Ahmed Saif and Bin Swelah have co-founded the Emirati Comedy Club, focusing on using comedy to highlight social issues and provide a platform for aspiring comedians in the UAE. The club, in partnership with Vox Cinemas, recently launched a three-part comedy series for comedians and fans alike. The aim is to strengthen and expand the stand-up comedy scene in the country, reaching a level where they can compete with other comedy clubs in the region.
The Emirati Comedy Club is open to anyone who can perform stand-up comedy in Arabic, regardless of nationality. English stand-up routines are also welcome, but the club is currently focusing on nurturing Arabic comedy talent. They recently held an ‘irregular casting call’ at VOX Cinemas City Centre Mirdif to give comedians the opportunity to showcase their skills and secure a spot in the club’s future events.
According to Swelah, the comedy scene in the UAE has evolved significantly in recent years, with more opportunities for comedians to showcase their talents. He predicts that in the next five years, the industry will continue to grow, with new talents emerging to compete with established comedians. Swelah, who is also a social media star with a large following, credits social media for helping him reach a wider audience and promote his shows through comedy sketches.
For those aspiring to pursue a career in comedy, Swelah advises ignoring negativity and surrounding oneself with a circle of positive supporters. Discipline and continuous practice are essential to honing comedy skills and improving performance. Saif recommends learning from other comedians, attending shows, and practicing new techniques to develop comedic talent. Swelah cites Canadian comedian Russell Peters as his favorite, acknowledging his influence on his own comedic style.
While humor plays a significant role in their performances, both Swelah and Saif emphasize the importance of professionalism in delivering comedic content, especially on social media platforms. Despite the challenges, both comedians remain committed to their craft and strive to bring laughter to audiences through their unique sense of humor. As the comedy scene in the UAE continues to grow, opportunities for aspiring comedians to showcase their talents and make a mark in the industry are also on the rise.
