Dubai’s Own Saaniya Abbas Previews Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Debut in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

In a historic first for the UAE’s comedy circuit, Dubai-based comedian Saaniya Abbas is set to make her official solo debut at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Before heading to the world’s biggest arts stage, she’s treating audiences in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to an exclusive preview of her new show, Hellarious.

Saaniya’s preview performances are presented in collaboration with The Laughter Factory, the Middle East’s longest-running comedy club. Known for championing acts like Russell Peters and Michael McIntyre, the club’s endorsement underscores the UAE’s growing contribution to global comedy.

With more than 500,000 followers and appearances at legendary venues like The Comedy Cellar and The Stand in New York, Saaniya’s ascent has been swift and striking. She’s opened for Frankie Boyle at the UK’s Victorious Festival and toured the UK and India. Credits also include supporting Jason Manford and Schalk Bezhuidenhout on tour.

Now, she joins the Edinburgh Festival Fringe—an event that draws over 3 million attendees every August and has propelled the careers of global icons. Her presence this year signals a watershed for Dubai’s creative scene.

Hellarious dives deep into the absurdities of divorce, internet fame, and identity, wrapped in Saaniya’s signature wit and bite. “My mother always said I’d go to hell,” she jokes. “So I figured I might as well write a show about it.”

Fierce, funny, and unfiltered, Hellarious is her boldest hour yet—and this UAE preview marks a triumphant homecoming.