US comedian Andrew Schulz delivers a stellar Dubai debut

US comedian Andrew Schulz delivers a stellar Dubai debut
US comedian Andrew Schulz brought the house down during his Dubai debut at the Coca-Cola Arena on Tuesday night, delivering a high-energy set that left the crowd roaring with laughter from start to finish. (AN Photo)
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Updated 08 October 2025
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US comedian Andrew Schulz delivers a stellar Dubai debut

US comedian Andrew Schulz delivers a stellar Dubai debut
  • The comedian is set to perform in Riyadh as a part of the comedy festival on Oct. 8

DUBAI: US comedian Andrew Schulz brought the house down during his Dubai debut at the Coca-Cola Arena on Tuesday night, delivering a high-energy set that left the crowd roaring with laughter from start to finish.

Following a successful show in Abu Dhabi in 2024, the comedian returned to the UAE accompanied by the co-hosts of his hit podcast Flagrant.

Opening for Schulz were Mark Gagnon, Akaash Singh, and Emirati comedian Abz Ali.

As part of the Dubai Comedy Festival, Schulz performed a classic American-style standup routine infused with his trademark self-deprecating humor.

And, to the audience’s delight, provided plenty of region-specific jokes about life in the UAE.

Unlike his Abu Dhabi show, this set leaned more toward sharp, quick-fire standup and crowd interaction rather than an overarching narrative, which had characterized his previous Life Tour performances.

From poking fun at Dubai’s traffic to riffing on the city’s obsession with Emaar buildings, Schulz showcased an impressive grasp of local culture and humor.

Throughout the night, his quick wit and spontaneous comebacks during audience interactions had the crowd in stitches.

To close the show, Schulz invited the rest of the lineup back on stage for a lighthearted Q&A segment, where they offered tongue-in-cheek advice.

With laughter, tears, and plenty of surprises, Schulz’s Dubai debut was a memorable addition to his growing list of UAE performances.

The comedian is set to perform in Riyadh as a part of the comedy festival on Oct. 8.


Cinephiles embark on journey through European film in Riyadh

Cinephiles embark on journey through European film in Riyadh
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Cinephiles embark on journey through European film in Riyadh

Cinephiles embark on journey through European film in Riyadh
  • Cinema links cultures, says EU envoy Christophe Farnaud
  • 15 European films subtitled in Arabic, English until Nov. 11

RIYADH: The fourth edition of the European Film Festival began on Monday in Riyadh, featuring 15 films from as many European countries — all subtitled in Arabic and English — until Nov. 11.

The bridge-building event has been organized by the Delegation of the EU to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Arabia Pictures, VOX Cinemas, the Saudi Film Commission, as well as embassies of member states. 

On Monday, ambassadors, media representatives and other individuals were shown the Latvian film “Flow,” winner of the 2025 Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

On Tuesday, the festival screened Norwegian film “Titina” and Spanish film “EL 47.”

Christophe Farnaud, ambassador of the EU to Saudi Arabia, said: “Four years on, the festival has become a landmark on Saudi Arabia’s cultural calendar.”

He added that it is “a vibrant bridge of EU-Saudi cooperation that celebrates Europe’s storytelling heritage alongside the Kingdom’s rise as a global creative powerhouse.”

During the opening ceremony, Farnaud highlighted the festival’s role in fostering dialogue between European and Saudi Arabia filmmakers.

He said “cinema is one of the most powerful forms of art — it makes us dream, laugh, and cry. It connects people across cultures.”  

Abdulilah Alahmary, founder of Arabia Pictures, said: “We were thrilled to bring another outstanding lineup of European cinema to Saudi audiences, enriched with special guests and free masterclasses.” 

The festival features interactive seminars and masterclasses led by prominent filmmakers from Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Among the highlights were Visual Effects Artist Martins Upitis, who contributed to “Flow,” and Norwegian director Kajsa Naess, known for the acclaimed animated film “Titina.”  

Speaking to Arab News, Upitis said: “This is my first time in Saudi Arabia, and it’s such an honor to be part of the European Film Festival in Riyadh. I hope audiences here enjoy ‘Flow’ as much as we enjoyed creating it.”