Here is part of our summer guide to some of the hottest events in the UAE.
After the success of last year’s event, the United Nations of Comedy showcase returns with more laughs from some of the Arab world’s leading comics. On the bill this year are “Lebanon’s King of Comedy” Nemr Abou Nassar, the Australian-Egyptian Khaled Khalafalla, the Palestinian-American Aron Kader, the Kuwait-born American Mo Amer, the Iranian Amir K and the US-based Sammy Obeid.
Nassar, a Beiruti with a degree in finance and philosophy, is full of observational barbs about growing up in the region. With four television specials behind him, he’s a seasoned hand, with material performed in English with a few Arabic terms thrown in.
The Australian-Egyptian comic Khalafalla, who is also making the journey to the capital, is a rising star in his homeland with regular performances at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in addition to a stint in New York last year. A smooth and suave performer, he is sure to set the crowds cackling with his tales of childhood and about being an Arab Down Under.
• United Nations of Comedy II is on August 28 and 29 at Emirates Palace. Tickets on www.ticketmaster.ae
sasaeed@thenational.ae