Prepare for plenty of laughter across the capital.
Etihad Arena is no stranger to the biggest draws in comedy — everyone from Mo Amer and Bill Burr to Russell Peters and Andrew Schulz have taken the stage at Abu Dhabi’s ultimate entertainment venue in recent years. Now, it’s gearing up to host the inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Comedy Week, bringing together some of the world’s top comedians in succession from 18 to 26 May.
The capital’s first comedy festival will feature comedic legends and rising stars from across the globe. So whether you want to see Aziz Ansari or Dave Chapelle, here are the acts you won’t want to miss.
18 May: Aziz Ansari
Etihad Arena is gearing up to host the inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Comedy Week, bringing together some of the world’s top comedians in succession from 18 to 26 May. The capital’s first comedy festival will feature comedic legends and rising stars from across the globe, including Aziz Ansari. Aziz is an award-winning actor, director, writer and comedian who’s best known for his role as Tom Haverford on the NBC series, Parks and Recreation, Ansari continued to grow and hone his skills over time, leading him to receive two Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Writing as well as Emmy and DGA Award nominations for his Netflix series, Master of None. You may also know him from his roles in films such as Get Him to the Greek, I Love You, Man, and 30 Minutes or Less.
🎟️ Tickets are available now via Platinumlist and start from AED 250.
19 May: Kevin Bridges, Tommy Tiernan and Joanne McNally
With the inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Comedy Week inching closer, even more leading names in comedy have joined the line-up: Tommy Tiernan, Kevin Bridges and Joanne McNally. An inspiring talent, Tiernan is an Irish comedian who has an instinctive way of crafting words to bring his anecdotes to vivid life and make the jokes truly resonate. Eagle-eyed fans will recognise him as Gerry from his role on teen sitcom, Derry Girls. Bridges, meanwhile, is no stranger to Etihad Arena — he took the stage here as part of his Overdue Catch-Up worldwide tour in January 2023. Back with all new material, the Scottish funnyman is not only beloved among his fellow Scots, but also comedy fans craving relatable humour.
🎟️ Tickets are available now via Platinumlist and start from AED 295.
21 May: Bad Friends
Catch Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee for a Bad Friends Live Show that guarantees a night of wild entertainment. Fans of their podcast can expect the duo’s explosive humour, no-holds-barred conversation, unexpected antics and personal anecdotes from their vibrant careers. Andrew Santino celebrated for his roles in “I’m Dying Up Here” and “Dave,” and host of the “Whiskey Ginger” podcast, will showcase his incisive humour. Meanwhile, Bobby Lee, famous for his comedic brilliance on “MADtv” and his roles in movies like “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” and “Pineapple Express,” promises to deliver laughs with his unique style.
🎟️ Tickets are available now via Platinumlist and start from AED 175.
22 May: Andrew Schulz
Internationally acclaimed stand-up comic and podcaster, Andrew Schulz, will be performing his brand new tour at the Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The New Yorker is known for his hilarious, unfiltered comedy and sell-out shows across North America. He hosts one of the most viewed comedy specials on YouTube and his stand-up and podcast content attracts over 12 million views across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok per week. In September 2017, Schulz independently launched his debut comedy special, 4:4:1, on YouTube. The following year, in June 2018, he released his first comedy album, 5:5:1, which swiftly climbed to the number one position on the iTunes’ comedy album charts.
🎟️ Tickets are available now via Platinumlist and start from AED 250.
23 May: Dave Chapelle
Dave Chappelle has long been a comedic legend, but he’s top of mind among comedy fans across the country today — the Emmy Award winner is confirmed to headline the Abu Dhabi Comedy Week. Famed for his sketch comedy television series Chappelle’s Show and a whole slew of successful stand-up specials (think: Equanimity, Sticks & Stones, and The Closer), the multihyphenate brings his extensive repertoire of comedy gold to the stage. Unapologetic about his sometimes controversial material, he has brought a vibrant edge to American comedy, often blending his personal experiences with wider social observations. This seasoned comedian’s ability to delve into complex societal issues with a blend of honesty and wit has made his stand-up shows especially popular amongst fans, so this one’s expected to sell out — fast.
🎟️ Tickets are available now via Platinumlist and start from AED 275.
24 May: Bassem Youssef and Maz Jobrani
Bassem Youssef and Maz Jobrani have also been confirmed to take the stage at Abu Dhabi Comedy Week. Youssef, for starters, needs no introduction, but here’s a brief one. A surgeon-turned-comedian who hails from Egypt, he’s known for his sharp wit and insightful commentary. As for Youssef’s claim to fame? He was the host of Al Bernameg, the first political satire show in the Middle East, one that grew in popularity and reached a staggering 30 million viewers a week. Jobrani, meanwhile, is a renowned Iranian-American comic and actor who has made many appearances on television’s most popular shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Shameless. Jobrani’s other stand-up comedy specials include Immigrant, a Netflix original, and solo specials on Showtime such as Brown and Friendly and I Come in Peace.
🎟️ Tickets are available now via Platinumlist and start from AED 250.
25 May: Chris Tucker
Renowned for his boundless energy and impeccable comedic timing, Chris Tucker first captured audiences’ hearts in the 1990s with his appearances on the HBO comedy series, Def Comedy Jam. Since then, he has since starred in numerous hit films including The Fifth Element, Money Talks, and the beloved Rush Hour franchise alongside Jackie Chan. His journey to stardom began in the comedy clubs of Atlanta before he made the leap to Los Angeles in pursuit of his stand-up comedy career. Originally known for his spot-on impressions, his repertoire has now grown to see him becoming a multifaceted comedian who touches on a range of hot-button topics throughout his sets.
🎟️ Tickets are available now via Platinumlist and start from AED 250.
25 May: Tom Segura
Tom Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business and will be taking centre stage at Etihad Arena on Saturday, 25 May. He’s best known for his Netflix specials Ball Hog, Disgraceful, Mostly Stories, and Completely Normal. In July 2022, he released his best-selling book I’d Like to Play Alone, Please, which was described as “laugh out loud funny” by Forbes. An evening rooted in his storytelling prowess and clever humour are expected as Segura arrives on our shores.
🎟️ Tickets are available now via Platinumlist and start from AED 195.
26 May: Jo Koy
Following his highly successful show in Dubai last year and the release of his highly acclaimed Universal Picture film, Easter Sunday, and recent Netflix special, the comic is now bound for Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. Koy’s relatable style of humour, which draws on his Filipino heritage and his experiences growing up, had audiences in stitches during his previous performance in the UAE. The new show promises to be even bigger and better as he brings his signature blend of hard-hitting wit and creative storytelling to the stage once again.
🎟️ Tickets are available now via Platinumlist and start from AED 180.
