It's testament to the fast-expanding size and scope of the Arab comedy scene that the second annual United Nations of Comedy extravaganza at Emirates Palace on Friday moved up a level in both venue size and breadth of performers.
We were eased into proceedings by Khaled Khalafalla, an affable Australian-Egyptian with boy-band good looks – but the young upstart poleaxed his own schtick by pointing out that he only has another few years of “looking like one of One Direction” before he has to get funny.
Ali Al Sayed, a familiar face on the UAE comedy scene, demonstrated his unflappable stagecraft with an inclusive set that found time to cater to his fellow Emiratis. He could, however, stand to evolve his reliance on tired, race-based observational material.
Sammy Obeid gave the evening’s first real taste of comic class. The San Francisco-based funnyman vaguely resembles David Blaine’s goofy younger brother. Unlike Blaine, however, he was unafraid to mercilessly send himself up, while whimsically riffing on subjects from smiling to how his bedroom is haunted (although the reasons for the latter are unrepeatable here).
Mo Amer made good on his larger-than-life Palestinian-American demeanour, peaking with a pleasingly self-aware tale of his two-decade fight for American citizenship.
That was in stark contrast to the trucker-capped, Iranian-born Amir K, who seemed most comfortable when his audience were not, needling numerous front-row spectators and taking his train of thought off on hilariously abstract tangents.
The headline draw, Nemr Abou Nassar, began brilliantly with a screaming depiction of bird life in Saudi Arabia, before going walk-about to interact with the audience. Frustratingly, though, many of those onlookers were subsequently alienated by his insistence on completing punchlines in Lebanese Arabic, plus an unsavoury piece on parents beating their children.
The night’s loose UN theme was followed through via a decibel-based crowd vote, with the comics split into “Dumbocrats” and “Republicants”.
But the real winners were Obeid and Amir K, who confirmed that there’s a bright future for Middle Eastern comedy beyond terrorist gags and obsessing over perceptions of Arabs.
aworkman@thenational.ae
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
HEADLINE HERE
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
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A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
RESULTS
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The Matrix Resurrections
Director: Lana Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jessica Henwick
Rating:****
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
More from Neighbourhood Watch
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Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
