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.
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
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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
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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
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Amine Radi
Date: November 19, 2026
For just one night only as part of the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Comedy Festival, comedy star Amine Radi takes the mic for an unforgettable night of sharp, culturally rich stand-up. Blending expressive physical comedy with witty observations on life, travel, and identity, the Franco-Moroccan performer delivers a high-energy show that bridges digital viral fame with masterclass stagecraft.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
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Aries Spears
Date: November 21, 2026
With almost 2.5 million followers in Instagram, it is evident that Aries Spears is relentless force on the American comedy circuit. His career spans over three decades and this November, Spears will bring his sharp, witty crowd work to the stage. Best known as a standout star of MADtv, Spears seamlessly weaves pinpoint celebrity impressions with unapologetic social commentary. Fast-paced, unfiltered, and deeply cynical, his performance delivers a masterclass in classic, high-octane stand-up. It is important to note that that this is a strictly over 18s experience!
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
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Mina Nader
Date: November 22, 2026
With a career spanning over 16 years and more than 500 sold-out shows across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, Egyptian stand-up veteran Mina Nader brings his highly interactive brand of comedy to the stage. Celebrated for turning everyday absurdities into sharp, relatable narrative arcs, Nader’s shows thrive on spontaneous room work—allowing live audience reactions to steer the evening into unscripted, lightning-fast punchlines.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
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NEMR
Date: November 22, 2026
A pioneer of the Middle Eastern stand-up movement, Lebanese-American comic NEMR brings his brand-new special, Rampant Disorder, to Yas Island as part of the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. Performing at Etihad Arena on Friday, November 20, 2026, the global touring veteran delivers his signature blend of high-energy storytelling, cultural commentary, and fearless observational wit, dismantling the chaos of modern life and cross-cultural dynamics with effortless precision.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
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Mohamed Helmy
Date: November 24, 2026
Egyptian stand-up icon Mohamed Helmy brings his brand-new Arabic comedy special, Plus One, to Abu Dhabi. A pioneer of contemporary regional stand-up, Helmy is celebrated for his sharp cultural observations, rapid-fire delivery, and unscripted crowd work. Taking the stage on Yas Island, the comedy star delivers an evening of candid storytelling, relatable laughs, and spontaneous audience interactions.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
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Kevin Bridges
Date: January 9, 2027
Acclaimed Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges is set to return to the capital as part of the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. Taking the stage exclusively at the Etihad Arena on Saturday, January 9, 2027, the UK comedy titan brings his sharp observational wit and brand-new ‘Here If You Need Me’ World Tour to Yas Island. Known for turning everyday life into razor-sharp stand-up, Bridges' highly anticipated return promises one of the season's biggest nights of laughter.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
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Paul Smith
Date: January 31, 2027
Master of crowd work and sharp observation, British comedian Paul Smith brings his record-breaking stand-up show, HAPPY, to Etihad Arena for the first time as part of the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. Renowned for his razor-sharp spontaneity and quick-witted audience interactions, Smith delivers an unpredictable performance where no two nights are ever the same. Presented by Live Nation Middle East, the Yas Island date promises an evening of unfiltered humour, everyday chaos, and rapid-fire storytelling.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
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Whitney Cummings
Date: January 31, 2027
Stand-up icon Whitney Cummings is bringing her raw, fast-paced humour to Abu Dhabi. As a powerhouse creator behind some of television and stand-up’s biggest hits, Whitney blends lightning-quick wit with relatable self-deprecation, the acclaimed comic and media personality offers an evening of no-holds-barred laughs that highlights why she remains one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary comedy.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Buy your tickets here
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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