Kings and Queens of Comedy at Dubai Comedy Festival 2026 in Dubai

About Kings and Queens of Comedy at Dubai Comedy Festival 2026 in Dubai

Kings and Queens of Comedy at Dubai Comedy Festival brings a group of South Africa’s best-known stand-ups to Dubai for one night only. It takes place on Sunday 18 October 2026 at The New Covent Garden Theatre, up on Level 2 of Mall of the Emirates.

Kings and Queens of Comedy is a brand created by Blu Blood, and it has been a fixture of the South African stand-up scene for more than a decade. The idea is simple. Put several strong comics on one bill, let each of them bring their own voice, and give the audience a full evening of storytelling and quick wit.

This edition is part of Dubai Comedy Festival, so it sits alongside a busy programme of shows across the city. If you know South African comedy, you will recognise the names. If you don’t, this is a relaxed way to meet four of them in one go.

What to Expect

Expect a stand-up showcase in English, with each comedian taking the stage in turn. The show is billed as a night of storytelling, wit and stage presence.

Darren Maule

Darren Maule is one of the four names heading the bill. He joins the rest of the line-up to represent the South African comedy scene on the festival stage.

Celeste Ntuli

Celeste Ntuli is part of the four-strong line-up that the organisers describe as some of South Africa’s funniest voices.

Vafa Naraghi

Vafa Naraghi is the third name on the bill, adding his own take to a night built around storytelling.

Bash with Tash

Bash with Tash rounds out the line-up, so you get four distinct acts across the evening rather than one long set.

Key Highlights

• Four South African comedians on one bill: Darren Maule, Celeste Ntuli, Vafa Naraghi and Bash with Tash
• A one-night show as part of Dubai Comedy Festival
• Performed in English
• Part of the long-running Kings and Queens of Comedy brand from Blu Blood
• Indoor theatre setting inside Mall of the Emirates, with easy metro access

The Venue: The New Covent Garden Theatre

The New Covent Garden Theatre is on Level 2 of Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha First, just off Sheikh Zayed Road. If you are already inside the mall, head up to Level 2 and follow the signs for the theatre.

Doors open around 30 minutes before the show. Latecomers are only let in at a suitable break and may be seated somewhere other than their booked spot, so it really does pay to be on time. Dinner in the mall beforehand is an easy way to make an evening of it.

Visitor Tips

Getting There

By car, park on Level 2 of Mall of the Emirates. The closest parking is in Orange Zone A5 and A6. On the metro, take the Red Line to R32 Mall of the Emirates station. If you’re coming by taxi, ask for Mall of the Emirates and get dropped at Entrance A, then take the lift or escalator up to Level 2. Sunday evening traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road can be slow, so give yourself some extra time.

What to Bring

Bring your ticket on your phone and keep your bag small, as everyone agrees to bag and person searches at entry. Leave professional cameras, laptops, tablets, selfie sticks and tripods at home. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, and neither are laser pointers, permanent markers, scissors, aerosol cans, drones, glow sticks or LED items. Photography and any kind of recording, including on your phone, is prohibited during the show.

Age and Entry Policy

The show is open to all ages, with parental guidance advised. Children aged 2 and over need their own ticket to enter the auditorium, and anyone aged 2 to 18 must be with an adult aged 18 or over. Tickets are valid only for this date and time and can’t be refunded or exchanged.

Dress Code

The theatre asks guests to dress with a bit of elegance and style. Overly casual or provocative outfits, such as shorts or flip-flops, are discouraged, and guests who don’t follow the dress code may be refused entry. Smart casual is a safe choice.

Arrive Early

With doors opening about half an hour before the start, aim to be there in good time. The festival is professionally filmed and photographed, and by entering you agree that your image may appear in festival media.

Book Your Tickets

Kings and Queens of Comedy is in Dubai for just one night on 18 October 2026. Gather your friends, book your seats through Platinumlist and get ready for an evening of South African stand-up at Dubai Comedy Festival.