The curious case of stand-up comedy in Dubai, UAE
A refreshing evening in collaboration with Comedy Kix, a comedy hub of Dubai, which has been nurturing comedic talent since 2019
Confession: it has been a while since we last watched a stand-up comedy show in the town, so let’s say that we did feel our funny bones were a bit rusty and tad cynical when we walked in on a Sunday evening to Bay Club DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai, Business Bay, to watch the free comedy night, held in collaboration with Comedy Kix, a comedy hub of Dubai, nurturing comedic talent since 2019.
Rewind, there were many reasons we’d stopped showing up. The Problem of Plenty, a comedy evening every single day of the week at every other pub/lounge, has, over the years, brought the talent quotient at these nights a tad lower — how many laughs can you generate from the town, week after week? Not many, which led to the comedians performing the same sets every alternate night as they pub-hopped. You can’t create fresh content each night; it is impossible and futile. Have we evolved to an era where people would buy tickets for a night? Not yet, so the idea remains to sell talent in the garb of free, discounted drinks and more. How will that change? Only if we applaud at our end, and the performers pull up the socks at theirs.
Before anyone gets offended, just like they offer a warning at comedy nights: Of course, we have never been on the stage attempting to do this challenging job, so we greatly respect those who do it, night after night.
Back to the Sunday night, this one was refreshing; the tiny audience in attendance was perfect, for it didn’t overwhelm the audience nor the comedians, as a few tried their jokes. We didn’t mind being guinea pigs to their fresh-off notebooks and mobile jokes or being spotlighted. It takes a village to raise not just a child but a comedian, and we here at stories over art are for all that!
Tudor, who has spent six months in the UAE, is already on stage and deserves to be applauded. He did mention he performed back home, but it takes many to figure out du connections and Salik routes in six months, and here he was on stage! Faizan made us laugh with his oh-so-humble, self-deprecating humor; the jokes may be old, about budgets, dating issues, and more, but his delivery and unique touch to each stereotype was refreshing. Z’ content was sharp, well-researched, and refreshing. He relied on his bald self and did draw in many chuckles! Moncef was impressive with his engagement style, Spanish and French attempts, and wore casual very well. Polina picked up a fun thread of thoughts but didn’t deliver many punches, but kudos to her for a pleasant attempt! As the evening host, Amr said, “It takes a lot of courage to be on the stage, foremost. Second, imagine trying to make a bunch of strangers laugh.”
Amr kept us entertained. How do you be good at crowd work, even with a handful to target? This funny Egyptian knows that! The show ended with the senior performer. Can we call Imah Dumaghay that now? She, too, relied on a few old jokes to introduce herself to her Filipino self, which we didn’t mind and laughed along. She is always easy to watch and doesn’t complicate comedy too much, which we like. Also, it was lovely how each performer incorporated what the previous performers said/did in their acts; watching the impromptu sense of humor at work was excellent!
Will we return? Oh yes! And yes, while we have accepted that nothing can start on time in the town, they did start 40 minutes later (Showtime:8pm), but it would be great to resolve in 2025 to start on time, respect the punctual, and let the latecomers deal with FOMO? The venue is doing a decent job utilizing its pool area to get in some sales and guests over the good winter months. Still, they could create a better experience by enhancing the aesthetics and expanding the menu to get people to stay in for a little longer. We enjoyed our meal of nachos, shrimp, and pizzas, and the service was superb; the food was average. The portion sizes and value for money are a plus as well. A few cosmetic changes to the venue and extra garnish would only add to the already pleasant atmosphere!
Until next time, to laughs and flavors.

Authored by Purva Grover
Purva Grover is an author, journalist, and creative entrepreneur. She is the founder-editor of storiesoverart.com, a sanctuary for all who find solace, inspiration, and purpose in art. In a world that often overlooks the significance of art, she stands firm in her belief that it is essential, more so than anything else.
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