Dubai Comedy Festival is one of the highlights of the city’s social calendar. A must-attend cultural event for sophisticated residents and visitors alike, the festival has positioned itself as one of the most prestigious on the global comedy circuit in recent years, drawing a world-class lineup of the planet’s best comedians. With this year’s edition set to be the biggest and best yet, read on to learn everything you need to know about Dubai Comedy Festival 2025.
Inside the Dubai Comedy Festival
Belly-aching laughter returns to the city this October, as the Dubai Comedy Festival brings the world’s funniest comedians to Dubai once again.
Having debuted in 2015, the festival has featured some of the game’s greatest talents, with acts such as England’s Al Murray and North American pair Russell Peters and Chris Distefano all appearing at varying points over the years. As a marker of just how elite these comedians are, both Peters and Distefano are regular guests on the world’s most popular podcast, the renowned Joe Rogan Experience.
This year’s event – which runs from October 2 to 12 – remains one of the best on the comedy circuit, hosting top-class talent in the form of British luminary Omid Djalili, Ireland’s hilarious Joanne McNally and American Akaash Singh, regular partner of fellow comedian Andrew Schultz. Carrying on the Rogan link is the UFC commentator’s long-time friend and collaborator, Tom Segura, arguably one of the best comedians in the world right now and a veteran of no fewer than five Netflix comedy specials.
With all this and more on show, there is truly something for everyone at this year's Dubai Comedy Festival.
Premium Perks
Featuring some of the biggest names in comedy, the Dubai Comedy Festival will utilise the iconic Coca-Cola Arena for at least two headline shows. Situated in City Walk, the venue will bookend the festival with an opening performance by Segura on October 2 and a closing show by Zakir Khan on October 12.
The venue offers access to hospitality suites, which provide the best viewing positions in the arena thanks to panoramic views of the stage, in addition to expertly crafted menus with diverse selections. The suites also boast elegantly designed interiors, with an additional option to customise the suite decor to suit your own personal style.
For those interested, a continued subscription for a hospitality suite at the Coca-Cola Arena means priority access to all publicly ticketed events, invitations to networking functions, as well as access to unique, backstage experiences.
Where to Stay During the Festival
For those in town to sample some of the laughs on offer, Dubai presents a plethora of world-class hotel options.
Just a short distance from the Coca-Cola Arena, Address Sky View, Armani Hotel Dubai and Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai represent some of Downtown’s most sophisticated accommodations, alongside options such as Address Downtown and Vida Dubai Mall.
Business Bay offers additional refined accommodations in the shape of The Lana, Dorchester Collection, JW Marriott Marquis, Anantara Downtown Dubai and The St Regis Downtown Dubai.
All of these high-end hotels offer a range of immaculate suites, suitable for those who wish to experience Dubai in style.
Fine Dining and Nightlife in Dubai
Dubai is home to an abundance of outstanding Michelin-starred restaurants, in addition to high-end places to relax after dinner.
La Dame de Pic Dubai, located in One&Only One Za’abeel, offers modern French cuisine in some of the city’s most luxurious surroundings, while Moonrise in Eden House, Al Satwa, provides a carefully constructed menu of Middle Eastern and Japanese fusion cuisine.
Bvlgari Resort Dubai, located on the highly exclusive Jumeirah Bay Island, boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants: the exquisite Japanese Hoseki, helmed by sixth-generation sushi master Masahiro Sugiyama, and Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, an elegant celebration of the rich history of Italian cuisine.
The nearby Palm Jumeirah presents further Michelin-starred options in the form of refined choices such as Ossiano, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Smoked Room, all of which boast exceptional cuisine and five-star service.
Beyond the Comedy Festival
Thanks to the multicultural element of Dubai, there are endless possibilities when it comes to further entertainment options.
For those in town for a short time, the Burj Khalifa is not to be missed; the coffee morning event at At.mosphere – the highest restaurant in the world – offers outstanding views of the city, while Dubai Mall at the base of the world’s tallest building functions as a shopper’s paradise. The world-class fountain show within the Burj Khalifa complex is also an inspired, family-friendly option.
Global Village is another outstanding choice for those who wish to experience the best the city has to offer. The complex features entertainment, shopping and dining from all corners of the earth, functioning as a place where cultures come together to celebrate diversity, enjoy immersive experiences, and create unforgettable memories.
For those so inclined, Dubai boasts a high concentration of some of the world’s best golf courses. Emirates Golf Club – the oldest in the Middle East – is an excellent option, while Jumeirah Golf Estates, Arabian Ranches and Trump International Golf Club are other exceptional choices for those who wish to take advantage of the city’s impeccable golf scene.
Old Dubai offers a more traditional experience, while a sustainable desert safari is ideal for those who wish to further experience Emirati culture.
This year’s Dubai Comedy Festival promises to be the biggest and best yet. Headliners such as Tom Segura continue to cement the city’s reputation as a shining star on the global comedy stage. For festival-goers, Dubai offers a wealth of additional attractions, from high-end dining and luxury hotels to a host of other five-star experiences, reflecting the city’s status as one of the world’s most well-equipped destinations for discerning visitors.
