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Netflix stars will align for UAE capital’s first week of comedy

- David Tusing

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.

Running 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 string of Netflix comedy 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 and Filipino heritage. 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 standup comedy album, Live From Seattle. He will take to 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 lineup 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 circuit, hosting the biggest comedy show seen in the UAE last year, this is another incredible step in our live entertainm­ent journey.”

Abu Dhabi Comedy Week will run from May 18 to 26. Tickets start at Dh250; www.etihadaren­a.ae

 ?? ?? Aziz Ansari will open the capital’s comedy festival
Aziz Ansari will open the capital’s comedy festival

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