Bassem Youssef, a celebrated Egyptian-American comedian and satirist, makes a welcome return to Dubai for a one-of-a-kind solo comedy performance on the 16th of November at Coca-Cola Arena. Bassem’s remarkable story is as compelling as his comedy. Once a heart surgeon in Cairo, his career took a dramatic turn in the middle of the Arab Spring when he found himself at the center of political upheaval. With wit as sharp as his scalpel, Youssef went on to host the largest satire show in the history of the Arab world.
His fearless humour earned him international acclaim as “The Egyptian Jon Stewart,” but it also led to interrogation, arrest, and ultimately prompted his escape to the United States, just as the country was going through its very own identity crisis.
Now, after years of building a global reputation as one of the most unique comedic voices of our time, Youssef brings his powerful blend of satire and storytelling to Dubai. In his latest performance, Bassem Youssef Live, audiences can expect an unforgettable evening that is both hilariously entertaining and deeply thought-provoking as he weaves his journey of cultural identity, resilience, and the absurdities of politics and everyday life.
“Dubai has always been a city close to my heart—a place where cultures, ideas, and people from all over the world come together,” shares Bassem. “I am so excited to bring this show to the UAE and to share stories that I hope will resonate in a city that thrives on diversity and connection.” Bassem Youssef Live will be delivered in English and is brought to you by leaders in entertainment, Blu Blood, with the support of Dubai Calendar.
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For Osman Osman and Shaaista Khan Osman of Blu Blood, bringing Bassem Youssef to Dubai is another milestone moment, having already worked with him earlier this year in South Africa: “Bassem is a beautiful storyteller who reflects the world to us with humour, honesty, and courage. His voice has been instrumental in shaping conversations across the world, and this show will resonate deeply with audiences that are seeking both laughter and thought-provoking perspectives.”
Don’t miss the chance to experience one of the world’s most fearless and influential comedic voices. Tickets for Bassem Youssef Live are on sale at www.blublood.com.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, 16 November 2025
Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
About Bassem Youssef:
Bassem Youssef was the host of the popular TV show Al Bernameg—the first political satire show in the Middle East. Originally a 5-minute show on YouTube, Al Bernameg became the first online-to-TV conversion in the Middle East and the most-watched show across the region with 30 million viewers every week and over a million subscribers to its YouTube channel. In recognition of his success, Youssef was named to Time Magazine’s 2013 list of the most influential people, under the “Pioneers” category, and was awarded the International Press Freedom Award by the CPJ.
Additionally, he was chosen by Foreign Policy magazine as one of the global thinkers of the same year. Youssef currently performs his one-man show, THE MIDDLE BEAST, around the globe, and the first title in Bassem’s children’s book series, The Magical Reality of Nadia, was published on February 2nd, 2021, by Scholastic and is currently being developed as an animated series. Bassem can be seen in MO (Netflix), RAMY (Hulu), LIONESS (Paramount+), and UPLOAD (Amazon). In October 2023, Bassem’s interview with Piers Morgan garnered worldwide acclaim and was shared and reposted on the internet globally—it is now the most-viewed interview in the history of Piers Morgan Uncensored.