Welcoming over 40,000 attendees throughout its run, Abu Dhabi Comedy Week was a remarkable success with a star-studded lineup featuring Dave Chappelle, Andrew Schulz, Tom Segura, Aziz Ansari, Chris Tucker, Tommy Tiernan and Kevin Bridges, Bassem Youssef, and Maz Jobrani.
The capital witnessed a historic performance by Dave Chappelle, the largest comedy show to ever take place in the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi, UAE –: The inaugural Abu Dhabi Comedy Week has recently wrapped up its laugh-a-minute festival of funny with resounding success. Marking an extraordinary celebration of comedy that captivated over 40,000 attendees, this superb showcase of some of the world’s best comedians captivated guests from start to finish.
Hosted at the iconic Etihad Arena on Yas Island from May 18th to 26th, this groundbreaking event was one of the stand-out events on Abu Dhabi’s entertainment calendar, offering a week filled with non-stop laughter and unforgettable performances.
One of the biggest highlights of the week was undoubtedly Dave Chappelle’s outrageous performance on May 23rd. Known for his incisive wit and cultural commentary, the hilarious comedian drew a completely sold-out crowd, cementing his status as a comedy legend. The audience was treated to an evening of sharp humour and thought-provoking insights as they were left in stitches with his unique brand of humour.
Festivalgoers were also treated to a world first, as comedy giants Bassem Youssef and Maz Jobrani joined forces, delivering a side-splitting show on May 24th. This rip-roaring sold-out show demonstrated their unmatched ability to deliver cultural satire that resonated with the audience, making their collaboration a historic moment in the region’s comedy scene.
Following his sold-out show last year, New York native and internationally touring stand-up comic and podcaster Andrew Schulz also made a triumphant return to the Etihad Arena with his acclaimed The Life Tour on May 22nd. Schulz’s unfiltered comedy and dynamic stage presence once again captivated the audience, proving why he remains a favourite among comedy enthusiasts. With nothing off limits, Schulz brought the audience on a comedic exploration of existence in all its messy glory, having everyone in stitches throughout the entire show.
Adding even further to the excitement, the festival welcomed Aziz Ansari and Tom Segura to Abu Dhabi for the first time. Ansari kicked off the festival on May 18th with his signature comedic style, while Segura brought his widely celebrated humour to the stage on May 25th. Both performances were met with enthusiastic responses, highlighting the diverse comedic talent featured at the festival.
Seeing out the weekend on Sunday, May 19th, Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan, well known for hosting The Tommy Tiernan show and his appearances as Gerry on Derry Girls, and Scottish funnyman Kevin Bridges, a staple on panel shows across the UK, delivered a rip-roaring show that kept the audience laughing from start to finish. They were joined by special guest Joanne McNally, the Irish comedian and actress who is fresh off her appearances on the hit TV show Taskmaster. The combination of Tiernan’s wit, Bridges’ sharp humour, and McNally’s lively presence made for an unforgettable evening of comedy. Last but not least, known for his relatable humour and energetic stage presence, fans of comedy also got to witness the eclectic Jo Koy at his performance on May 26th as he delivered an unforgettable show filled with witty one-liners and hilarious anecdotes.
The success of the first edition of Abu Dhabi Comedy Week underscores its potential to become an annual staple in the city’s vibrant entertainment calendar. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral in partnership with Live Nation Middle East, the event brought together comedic legends and rising stars, creating a platform for world-class comedy in the UAE.
James Craven, President of Live Nation Middle East, remarked on the success, saying, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the inaugural Abu Dhabi Comedy Week. This event underscores our commitment to bringing premier entertainment to the vibrant community of Abu Dhabi. With over 40,000 tickets sold and an incredible lineup of comedians, we’ve set a high bar for future editions of this festival.”
Following its stellar debut, Abu Dhabi Comedy Week promises to return with even more laughter and entertainment in the coming years.
