Abu Dhabi Comedy Week: Guide to the festival, line-up and show times

Comics such as Bassem Youssef, Dave Chappelle and Andrew Schulz are on the bill for the capital's first stand-up series

Bassem Youssef, Dave Chappelle and Andrew Schulz will perform at the first Abu Dhabi Comedy Week. Photo: Chris Whiteoak; AP; Getty Images

Get ready for laughter.

The inaugural Abu Dhabi Comedy Week is set to take place at Etihad Arena, beginning on Saturday and running until May 26 with a stellar line-up of comedians.

Here's a guide about what to know before going, who's playing and what time the shows start.

No phones and no cash

Ahead of the first show, organisers are advising guests not to bring electronics, as the event will be a phone-free experience. This means the use of phones, smartwatches and accessories will not be permitted. Anyone seen using a device during the performance will be escorted out of the venue.

For those who bring any smart devices, they will be placed in a locked, secure pouch for the duration of the show and will only be unlocked once the event is over. Visitors are also advised to print out their tickets for faster entry and to carry credit cards, as the venue is cashless and Apple Pay or Google Pay will not be accepted.

So with that out of the way, here's who will be performing and when they will take to the stage.

Aziz Ansari

When: May 18 at 8pm

Ansari, known for his role in the hit series Parks and Recreation as well as his Emmy-winning Netflix show Master of None, will begin the comedy festival. In 2016, he made history as the first Indian-American actor to land a lead comedy-acting Emmy nomination.

Tommy Tiernan and Kevin Bridges

When: May 19 at 8pm

Tiernan is an Irish stand-up comic best known for playing Gerry in the British sitcom Derry Girls. He also hosts The Tommy Tiernan Show, where he has to interview guests but doesn't know who they are until they come out meaning it is all done on the fly.

Meanwhile, Scottish comic Bridges has four stand-up specials to his name, including 2018's The Brand New Tour. He is also a repeat guest on British TV shows such as Would I Lie to You and Have I Got News for You. He has also performed on Live at the Apollo and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow.

Bad Friends: Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee

When: May 21 at 8pm

The pair are behind the popular podcast Bad Friends. They are known for their unique blend of humour, honesty and unfiltered banter. Bringing The Bad Friends Live Show to Abu Dhabi, expect unpredictable antics and behind-the-scenes stories from the duo's lives and careers. There will also be special guests, interactive segments and opportunities for audience participation.

Andrew Schulz

When: May 22 at 8pm

Andrew Schulz performed a sold-out show in Abu Dhabi last year. Getty Images

A New York native, Schulz is known for unfiltered comedy that is geared and customised for the city he is performing in. He has sold out arenas on his US tour and was in Abu Dhabi in October to perform as part of UFC 294 Showdown Week. Schulz also hosts popular podcasts Flagrant and The Brilliant Idiots and stars in the comedy mini-series Schulz Saves America on Netflix.

Dave Chappelle

When: May 23 at 8pm

Dave Chappelle, one of the biggest names in comedy, is coming to the UAE capital for the first time. He previously played two sold-out shows in Dubai in 2015 and 2018. The seasoned comedian is known for his razor-sharp wit and fearless approach to comedy, garnering public discussion and sold-out crowds in seemingly equal measure. An actor and stand-up star in the 1990s, he rose to international fame with his ground-breaking sketch comedy series Chappelle's Show, which aired from 2003 to 2006.

Bassem Youssef and Maz Jobrani

When: May 24 at 8pm

Bassem Youssef, left, and Maz Jobrani. Photo: Live Nation Middle East

An Egyptian surgeon-turned-comedian, Youssef has been in the global spotlight recently thanks to his viral interviews with Piers Morgan on the Israel-Gaza war. Their first, which was posted on YouTube on October 18, has been viewed millions of times. Morgan said it was his most-watched interview since his show was launched two years ago.

American comedian Jobrani, who is of Iranian origin, has appeared on popular shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Shameless. He's no stranger to the UAE, having performed at many venues across the country. He also starred as the title character in the award-winning indie comedy film Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero, which he co-wrote and co-produced.

Tom Segura

When: May 25 at 6pm

The American stand-up comedian is best known for his observational and often dark comedy style. Segura has released several stand-up specials on platforms like Netflix, including Completely Normal, Mostly Stories, Disgraceful, and Ball Hog.

In addition to his stand-up career, Segura co-hosts the popular podcast Your Mom's House with his wife and fellow comedian Christina Pazsitzky. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including current events, personal stories, and humorous commentary on internet culture. In July 2022, he released his New York Times bestselling book, I’d Like To Play Alone, Please.

Chris Tucker

When: May 25 at 9.30pm

Chris Tucker last performed in the UAE capital more than a decade ago. Getty Images

Tucker was last in Abu Dhabi in 2013 when he performed two shows. He is best known for his role in the Rush Hour film series alongside Jackie Chan. However, it was his trademark squeaky voice and celebrity impersonations that made him a regular performer in the Def Comedy Jam television series in the early 1990s. His career is marked by his dynamic comedic style, which combines rapid-fire delivery, physical comedy and a knack for impersonations.

Joy Ko

When: May 26 at 8pm

Koy, a regular performer in the UAE, is known for his relatable comedy, pulling inspiration from his family. From his modest beginnings performing in a Las Vegas coffee house, he is now one of the top names in comedy, with four Netflix specials, an autobiography and a Billboard No 1 for his stand-up comedy album, Live From Seattle.

More information at etihadarena.ae