Saaniya Abbas is a Dubai-based stand-up comedian, writer and content creator known for her fearless storytelling, mischievous wit and global touring career. We’re speaking to her following a major year of sold-out shows across the UK, US and the Edinburgh Fringe, alongside the continued growth of her online audience. With international tours expanding and her latest hour Hellarious reaching new audiences, Saaniya is entering her most defining chapter yet.
How did you get into comedy?
Comedy was never on the cards for me, not even as a fantasy. It happened almost by accident after I got divorced. I started joking about what I was going through as a coping mechanism, and somewhere along the way those experiences turned into funny stories I was telling on stage to a room full of strangers. I realised I loved that feeling.
Tell us about your comedy style?
My comedy is very personal. I talk about what I know: my lived experiences. From growing up in New Delhi with a very sheltered childhood, to moving to Dubai, stumbling into internet fame, divorce, dating, and my ongoing struggle with my cultural and religious identity. It’s honest.
What’s your show about and where can we see it?
My current show is called Hellarious. It’s inspired by years of my mum being genuinely scared that I might end up in hell, so I decided to lean into it instead. The show explores identity, rebellion, faith, shame, resilience, and finding the funny in life’s messiest chapters. I’ve performed it at the Edinburgh Fringe, across the UK and the US, and it continues touring internationally.
What do you think makes great comedy?
Authenticity and simplicity. The biggest laughs come from everyday moments, when someone points out something small and you suddenly realise, “Oh yeah… that is weird.” If you stare at anything long enough, it becomes funny.
Any advice for those taking their first show to Edinburgh?
If you’re doing it for the first time, you’ll be a different comedian by the end of it. That’s what happened to me. I grew very quickly in many ways over a short period of time. Leave your ego behind, work hard, and enjoy making people laugh. Along the way, you’ll meet yourself.
Who are your favourite Funny Women?
Taylor Tomlinson, Jordan Jensen and Zainab Johnson.
You can get tickets for the UK tour of Hellarious at saaniyaabbas.com/comedy
You can follow Sanniya’s adventures in all the usual places – Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok…
