Ali Al Sayed: Dubai’s Comedy King Leading a Laughter Revolution

Ali Al Sayed is Dubbed by many Dubai’s “King of Laughter,” he has transformed the face of entertainment in the UAE and far beyond. From Dubai to New York, across continents and stages, his career is that of not just a comedian but some kind of explorer in the world of stand-up comedy, setting new standards for Middle Eastern comedy.

The way Ali Al Sayed started from local comedian to international sensation was nothing less than inspiring. Born and raised in Dubai, Ali has grown into a beacon of comedy in the region, using wit both humorously and with cultural sensitivity. It was not only his remarkable talent that brought him the title of “King of Laughter,” but also recognition from prestigious organizations like Toastmasters International, naming him among the most influential comedians in the world. Ali’s impact on the UAE comedy platform goes really deep. He co-founded Viva Arts, is a co-director at Dubomedy Arts-the first Comedy and Urban Arts School in the MENA region-and has played an imperative role in nurturing a strong standup comedy culture in Dubai. At Dubomedy Arts, workshops and performances are a showcase for a convened convergence of different talents from all over the world and have made Dubomedy Arts a pillar among budding comedians. In his work, Ali made sure that all emerging comedians got a platform to develop their work.

Having shared the stage with some of the respected names in comedy-D Dean Edwards from SNL, Maz Jobrani, and Tommy Davidson from ‘In Living Color’-Ali does not stop at punchlines but articulates his professed expertise in touching on profound cultural nuances that can keep any group of people glued to their chairs. Whether it is some local gig in Dubai or an international platform where he performs, the humor in Ali is relatable yet incisive. His impact does not stay contained within stand-up performances. He has been behind the production and hosting of several events, such as the first and only weekly Comedy and Variety Night in the UAE, ‘Monday Night Funnies,’ and the DUBOMEDY International Performing Arts Festival, also known as DIPAF. These have been the events that bring together the various cultural groups in the region and, thus, showcase a wide array of performing talents.

His achievement includes pioneering work with ‘Funny Girls, the first all-female stand-up comedy troupe and tour in the MENA region. It was an incredible start to empowering women in comedy to take center stage and allow their voices and stories to be shared. This could be deeply said of Ali, whose commitment to the arts of inclusion seeks to make a space continuously where inclusivity is celebrated. Ali’s talent and influence are internationally recognized: he has performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival, and at the Muslim Funny Fest in New York City. Events of such prestige have served only to raise his profile as a comedian but also to bring out the richness of Middle Eastern humour to audiences that are primarily Western.

Ali has made numerous television appearances and grown to be one of the most recognizable figures on and off the air. From Abu Dhabi TV to Dubai One TV to MBC, he has appeared on them all, building up a grassroots following with his comedic commentary about current events. On Abu Dhabi Sports TV’s show “The Beautiful Game,” being such a varied comedian, writer, and performer is shown.