Latest news with #DubaiOpera
What's On
a day ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Michael Lives Forever is coming to Dubai this September
If you've ever wanted to see Michael Jackson live, this is the closest you're going to get. Rodrigo Teaser, one of the most acclaimed MJ tribute artists in the world, is bringing Michael Lives Forever to the Dubai Opera stage on Saturday, September 7. This isn't your average tribute act. We're talking full-scale production – iconic vocals, legendary dance moves, and stage presence that has even MJ's former choreographer calling it the real deal. The tracks you know by heart Expect to hear the tracks you grew up moonwalking to, Billie Jean , Thriller , Smooth Criminal , Beat It , Black or White – performed live and loud. Whether you know every lyric or just the hooks, this one will have you dancing all night. Who is Rodrigo Teaser? Not just a lookalike. Teaser is the only Latin American artist officially recognised by Sony Music as a Michael Jackson tribute performer. He's toured the world, performed with Jennifer Batten (MJ's longtime guitarist), and is now directed by Lavelle Smith Jr – yes, the same Lavelle who worked directly with Michael for years. The venue One of the city's most iconic venues, Dubai Opera is the perfect setting for this kind of show – theatre-level acoustics, comfy seating, and bang in the heart of Downtown. The details Location: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai Times: Saturday, September 7 | Show starts at 8pm Cost: Starting from Dhs295 Booking: Get your tickets via Contact: @dubaiopera More big names If you're planning your concert calendar, the UAE is stacked: Jennifer Lopez at Etihad Arena on July 29, Lil Baby on October 18, Elissa at Dubai Opera on November 3, Enrique Iglesias in November, and Katy Perry closing the year in December. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Web Release
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Web Release
More Laughs Incoming as Dubai Comedy Festival Adds 9 New Shows in 6 languages to Its 2025 Line-Up
The Dubai Comedy Festival is bringing the heat this October with another wave of brilliant comedians set to leave audiences in stitches. With something for every kind of comedy fan, this fresh batch of artists promises to deliver even more laughs for humour lovers throughout the city. The latest additions to the line-up include David Voinson, Shawn Chidiac aka My Parents Are Divorced, Masood Boomgaard, Paul Taylor, the German Laugh Club 5-Year Anniversary (with Benaisaa Lamroubal, Khalid Bounouar & Salim Samatou), Stand-Up From Home: Dubai Style!, Emaad Siddiqui, Abbas Bukhari, and the Facepalm Stand-Up Comedy Show . Returning for its 7th and funniest year yet, Dubai Comedy Festival 2025 is taking place from October 2nd to 12th across some of the city's most iconic venues, including Dubai Opera, Mall of the Emirates Theatres, and Coca-Cola Arena. Produced by BRAG and presented by Dubai Calendar, the festival continues to cement its reputation as a cultural highlight in the city. Among the internationally acclaimed acts already confirmed are Mo Amer, Tom Segura, Zakir Khan, Joanne McNally, Omid Djalili, Morgan Jay, Akaash Singh, John Achkar, Jamie Laing & Sophie Habboo, Amer Zahr, Redouane Bougheraba, Gaurav Kapoor, and Ivan Abramov. David Voinson At just 27, French comedy sensation David Voinson brings his first-ever solo show to Dubai, diving headfirst into the hilarious chaos of dating, friendship, and finding yourself in your twenties. With his trademark energy, David hilariously unpacks the contradictions of a generation caught between romantic freedom and the search for true love. Presented in partnership with Blu Blood Group, through wildly relatable stories about parties, friendships, family, and the eternal mystery of women, he explores the dilemmas every twenty-something faces, from impressing dates without looking like a player to decoding modern relationships. A viral hit thanks to his iconic 'blonde' character, David's mix of charm, honesty, and high-energy delivery makes this a must-see show for anyone who's ever questioned if they're doing life right. Date: Tuesday, October 7th Doors Open: 6:30 PM; Show Starts: 7:00 PM Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: French; Ages:12+ Ticket Prices: VIP: AED 375 PLATINUM: AED 325 GOLD: AED 275 SILVER: AED 175 BOX: AED 175 Shawn Chidiac aka My Parents Are Divorced Known online as @myparents_are_divorced, Shawn Chidiac is a Lebanese Canadian content creator whose sharp, observational humour and viral sketch comedy have made him the voice of a generation. Born in Canada, raised in Dubai, and powered by 550K+ followers on Instagram, Shawn will impart his unique take on millennial life, accents, and identity on the New Covent Garden Theatre stage for a truly one-of-a-kind showcase of wit, satire, and unforgettable one-liners. Presented by AJ Entertainment, this exceptional showcase of social commentary is not to be missed. Date: Saturday, October 4th Doors Open: 8:00 PM; Show Starts: 8:30 PM Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: English; Ages:16+ Ticket Prices: VIP: AED 695 PLATINUM: AED 495 GOLD: AED 295 SILVER: AED 195 BOX: AED 575 Masood Boomgaard Presented by Live Nation Middle East, prepare to step into the absurdly hilarious world of Self-help Singh, the alter ego of international comedian Masood Boomgaard. Described as a 'de-motivational speaker' and parody life coach, Self-help Singh delivers mock wisdom and satirical life advice that brilliantly blends stand-up comedy, motivational parody, and spiritual nonsense. Born out of a questionable lamb vindaloo and a bathroom mishap, this viral character has captivated millions online with his unapologetically unhelpful yet side-splittingly funny guidance. With performances spanning New York, London, Dubai, and even his dad's garage, Boomgaard brings this one-of-a-kind live experience to the Dubai stage, where comedy meets chaos in the most enlightening way. Date: Thursday, October 9th Doors Open: 6:30 PM; Show Starts: 7:00 PM Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: English; Ages:16+ Ticket Prices: GOLD: AED 250 SILVER: AED 195 BOX: AED 250 Paul Taylor British comedian Paul Taylor is back, and this time, he's taking 'Le French Bashing' to anozerrr leveulle! After three sold-out bilingual world tours and viral success with his hit TV show 'WTF France,' Paul takes to the stage to unpack his life as a Brit in France, filled with linguistic fails, cultural clashes, and the kind of brutally honest observations only an expat can deliver. Known for turning gentle mockery into an art form and somehow getting away with it, Paul brings his signature sarcasm to Dubai for a night of unfiltered laughs. Presented by Live Nation Middle East, this show is a must-see for anyone who's ever felt like a foreigner… especially in France. Date: Friday, October 10th Doors Open: 6:30 PM; Show Starts: 7:00 PM Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: English; Ages:16+ Ticket Prices: GOLD: AED 250 Box: AED 250 Stand-Up From Home: Dubai Style! Featuring: Elena Korneeva, Ramis Akhmetov, Pyotr Gremyakin, Adis Mammo, And Aman Tyulyugenov Presented by Facepalm Comedy, get ready for a powerhouse lineup of top-tier comedians from across the CIS during the upcoming Stand-Up From Home: Dubai Style! Flying in for one unforgettable evening of laughter, culture, and unfiltered fun, expect to witness Elena Korneeva's bold and vibrant feminine energy, Ramis Akhmetov's rare flair for musical comedy, Pyotr Gremyakin's hilariously honest takes on everyday life, and Adis Mammo's sharp intellect and charm, with each act offering something uniquely hilarious. Topping off the night is Aman Tyulyugenov, the father of Kazakh stand-up and a true master of improvisation. Featuring a distinctly Dubai twist, and for one night only, this show will be all laughs, no borders. Date: Tuesday, October 7th Doors Open: 8:30 PM; Show Starts: 9:00 PM Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: Russian; Ages:16+ Ticket Prices: VIP: AED 500 PLATINUM: AED 400 GOLD: AED 300 SILVER: AED 200 BOX: AED 350 German Laugh Club – 5-Year Anniversary Featuring: Benaisaa Lamroubal, Khalid Bounouar, Salim Samatou Adding another multicultural element to the Dubai Comedy Festival, Dubai's original and most beloved German-language comedy night turns five, and it's going bigger than ever. For the first time, the German Laugh Club joins the Dubai Comedy Festival with an anniversary celebration that brings the iconic RebellComedy trio live to the stage: Benaissa Lamroubal, Khalid Bounouar, and Salim Samatou. What began as a niche idea has grown into a sold-out sensation, attracting thousands of expats, tourists, and comedy lovers to laugh along in German under the desert sky. With its unbeatable blend of attitude, authenticity, and laugh-out-loud stand-up, this milestone show marks a new chapter for German comedy in the region. Date: Thursday, October 9th Doors Open: 9:00 PM; Show Starts: 9:30 PM Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: German; Ages:16+ Ticket Prices: VIP: AED 370 PLATINUM: AED 270 GOLD: AED 200 SILVER: AED 170 BOX: AED 200 Abbas Bukhari In his deeply personal and disarmingly funny stand-up special Small Talk, Abbas Bukhari takes audiences on a nostalgic, 90-minute journey through the heart of middle-class life in Jhang, Punjab. Blending hilarious storytelling and a touch of poetic flair, Abbas unpacks everything from awkward school days and university friendships to the quirks of family life and the unpredictable rollercoaster of marriage. With warmth, wit, and a love for language, especially Urdu, Small Talk is both a comedic coming-of-age tale and a love letter to the chaos and charm of desi life, presented by AJ Entertainment. This show finds the universal in the beautifully specific to leave you laughing, reminiscing, and maybe even tearing up. Date: Saturday, October 4th Doors Open: 8:30 PM; Show Starts: 9:00 PM Venue: Playhouse Studio Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: Urdu; Ages:16+ Ticket Prices: General Admission: AED 150 Emaad Siddiqui Dubai's very own Emaad Siddiqui takes centre stage with Three of Us, a debut stand-up special that's equal parts comedy, character, and cultural commentary, presented by AJ Entertainment. This high-energy theatrical experience sees Emaad bring to life three distinct personas, starting with himself, a homegrown Desi-Gulf kid navigating the quirks of UAE life. Then, the show kicks into overdrive with two unforgettable alter egos: an old-school Iranian expat chasing Dubai dreams, and a fiery Keralite underdog who's all hustle, heart, and hilarious hustle. With sharp storytelling, spot-on accents, and laugh-out-loud moments throughout, Three of Us is a celebration of identity, chaos, and what it means to grow up in a city like no other. Date: Sunday, October 5th Doors Open: 8:30 PM; Show Starts: 9:00 PM Venue: Playhouse Studio Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: Hindi; Ages: 16+ Ticket Prices: General Admission: AED 100 Facepalm Stand-Up Comedy Show Facepalm Stand-Up Comedy Show is the only Russian-language stand-up and improv night in the UAE, brought to you by the hilarious minds behind Facepalm Comedy. Featuring comedians from across the Russian-speaking world who now call Dubai home, this show captures the quirks, chaos, and charm of life in the city through a uniquely relatable lens. Topics like missed exits on SZR, shopping mall mishaps, and cultural mashups will be the order of business as nothing escapes their observations. Expect a fast-paced night of classic stand-up and unfiltered improvisation, where no two shows are ever the same. Date: Thursday, October 9th Doors Open: 8:30 PM; Show Starts: 9:00 PM Venue: Playhouse Studio Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: Russian; Ages: 16+ Ticket Prices: General Admission: AED 130
Campaign ME
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
How live podcasts are redefining community and content in MENA
Live podcasts are now taking the event industry by a storm. They are extending from smartphone apps to stages around the world and becoming a driving force in live entertainment and community-building. What started as fairly niche audio storytelling and conversations has evolved into a new kind of live event experience that is rooted in familiarity, intimacy, and a shared interest. At Platinumlist, we've seen this transformation unfold and we can say for certain – it's only gaining momentum. From listening to experiencing The emergence of live podcasts changed how people interact with the content they love. Fans are no longer entirely happy with being passive listeners. They seek presence, interaction, and the excitement of seeing their favourite hosts in real time. This desire for connection is fuelling a new genre of live entertainment – refreshingly different from stand-ups, concerts, or seminars. Popular UK shows like Parenting Hell Live and NearlyParents Live have found eager audiences not just in London or Manchester, but across the Middle East. In July 2023, comedians Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe brought their signature chaos to Dubai Opera, transforming parental meltdowns into sold-out comedy gold. In October 2025, Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo returned to the same venue with NearlyParents Live, chronicling their journey into parenthood with an audience full of expats who saw themselves in every anecdote. Live podcasts are more than just traditional stage recordings. They are manifestations of a shared digital closeness that has been transformed into actual group interactions. These programmes, which only require a few microphones, unvarnished honesty, and well-timed humour, encourage a level of involvement that is rarely possible with traditional formats. Why fans show up Three key factors that appeal to younger audiences have contributed to the surge in live podcast events: familiarity, community, and emotional depth. Unlike a new play, concert or seminar, podcast audiences already have a relationship with the performers. They've spent hours or even years with their voices, heard their stories and have a certain attachment to their persona. It's like meeting old friends; except this time, they're holding a mic on stage. This sense of familiarity helps the viewers connect with their favourite performers and shorten the distance between the artist and the community. Second, these events create an instant community. People who attend live podcast shows often share specific interests or life experiences. Whether it's new parenthood, personal development, or chaotic comedy, the crowd is already pre-selected to vibe together. That shared reference point amplifies laughter, vulnerability, and connection. Lastly, there's a unique depth-with-lightness to these shows. Unlike tightly scripted theatre or high-energy stand-up, live podcasts have a flexible, conversational tone. Shows like The Diary of a CEO – An Evening with Steven Bartlett blend real-time audience Q&A with free-form reflection. This brings content that's just intellectually and emotionally stimulating but not overly polished and rehearsed. More than entertainment: A platform for brand and creator growth Creators and brands also benefit from the move to live events. Podcasts are increasingly becoming a part of personal and commercial brand-building strategies. Going live adds a powerful layer: it humanises the voice, strengthens fan loyalty, and creates new monetisation opportunities through tickets, merch, and sponsorships. What's perhaps most striking is how well these events have translated to the Middle East. In a region known for rapid digital adoption and growing demand for culturally relevant content, live podcasts are the perfect platform for local and international audiences and creators. At Platinumlist, we've seen significant interest in these events. Popular UK shows like Parenting Hell Live and NearlyParents Podcast have successfully toured the UAE, demonstrating significant regional appeal. For another live show, My Therapist Ghosted Me's, at Dubai Opera in 2023, tickets were completely sold out. All in all, live podcasts are gaining popularity among the UAE-based fans of international podcast stars. What's next for the region Looking ahead, we see the Middle East as more than just a rising market for international podcasts, but a source of its own live content. There will be no shortage of Arabic, English and bilingual shows from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, building tight-knit communities. There are several key emerging trends in the region. First, we anticipate more local creators launching regional tours. Second, we also expect a rise of podcast mini-festivals and themed series, as well as hybrid event formats that mix live storytelling with Q&A, improvisation, and audience engagement. Finally, we are likely to see more brands partnering with podcast hosts for targeted, trust-based engagement. Podcast live events offer a fresh alternative in a day when content is abundant but real connection is few. And we think this is just the beginning as that community keeps expanding, both online and offline. By Cosmin Ivan, CEO at Platinumlist
CairoScene
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Palestinian Comedian Mo Amer to Perform at Dubai Opera in October
Amer's set will be one of several performances scheduled during Dubai Comedy Festival. Jul 22, 2025 Palestinian-American comedian and writer Mo Amer is set to perform at Dubai Opera on Thursday, October 9th, as part of the Dubai Comedy Festival. Known for his sharp observational humour and storytelling focused on family and identity, Amer's set will be one of several performances scheduled during the festival, which runs from October 2nd to 12th. Presented by Live Nation Middle East, the festival will also feature comedians including Tom Segura, Akaash Singh, Joanne McNally, John Achkar, Amer Zahr, and Zakir Khan. Amer has received multiple awards for his work, including a Gotham Award and a Peabody Award, and is recognised for his appearances in the Netflix series 'Mo'. Tickets start at AED 295 and are available through PlatinumList's official website.
Web Release
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
The Outrageously Funny Mo Amer Returns to Dubai Comedy Festival 2025 for an Exclusive Two-Show Run at Dubai Opera
Comedy fans can expect even more hilarity during the upcoming Dubai Comedy Festival 2025 as the annual festival of funny has just added a major name to its already stacked lineup. Live Nation Middle East presents acclaimed Palestinian-American comedian and Netflix sensation Mo Amer, making his much-anticipated return to the festival with exclusive back-to-back shows at Dubai Opera on October 9th. Celebrated for his quick wit, compelling narratives, and candid take on fame, family, and identity, Mo Amer is set to bring back his much-loved humour to Dubai once again. Now in its fifth edition, Dubai Comedy Festival has cemented itself as a key event in the city's cultural calendar, bringing together comedy legends and global rising stars for a celebration of laughs across multiple languages and styles. Produced by BRAG and presented by Dubai Calendar, the festival runs from October 2nd to 12th across iconic venues including Dubai Opera and Coca-Cola Arena, and features performances in English, Arabic, Hindi, Russian, and French. This year's festival boasts a standout lineup with acts such as Tom Segura, Joanne McNally, Zakir Khan, Omid Djalili, Morgan Jay, Akaash Singh, and John Achkar already confirmed. Returning to Dubai Comedy Festival for the first time since his 2020 debut, Mo Amer's comeback marks a full-circle moment. Since then, the comedian's global stardom has only risen, thanks to his award-winning Netflix series MO, breakout roles in Ramy and Black Adam, and a string of acclaimed stand-up specials. With two back-to-back, intimate shows at Dubai Opera, a stark contrast to his usual arena gigs, audiences will get the rare chance to experience his comedy up close and personal. Known for blending his Palestinian roots with universal themes of fatherhood, fame, and identity, Mo Amer's comedy is both personal and political. His new material dives deep into his experience as a new dad, navigating life in the spotlight and the modern world with his trademark charm and brutal honesty. Amer's critically lauded show MO was named one of the best of 2022 by The New York Times and NY Magazine, earning a Gotham Award, Peabody, AFI Honors, and a Television Academy Honor. Season 2 of the semi-autobiographical series dropped on Netflix on January 30th to critical acclaim, making this Dubai appearance a timely treat for fans eager to catch him. With tickets expected to sell quickly, act fast by visiting today. When: Thursday, October 9th
