital.
This year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of observational humour, razor-sharp satire, and record-breaking solo shows. Whether you are after stadium-level production or intimate, high-energy sets, here is everything you need to know about the confirmed performers (so far) and key dates on the 2026 comedy calendar.
Morgan Jay
Date: October 11, 2026
Kicking off the multi-month season is Los Angeles-based comedian and musician Morgan Jay. Known globally for his unique blend of stand-up, live acoustic music, and highly interactive crowd work, Jay crafts customised, spontaneous songs built entirely around the live audience's responses. He has carved out a unique genre of performance art: armed with a guitar, smooth vocals, and quick-witted crowd work, Jay seamlessly weaves improvised songs around dating, relationships, and audience love lives. Expect an authentic, high-energy show where spontaneous audience interaction takes centre stage.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Russell Peters
Date: October 25, 2026
A global titan of stand-up comedy, Russell Peters returns to Abu Dhabi with his signature razor-sharp observations on cultural differences, aging, and family dynamics. As one of the first comedians to sell out massive arenas worldwide — from Madison Square Garden to London's O2 Arena, delivers high-energy storytelling that resonates across international borders.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Mo Amer
Date: November 6, 2026
Drawing on his remarkable personal journey — from growing up in Kuwait to navigating life as a refugee in Texas — Amer turns complex themes of displacement, identity, family, and modern politics into deeply funny, universal human experiences. He has risen to comedic fame for his raw, witty narratives on life as a refugee and the complexities of immigration. Expect an evening of raw, hilarious storytelling, quick-witted audience engagement, and punchy observations that cross every cultural boundary.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Maz Jobrani
Date: November 7, 2026
Renowned for turning cultural misunderstandings, immigrant experiences, and modern family dynamics into universally relatable comedy, Jobrani artfully dismantles stereotypes while highlighting the shared absurdities of everyday life. A pioneer for Middle Eastern representation in global entertainment — with multiple Netflix specials, film credits, and sold-out international tours under his belt — his performance promises a masterclass in clever, cross-cultural humour that connects with audiences of every background.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Phone Free Experience
This year the performances will be strictly phone-free, meaning mobile phones, smartwatches, smart glasses, and other Bluetooth or smart accessories are prohibited inside the performance space. Upon arrival, all devices will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that remain in your possession and will only be unlocked at the end of the event. If you need to access your device during the show, you may do so in designated Phone Use Areas within the venue, where your devices will be re-secured before you return to your seat. Anyone found using a device inside the performance space will be immediately escorted from the venue.
Ticket Availability
Tickets for Morgan Jay (October 11) and Russell Peters (October 25) are currently already online, and ticket prices start from Dhs 250. General sale tickets for Mo Amer and Maz Jobrani open at mid-day on Wednesday, July 29, following an exclusive Live Nation presale launching at mid-day on Tuesday, July 28.
Abu Dhabi Comedy Season 2026
Buy your tickets here
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