From October 2 to 12, the Dubai Comedy Festival is back for its seventh edition, and this one’s going to be a bit unhinged (in the best way possible). Eleven full days of comedy chaos featuring the biggest names from around the world—and some of the sharpest local talent too.
And just in: Mo Amer has officially joined the lineup. And he’s bringing dad jokes (literally). Let’s run through the acts we’re most hyped for:
Mo Amer
Dubai Opera | October 9
Netflix regular, comedy sniper, and one of the most magnetic voices in stand-up right now—the Palestinian-American Mo Amer is back in Dubai for one night only, with two back-to-back shows. He’s bringing sharp takes on identity, fame, and now, the chaos of new parenthood. Expect gut punches wrapped in charm, and stories only he could tell.
Tom Segura
Coca-Cola Arena | October 2
Opening the fest with absolutely zero chill is Tom Segura—the king of dry delivery and inappropriate truths. If you’ve streamed Sledgehammer or screamed-laughed through Your Mom’s House, you already know. Segura doesn’t hold back, and this time, he’s got a full arena to test your limits.
John Achkar
Dubai Opera | October 11
If spiraling in your thirties was a genre, the Lebanese John Achkar would headline it. His show Tryin’ is a chaotic love letter to all of us who don’t have it together (and maybe never will). From love lives that won’t cooperate to jobs that don’t make sense, Achkar turns existential dread into therapy via laughter.
Amer Zahr
Dubai Opera | October 11
The Palestinian-American Amer Zahr isn’t just funny—he’s fearless. A law professor by day, stand-up rebel by night, he takes Arab identity, diaspora weirdness, and politics and turns them into something you can laugh at without flinching. Smart, unapologetic, and deeply human, his shows leave a mark.
NearlyParents Podcast Live
Dubai Opera | October 11
Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo, hailing from the UK, are bringing their chaotic podcast energy to the stage. NearlyParents live is basically one giant overshare session about marriage, getting ready for a baby, and trying to adult without losing your minds (or each other). It’s brutally honest and just the right amount of messy.
Zakir Khan
Coca-Cola Arena | October 12
He sold out last time, and now he’s back to do it again. Zakir Khan, the Hindi stand-up icon who gave us the catchphrase “Sakht Launda,” is closing out the fest. His storytelling is raw, poetic, and hilariously specific—but somehow still all of us. If you’ve ever been awkward, heartbroken, or underestimated, this one’s for you.
Dubai, You Ready?
Whether you’re into sharp social commentary, relationship chaos, or just want to laugh about how weird life is, this year’s lineup has range. Big names, big venues, and a whole lot of real talk in between. It’s comedy for every kind of funny.
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