Jo Koy, Aziz Ansari and Tom Segura to headline first Abu Dhabi Comedy Week

More acts are set to be announced in the coming weeks, organisers say

From left, Jo Koy, Aziz Ansari and Tom Segura will headline the first Abu Dhabi Comedy Week. Photos: AP, Netflix

The UAE capital is getting its own annual comedy festival. The first Abu Dhabi Comedy Week is set to take place in May, with Aziz Ansari, Tom Segura and Jo Koy headlining the event.

To be held from May 18 to 26 at the Etihad Arena, more acts, including established and rising stars, will be announced in the coming weeks, organisers Live Nation Middle East say.

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 event on May 18.

Segura, one of the biggest names in the business, will take the stage on May 25. He is known for his Netflix specials including Ball Hog and Disgraceful. In July 2022, he released his New York Times bestselling book, I’d Like To Play Alone, Please.

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.

Koy will take the stage on May 26.

“We are thrilled to be a part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Week, the capital’s new annual celebration of joy and laughter, underscoring our commitment to presenting premier entertainment offerings to the vibrant community of Abu Dhabi,” says James Craven, president of Live Nation Middle East.

“With an incredible line-up featuring some of the biggest names in the industry brought to the festival by Live Nation Middle East, Abu Dhabi Comedy Week will offer unforgettable experiences for comedy fans across the region. Having already established ourselves on the comedy circuit, hosting the biggest comedy show seen in the UAE last year, this is another incredible step in our live entertainment journey.”

Pre-sale registration for Abu Dhabi Comedy Week will open on Wednesday at www.livenation.me and www.etihadarena.ae