RIYADH — The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has confirmed a new wave of global comedy stars for the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival, set to be the world’s largest comedy gathering with more than 50 performers taking the stage in Boulevard City from September 26 to October 9.

Announced by GEA Chairman Turki Alalshikh, the latest additions to the lineup include Hollywood icon Chris Tucker, best known for the Rush Hour franchise, and Emmy winner Aziz Ansari, co-creator and star of Master of None and the upcoming film Good Fortune.

Also confirmed is Pete Davidson, Saturday Night Live alumnus and creator of Peacock’s Bupkis, along with stand-up powerhouse Tom Segura, whose latest show Bad Thoughts earned an Emmy nomination.

Joining them are Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee, co-hosts of the hit podcast Bad Friends; Emmy-nominated writer Nimesh Patel; Amazon Prime comedy standout Sam Morril (You’ve Changed); and globally recognized British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili.

Other big names appearing at the two-week festival include TV and podcast personality Chris Distefano, Netflix regular Mark Normand, stand-up veteran Hannibal Buress, six-time Emmy and three-time Grammy winner Louis C.K., and Australian favorite Jimeoin. — SG