Latest news with #DubaiOpera
Campaign ME
2 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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
Time Out Dubai
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Belcanto, the elegant Italian spot at Dubai Opera, offers more than just dinner
If dinner and a show are your idea of a good night out, you'll want to know about Belcanto. Perched atop the iconic Dubai Opera in the heart of Downtown, this refined Italian restaurant offers fine dining with a side of artistic performances. That is to say, you'll enjoy a multi-sensory, stylish and a theatrical dining experience. Inside, 1920s-style spotlight-stealing chandeliers hang from the ceiling, the floor is a velvet red, candlelight flickers and on the stage at any given time in the evening, there's blues, jazz or classical fusion being belted out by international and regional musicians. Open daily for dinner, Belcanto offers more than just plates of pasta. It's a carefully orchestrated experience, where the food sings, the décor dazzles and the music fills the air every evening courtesy of the in-house band and visiting guest artists. The premier venue draws in many top global celebrities, thanks to its exceptional ambiance, top-notch service and gourmet cuisine. While you're soaking up the music, the elegance and the vibes, we recommend you try the decadent homemade trofie with pesto and burrata. Chef Fabrizio Lusenti's menu takes a refined approach to Italian classics. Having worked in MICHELIN-lauded hotels across Europe, Russia and the US, the Italian chef really knows what the crowds crave. With an emphasis on creativity, seasonal ingredients and incredible presentation, you can rest assured that your time here will be well spent. From the moment you're seated to the final note of the night, it's all about drama, detail and deliciousness. What's more, it's an ideal spot to celebrate special occasions with loved ones. The brand has a solid reputation catering to private events, weddings, gala dinners and corporate functions. Whether you're marking a special occasion or simply in the mood to treat yourself, Belcanto delivers an experience that feels both indulgent and inspiring. Make a reservation
FACT
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Mo Amer returns to Dubai for a double dose of comedy
The Netflix sensation headlines Dubai Opera for two exclusive shows during Dubai Comedy Festival 2025. We have some news that is going to put a smile on your face. Palestinian-American comedian and Netflix favourite Mo Amer will return to the Dubai Comedy Festival for a one-night-only doubleheader at Dubai Opera on Thursday, 9 October 2025. It's a homecoming of sorts for the sharp-tongued stand-up, who made his Dubai debut at the very same festival in 2020. This time, he's bringing fresh material, deeper stories, and that signature swagger to two back-to-back shows in one of the city's most intimate venues. Mo Amer is no stranger to the spotlight. Since his last Dubai appearance, he's racked up starring credits in Black Adam alongside The Rock, Ramy on Hulu, and most notably, his semi-autobiographical Netflix series MO, a breakout hit that earned him a Gotham Award, a Peabody, and a place on The New York Times' Best Shows of 2022 list. The show's final season landed earlier this year to even more critical acclaim, offering fans a timely reminder of Amer's fusion of biting social commentary with razor-sharp humour. His latest stand-up material digs deep into themes of fatherhood, fame, and identity, with the same candid, culturally charged storytelling that has made him a household name. Expect brutally honest observations, unexpected tenderness, and explosive punchlines delivered with charisma and bite. Presented by Live Nation Middle East, Mo Amer joins a stellar lineup of international talent that includes Tom Segura, Zakir Khan, Joanne McNally, Omid Djalili, Morgan Jay, Akaash Singh, and John Achkar. Now in its fifth edition, the Dubai Comedy Festival has firmly established itself as a global stage for laughs, with performances across English, Arabic, Hindi, Russian, and French, making it one of the most inclusive comedy festivals in the region. Tickets to see Mo Amer live in Dubai are priced between AED 295 and AED 595. GO: Visit for tickets and more information.
