Montreux Comedy, the largest celebration of comedy in mainland Europe and one of the top festivals in the world for emerging talent, has confirmed that it will be returning to Dubai for a third consecutive year in February 2018.
 
The three-day event will take place at Madinat Jumeirah from February 28 to March 2, 2018, and has established a reputation for delivering sharp and intellectual stand-up that embraces humour as a universal language. It has also pioneered the modernisation of comedy through live Youtube broadcasts on major national television channels in France and Switzerland.
 
In addition to two French galas on the opening two nights, Montreux Comedy Dubai will see the return of the ever-popular Trending Comics International Gala, which is traditionally held on the third and final night of the festival in English. For the first time in its history, organisers have also revealed plans for an Arabic gala in order to appeal to a much wider audience.
 
“When we first established Montreux Comedy, we did so with the aim of bringing comedians and audiences together to share an experience that illuminates people’s lives and put smiles on faces,” said Grégoire Furrer, founder and director at Montreux Comedy. “I’m pleased to say that we’ve achieved both, but our work is not finished and we are excited to be returning to Dubai with a fresh line-up that promises to have audiences laughing from start to finish”.
 
Founded in Montreux in 1989, the festival has become an integral feature of emerging global comedy group, Jokenation. Support from long-term sponsors such as leading Swiss banking group, Swissquote, has also helped the Montreux Comedy brand to develop an international circuit of its own, primarily through shows in South Africa and the UAE.
 
“Montreux Comedy and Swissquote share the same DNA: we each have a rich history, thrive on creativity and a vision of building something that benefits society,” said Jacques Barakat, chief executive officer at Swissquote Dubai. “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Montreux Comedy for so long and we look forward to being a part of its remarkable story in Dubai.”
 
Dubai-based comic Ali Al Sayed, who performed at the festival for the first time in Montreux in November, is among those to have already confirmed his appearance when the event comes to Dubai. Sayed, who runs a comedy school that has supported over 1,000 students, is a fan of the festival and the role he sees it playing in encouraging aspiring local comics.
 
“There are a lot of people in Dubai and the Middle East who have all the makings of a great comedian, but the support network that is so vital for these talented comedians is still a work in progress,” said comedian, Ali Al Sayed. “Montreux Comedy has proven adept at helping emerging talent to make a name for themselves, while providing invaluable experience, and I see great potential for the festival to have a similar effect on young people in Dubai.”
 
Tickets and the full line-up for Montreux Comedy will be announced early in the New Year. - TradeArabia News Service