Fez — Riyadh is set to host some of the world’s most celebrated comedians this fall, as the 2025 Riyadh Comedy Festival kicks off with a star-studded lineup.
This year’s program features internationally renowned comics, each bringing their unique voice and style to the Saudi capital. Among the headliners are Whitney Cummings, Maz Jobrani, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Gabriel Iglesias, Russell Peters, Chris Tucker, Zarna Garg, Mark Normand, Jimmy Carr, Jo Koy, Tom Segura, and Sebastian Maniscalco.
US comic Whitney Cummings, best known for co-creating “2 Broke Girls” and hosting the “Good For You” podcast, will open the festival on September 26. That same evening, Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani, famous for “The Axis of Evil” tour, will take the stage.
On September 27, the spotlight will shift to Dave Chappelle, whose career-defining specials and cultural commentary have earned him six Grammys and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Kevin Hart, one of the most recognizable names in comedy and film, will follow on September 28 alongside Emmy and Golden Globe winner Aziz Ansari.
The lineup also reflects a strong global representation, with performers from diverse backgrounds. Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, celebrated for his mix of stand-up and acting, will appear on October 1, while Canadian-Indian comedian Russell Peters performs October 2. That same evening, audiences can expect sets from Chris Tucker and rising Indian-American comic Zarna Garg.
British-Irish comedian Jimmy Carr will take the stage on October 6, followed by Jo Koy on October 8, known for blending his Filipino-American roots into his storytelling. Tom Segura and Sebastian Maniscalco, both stars of sold-out international tours, will close the program on October 8.
The Riyadh Comedy Festival is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to expand cultural and entertainment offerings, attracting global talent while fostering cross-cultural exchange. For audiences, the event offers a rare chance to see some of the world’s biggest comedy stars share the stage in the Middle East.
With humor spanning from observational comedy to cultural storytelling, this year’s festival is expected to draw large crowds.
