Mo Amer to perform two back-to-back shows at Dubai Comedy Festival 2025
The Palestinian-American comedian and star of the hit Netflix series Mo will perform two shows at Dubai Opera on October 9. He joins a number of artists, including Tom Segura and Omid Djalili, slated to perform as part of the festival at various venues.
The Dubai Opera performances mark Amer's return to the festival for the first time since its inaugural event in 2020. Since then, a star has risen through Mo, the semi-autobiographical Netflix series about a Palestinian refugee navigating life in the US, in addition to well-received roles in the sitcom Ramy, alongside Egyptian-American comedian and creator Ramy Youssef, and in Black Adam, opposite Dwayne Johnson.
Amer's return also comes on the back of the second and final season of Mo, which features an acclaimed episode in which the main character makes his long-awaited visit to Palestine.
In an interview with The National, Amer recalled the emotional experience of the episode, titled A Call from God.
'It was really hard. You're picking at a scab. You're picking at memories at a very difficult time, with everything that's going on. It was important to be as honest as possible, as grounded as possible,' he said. 'I just had to dig deep and push my own feelings aside and make sure that we made a realistic portrayal of what it's like to be in the West Bank as a Palestinian.'
As for his Dubai show, which follows a US tour and a coming special, Amer said he has plenty of experiences to share. 'I've still got so much to do. There's so much to tell,' he said. 'I have so many scripts behind me. I've got another comedy special to film. It doesn't end here.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Composer Ziad Rahbani, 'the voice of Lebanon's soul', dies at 69: Tributes pour in for beloved composer
Ziad Rahbani, a Lebanese composer, playwright and political commentator known for his influential role in Arabic theatre and music, has died aged 69. The cause of death has yet to be announced. The son of renowned singer Fairouz and composer the late Assi Rahbani, Ziad Rahbani is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive creative voices to emerge from Lebanon in the past five decades. Toufic Maatouk, Lebanese composer and musicologist, told The National: 'Ziad Rahbani's music is a voice carved from Lebanon's soul. He called it 'oriental jazz,' but it was more – a fusion of Arabic melodies, funk, and jazz that sounded unmistakably Lebanese. Each note carried Beirut's chaos, warmth, and wit. Ziad's artistry wasn't imitation, it was invention, born from home.' Rahbani rose to prominence during the Lebanese Civil War through a series of acclaimed plays and musical works that combined colloquial Lebanese dialogue, jazz and classical Arabic music with political and social critique. He was born in Beirut in 1956 into one of the Arab world's most prominent musical families. He began his professional career at an early age, composing Saalouni El Nass in 1973, which Fairouz performed during a period when Assi Rahbani was recovering from a stroke. In the years that followed, Ziad Rahbani established himself as an important figure in Beirut's cultural scene. His early theatre productions including Nazl el-Sourour explored themes of civil conflict, sectarianism and everyday life in Lebanon with a satirical and often provocative tone. Rahbani was an outspoken political commentator, often expressing support for leftist movements and criticising the Lebanese political establishment. While his views were often polarising, he remained a leading voice in regional cultural and political discourse. In addition to his theatre work, Rahbani continued to compose music throughout his career, including a number of collaborations with his mother, in the 1980s. Albums such as Maarifti Feek and Wahdon introduced lyrical and musical directions for the celebrated musician, often reflecting more personal or socially conscious themes. Although he gave few interviews in his later years, Rahbani continued to perform live, frequently mixing music with political commentary during his concerts. His influence extends to several generations of Arab musicians, writers and performers. In recent years, the rise of the Habibi funk movement has won Rahbani fans around the world, with albums including Houdou Nisbi, Amrak Seedna & Abtal Wa Harameyah and Bennesbeh Labokra … Chou? reissued internationally on vinyl to great acclaim. Arab musicians pay tribute to Ziad Rahbani Lebanese musician Tania Salah, considered one of the founding voices of the country's independent music culture, says that Rahbani is the true architect of the scene. 'Some people like to think the indie scene started with us. I don't think so. I believe it started with him, because he was already independent – from his family, from the Lebanese music scene, and even from the larger Arab world. His influences came from everywhere. He was the true first,' says Salah. Mayssa Kara, singer and artistic director of Berklee Abu Dhabi, said that Rahbani's current influence extended far beyond his artistic output. 'Ziad Rahbani was more than just a musician; he was a voice, a mirror, and a pulse for Lebanon,' said Kara. 'He taught generations how to speak the truth through music, no matter how uncomfortable that truth was. His art was always based on his deep love for his country and its people, and this love shaped every lyric, melody, and story he told. 'People of all ages, classes, and faiths could relate to Ziad's music because it was so real. As a musician, he broke all the rules and didn't follow trends or fit into moulds, carving out a path that countless artists, including myself, have drawn inspiration from. He showed us that music could be both heartbreaking and full of humour,' Kara says. 'Ziad, rest in music. Your music, your words, and your spirit will always live on in the hearts of the people of Lebanon. Without you, we might not even know what Lebanon means, but maybe that's the beauty of your legacy: you've become part of the country's very definition.' Emirati composer Ihab Darwish says: 'For us, this is a tragedy. It feels like we've lost one of the most iconic musicians in the Arab world. 'While I never met him, I consider him one of my idols. He taught me a lot about blending different genres. He also clearly has a storytelling style that is very similar to mine – ensuring that music has a narrative and theme.'
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Ziad Rahbani, 'the voice of Lebanon's soul', dies at 69: Tributes pour in for beloved composer
Ziad Rahbani, a Lebanese composer, playwright and political commentator known for his influential role in Arabic theatre and music, has died aged 69. A cause of death has yet to be announced. The son of renowned singer Fairouz and composer Assi Rahbani, Rahbani is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive creative voices to emerge from Lebanon in the past five decades. Toufic Maatouk, Lebanese composer and musicologist, told The National: "Ziad Rahbani's music is a voice carved from Lebanon's soul. He called it 'oriental jazz,' but it was more – a fusion of Arabic melodies, funk, and jazz that sounded unmistakably Lebanese. Each note carried Beirut's chaos, warmth, and wit. Ziad's artistry wasn't imitation, it was invention, born from home." Rahbani rose to prominence during the Lebanese Civil War through a series of acclaimed plays and musical works that combined colloquial Lebanese dialogue, jazz and classical Arabic music with political and social critique. He was born in Beirut in 1956 into one of the Arab world's most prominent musical families. He began his professional career at a young age, composing Saalouni El Nass in 1973, which Fairouz performed during a period when Assi Rahbani was recovering from a stroke. In the years that followed, Rahbani established himself as an important figure in Beirut's cultural scene. His early theatre productions explored themes of civil conflict, sectarianism and everyday life in Lebanon with a satirical and often provocative tone. Rahbani was an outspoken political commentator, often expressing support for leftist movements and criticising the Lebanese political establishment. While his views were often polarising, he remained a key voice in regional cultural and political discourse. In addition to his theatre work, Rahbani continued to compose music throughout his career, including a number of collaborations with his mother Fairouz, in the 1980s. Albums such as Maarifti Feek and Wahdon introduced lyrical and musical directions for the celebrated musician, often reflecting more personal or socially conscious themes. Although he gave few interviews in his later years, Rahbani continued to perform live, frequently mixing music with political commentary during his concerts. His influence extends to multiple generations of Arab musicians, writers and performers. In recent years, the rise of the Habibi funk movement has garnered Rahbani new fans around the world, with albums including Houdou Nisbi, Amrak Seedna & Abtal Wa Harameyah and Bennesbeh Labokra... Chou? reissued internationally on vinyl to great acclaim. Arab musicians pay tribute to Ziad Rahbani Lebanese musician Tania Salah, considered one of the founding voices of the country's independent music culture, says that Rahbani is the true architect of the scene. Salah said: "Some people like to think the indie scene started with us. I don't think so. I believe it started with him, because he was already independent – from his family, from the Lebanese music scene, and even from the larger Arab world. His influences came from everywhere. He was the true first." Mayssa Kara, singer and artistic director of Berklee Abu Dhabi, said that Rahbani's current influence extended far beyond his artistic output. 'Ziad Rahbani was more than just a musician; he was a voice, a mirror, and a pulse for Lebanon," said Kara. "He taught generations how to speak the truth through music, no matter how uncomfortable that truth was. His art was always based on his deep love for his country and its people, and this love shaped every lyric, melody, and story he told. "People of all ages, classes, and faiths could relate to Ziad's music because it was so real. As a musician, he broke all the rules and didn't follow trends or fit into moulds, carving out a path that countless artists, including myself, have drawn inspiration from. He showed us that music could be both heartbreaking and full of humor," Kara said. "Ziad, rest in music. Your music, your words, and your spirit will always live on in the hearts of the people of Lebanon. Without you, we might not even know what Lebanon means, but maybe that's the beauty of your legacy: you've become part of the country's very definition." Emirati composer Ihab Darwish said: "For us, this is a tragedy. It feels like we've lost one of the most iconic musicians in the Arab world. "While I never met him, I consider him one of my idols. He taught me a lot about blending different genres. He also clearly has a storytelling style that is very similar to mine – ensuring that music has a narrative and theme."
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Sheikh Mohammed visits Mall of the Emirates, spotted in Dubai supermarket
Hitting the mall this weekend? You might just spot the Ruler of Dubai, just like these residents. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been visiting different parts of the emirate all week, surprising residents who catch a glimpse of him. Earlier, he was seen taking photographs with children and having warm conversations with residents while stepping out of a cafe in Dubai Mall. Not just that, the Ruler was also seen walking down the streets of the souk in Deira, despite the sweltering heat. This time, however, residents saw the leader walking past them in the aisles of Mall of the Emirates. On seeing him, one woman even shouted, "We love you!", a clear sign of how cherished he is by those who live here. Dressed sharply as always, the Ruler of Dubai walked with staff, a cane in hand. As with his other appearances this week, he was without armed guards, moving casually which is a striking contrast to many global leaders. Watch the video of him in the mall, below: Later, during the same mall visit, he was seen walking inside a supermarket, which appears to be a Carrefour. People could be seen stepping aside and taking photographs as they saw him pass by. Watch the video of him in the supermarket below: Earlier this week, he also travelled by the Dubai Tram, taking commuters by surprise. Many even pulled out their phones to capture the memorable moment. From malls and souks to trams and supermarkets, Sheikh Mohammed's presence this week has been a reminder of his deep connection with the people of Dubai. His spontaneous outings continue to inspire admiration, not just for his leadership, but for the humility and humanity he brings to it.
