Dubai’s comedy scene is always buzzing. From celebrity comics on global tours to homegrown talent setting the local scene, there’s plenty of comedy to keep an eye on. Make room in your schedule for some hearty laughter this month with these must-see comedy shows in Dubai.
Laugh to your heart’s desire with Arzoo Malhotra
Arzoo Malhotra is a woman but she’s not quite a lady, or so she's told. Born in India, raised in America and living in the Middle East, Arzoo must navigate many mixed messages on how to behave like a proper lady. In her debut special Unladylike, the local comedian unpacks ongoing battles with her identity while paving the way as one of the UAE’s first formidable female comedians. Catch this hilarious show ahead of her performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
When: 11 July
Where: The Junction, Alserkal Avenue
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Hear Kunal Kamra’s latest musings
A handful of years ago, Kunal Kamra left a job in advertising to pursue comedy and the world is better for it. His appearances at comedy clubs in India attracted a dedicated following and now he has a podcast and over 1 million subscribers on YouTube to show for it. He performed his special ‘Fresh Thoughts’ in Dubai in 2018 and he’s back again this July with an update – ‘Fresher Thoughts’. Hear brand new material by this charming comedian at Bollywood Parks.
When: 12 July
Where: Rajmahal Theatre, Bollywood Parks
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No run of the mill comedians at The Laughter Factory
You can trust Dubai’s longest-running comedy night, The Laughter Factory, to always have something fresh up its sleeves. They’re not joking around with this month’s star line-up, featuring Scotland’s top comic Stuart Mitchell, the shockingly funny Cory Michaelis, and the-ever feisty Allyson June Smith. The terrific three are performing at various venues in Dubai from 11 to 19 July, with a final show at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. Visit Dubai Calendar for the full schedule.
When: 11-19 July
Where: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
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Get muddled up with Jason Manford
Jason Manford is all kinds of talented. A renowned comedian with hit tours, a trained opera singer with a studio album, an on-screen and voiceover actor, a prolific writer and television personality – Manford wears a lot of hats in the entertainment industry. But he wasn’t always always a celebrity. In his newest show, The Muddle Class Tour, Manford explores his ascent from a modest working-class family to a middle class one that affords him unexpected perks and uncertainties. Hear all about it at his one-off performance at The Laughter Factory this July.
When: 25 July
Where: Movenpick Hotel JBR
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Big laughs for Varun Grover
The third season of Laughathon carries on to month two aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 with India’s ray of comedy sunshine, Varun Grover. This talented artist is not only a superbly hilarious comedian, but he’s also a celebrated lyricist with a scrolling list of awards for his work. He even penned the thriller show Sacred Games on Netflix, which stars Bollywood celebrity Saif Ali Khan. A jack of all trades and master of many, Grover is a can’t-miss feature in this month’s comedy calendar.
When: 26 July
Where: Theatre by QE2, Queen Elizabeth 2
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