Have a laugh with stand-up comedy in Dubai

Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges, Dara Ó Briain from Ireland, and British comics Al Murray, John Bishop, Michael McIntyre and Jack Whitehall have all performed at the Dubai World Trade Centre – a seasoned comedy hotspot with a stellar reputation. An iconic 39-storey landmark from the late 1970s, the venue has evolved to become one of the region’s largest purpose-built complex for events and exhibitions of all sizes, which means there's always something fun to experience here.

The striking dhow-shaped Dubai Opera, located in the hip Downtown district, is the city’s leading performing arts and entertainment venue. Explore it all here, including award-winning musicals, A-list concerts and laugh-out-loud comedy shows. Talented comedians who have performed at Dubai Opera in the past include French superstar Gad Elmaleh, British favourites Josh Widdicombe and Omid Djalili, and Indian star Vir Das...with plenty more to look forward to.

Dubai’s first and largest fully air-conditioned indoor performance venue has changed the face of entertainment in the region. The multi-purpose venue opened in June 2019 with an incredible show by standup extraordinaire Russell Peters, who brought the house down with his tongue-in-cheek humour. The hits kept coming with US stand-up and Netflix star Jo Koy bringing down the house, followed by London comedian Paul Chowdhry who enthralled audiences at the Dark Laughs 2.0 show in November 2020. Fortunately, Coca-Cola Arena has more laughs on the way with events expected to be held all through the year.

If you are into improv, this is the place to go. The Courtyard Playhouse in Al Quoz is Dubai’s first and only dedicated improvisational theatre, with a 70-seat auditorium. Specialising in Johnstonian-inspired standup comedy and acting, it also broadcasts National Theatre Live, Royal Shakespeare Company Live, Kenneth Branagh Theatre Live and other acclaimed productions regularly. And with its location next door to artisan boutiques and homegrown cafes, you'll be mingling with some of the city's coolest creatives.

With an unbeatable address, the Theatre by QE2 has hosted some of the world's most well-known comedians both in the past and present. It's a popular stop on The Laughter Factory’s tour boasting several big names on the bill, including Michael McIntyre, Lee Mack, Kevin Bridges, Frankie Boyle and Dara Ó Briain. Shows that are held seasonally here include Whose Line Is It? and the latest by family favourite Magic Phil, so stay tuned to Dubai Calendar to see what's on during your stay.

Located in one of the city's most popular shopping malls, the cosy setting of The Theatre often plays host to Dubomedy, pioneers of local comedy in the city. For well over a decade, Dubomedy founders Mina Liccione and Ali Al Sayed have been holding in-demand classes in standup, sketches and improvisation for budding amateurs, and organising special showcases at venues across Dubai, including The Theatre. Whether you're keen to see India's funniest comedic exports, French icons like Jean-Marie Bigard or simply the best homegrown talent live, you'll find it here.

Already a hub for homegrown creativity, Alserkal Avenue at Al Quoz shines for its spotlight on performing arts at The Junction. While Dubai regularly hosts the best in international talent, The Junction offers plenty of space on its stage for the city's resident comedians, poets, dancers, actors and musicians to shine. There's also a regular calendar of popular Indian comedians, Arab comic heavyweights and one-off specials to look forward to and, with only around 150 seats, the intimate setting adds to its charm.