When historians tell the tale of the modern transformation of Saudi Arabia, they might like to start with the story about a night in Riyadh 10 years ago.
On the empty stage of an unassuming cultural center, a young Saudi woman walked up to the microphone and, a little nervously at first, began to tell jokes. Before long, the Kingdom’s very first female stand-up comedian hit her stride, gained confidence, and made history as the audience laughed and cheered.
“It was an unforgettable moment,” says Abeer Al-Fouti, who produced the show with her husband, Peter.
“She did an amazing job, back at a time when women were not even allowed to drive,” she says. Now, many other Saudi women are breaking into the comedy scene, and the sky’s the limit. The pace of change has been unbelievable.”
Abeer and Peter’s company, Smile Entertainment, is one of the prime movers behind the new wave of Saudi comedy, and is supporting the emergence of young comics both male and female, organizing shows, and bringing international stars into the country to perform. While Saudi Arabia may not be the first place that comes to mind when stand-up comedy is mentioned, the country’s young, internet-savvy population already includes some of the world’s most voracious consumers of online comedy content.
“We believe in the power of laughter to bring people together and promote tolerance and understanding“
Abeer Al-Fouti, co-founder, Smile Entertainment
Thanks largely to the efforts of Smile, increasing numbers of Saudis are now experiencing the joys of stand-up comedy in the real world. Abeer says that, until interrupted by COVID-19, comedy events in Saudi Arabia have expanded rapidly across the country since Smile was founded in 2008. “Saudis have an extraordinary appetite for laughter, fun, and happiness,” she says. “Stand-up comedy is only going to grow even more in the future.”
How has comedy in Saudi Arabia changed since Smile started in 2008?
At the time when my husband, Peter, and I started Smile, there was practically no live entertainment anywhere in Saudi Arabia. Initially, we mainly brought international comedians into the country, but we also selected the best Saudi talents and helped them practice and develop. Today, I am proud to say that many of those talents are some of the most famous comedians in Saudi Arabia.
What has been the response from Saudi audiences?
The feedback has been fantastic. Saudis love humor. Interest in stand-up comedy is growing all over the country. Tickets always sell out within the first few days or even the first hour.
This is the whole idea of Smile—to use laughter and humor and entertainment to bring people together. When people laugh, they are the same. It gives me overwhelming joy to see Saudis laughing and chatting together after our shows.
What are your plans for the future?
We are all set to launch a new comedy program as soon as the COVID restrictions are lifted. Demand is going to be extremely high. It is an incredibly exciting time for us. I am confident that we will be announcing new comedy venues in Riyadh very soon.
The future for stand-up, and for all forms of live entertainment in Saudi Arabia, is very bright
