DUBAI GETS SERIOUS ABOUT COMEDY

Dubai Comedy Festival 2015 kicks off this week, launching a series of rib-tickling performances by stellar international acts including Dave Chappelle and Trevor Noah. The international comedy heavyweights will headline 10-days on non-stop laughter which kicks off on Thursday, 15 October 2015. 

Highlights include performances by Las Vegas comedy magician Mac King on ‘Etisalat Family Day’ as well as  closing shows by Dave Chappelle (22-23 October 2015) and Trevor Noah (24 October 2015). The first two shows - Dubai 3al Wagef and the performance by Hannibal Buress and Jerrod Carmichael – will now take place at Meyana Theatre, Jumeirah Beach Hotel to facilitate a more intimate environment for the performances. 

“We have put an enormous amount of effort into ensuring that comedy fans in Dubai, as well as those visiting Dubai, have the best possible experience at the festival. At the end of the day, it showcases the multiple facets of the city – our world-class infrastructure has allowed us to stage an event of this scale, our connectivity that has enabled us to bring in talent from around the globe and our forward-thinking approach that has helped us engage diverse audiences,” said Hamad bin Mejren, Senior Vice President, Dubai Tourism 

To ensure a seamless and easy experience for comedy fans flocking to the show, Dubai Tourism has encouraged attendees to take taxis or public transport to the venues. The Dubai Comedy Festival has also signed a partnership agreement with Careem, the MENA-based car booking app. All first-time Careem users can avail of a complimentary first ride to the festival, for fares amounting up to AED 80. Repeat users will have 15% off when driving to or back from the festival using promo code CARDCF15. 

“This is an amazing event for the performers, specifically comedians in Dubai and the region as it brings a lot of international and local attention to the rich pool of comedic talent in the city. The event is a true representation of Dubai’s sensibilities – it is global, cosmopolitan, diverse, sophisticated and enhances UAE’s stature as a mandatory stop for arts, culture and performance professionals. As a home-grown performer, it is a matter of great pride for me to kick off the event with this infectiously funny group of gentlemen,” stated Ali Al Sayed, Creative Consultant for Dubai Comedy Festival.

The ten-day festival will run from October 15 – 24, 2015 and will be hosted across several venues in the city including the custom-made 4,500-seat Main Stage at Sky Dive Dubai, DUCTAC, Meyana Theatre at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and stages across Comedy Strip @ JBR Walk.