The truth can be stark, frightening, uncomfortable, and explosive. Yet, when enveloped in the warmth of comedy, it becomes liberating and easier to embrace. This is the realm where Bin Swelah, co-founder of the Emirati Comedy Club, has carved out his niche. As an Emirati actor, social media influencer, and humorist, he excels in addressing social issues with a humorous twist. His organization, the Emirati Club, in collaboration with Vox Cinemas, recently introduced a three-part comedy series aimed at aspiring comedians and enthusiasts.
Finding one's place in the world is wonderful, but humor is highly subjective. Comedians understand this better than anyone, which is why they require more than just a routine to step up and deliver punchlines; they need support. This is where the Emirati Comedy Club comes in, conceived by Swelah and his friend Ahmed Saif. 'We started this comedy club because there were no local stand-up comedians,' Swelah explains in an interview with City Times. 'We were a handful of local comedians performing stand-up, but we lacked a club that fostered unity. So, we established the comedy club to invite local talent and bolster stand-up comedy in the UAE. Our goal is to reach a level where we can compete with other comedy clubs in the Gulf or the Middle East.'
Membership in the club is not restricted to Emiratis. 'If you can do stand-up and speak Arabic, you're welcome to join,' Swelah adds. English routines are also on the horizon, but currently, the emphasis is on attracting Arabic comedians. The founders believe an 'irregular casting call' is one of the best ways to achieve this. On August 11, comedians were given the opportunity to showcase their timing at VOX Cinemas City Centre Mirdif, performing five-to-ten-minute skits. Winners received mentorship and an invitation to perform in the second round during Open Mic Night on August 23, which required them to elevate their performance in front of a live audience. Failure was not an option.
This event marked a significant step in the UAE's comedy scene, according to Swelah. 'It's crucial because in the UAE, those doing stand-up in Arabic are few. This opportunity with Vox Cinemas and the casting call can help us discover more Arabic talents, more Arabic stand-up comedians. We reached over 40 people with this initiative. We can make the scene bigger and bigger.' The comedy circuit in the UAE has evolved significantly. 'Five years ago, it was quite weak. There weren't many people doing stand-up before 2020; it was mostly English comedians performing in small restaurants and lounges. But now it's growing, with more solo acts. In the next five years, it will only get bigger,' he adds.
Swelah also notes an increase in opportunities for talent to shine. 'Events like Abu Dhabi Community Week, Dubai Comedy Festivals, and others show that in the next five years, there will be bigger talents who can compete with renowned comedians,' he says confidently. Raised in Al Ain, Swelah is not only a comedian known for his truth-telling but also a social media star with over a million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. 'Before I ventured into social media, I was a comedian and theatre actor. I did many shows, but audiences were limited. This was around 2013-14. I was one of the first local comedians. So, I chose to try social media because my sketches worked well there. The goal was to build a large audience. I use my acting and theatre skills on social media to attract more audiences to my shows,' he explains.
For those aspiring to join the comedy scene, Swelah advises, 'If you have talent and know it, ignore negativity or you won't reach your goals. Surround yourself with a circle of positivity that supports your skills and potential.' He also emphasizes discipline. 'If you have a goal, you must be disciplined.' Saif adds, 'Have a circle of comedians around you to learn from. Do more shows, practice with other comedians, and learn new techniques.' Swelah, who started his career in theatre and the popular film Uncle Naji, admires Canadian comedian Russell Peters. 'The way he speaks and improvises is fantastic. I see my personality in him. I'm just a student learning from him,' he says. Despite his humorous nature, Swelah occasionally gets serious. 'I did a lot of comedy on social media, interacting directly with people, not just acting or doing silly sketches. I did professional sketches with a crew to produce and direct. All my social media videos are done professionally, and people appreciate that.' Ultimately, success in comedy hinges on finding an audience that appreciates your humor.
