Photo: Dubai comedian in ‘world’s funniest’ contest

Nitin Mirani to represent the UAE in the global hunt by iconic comedy club Laugh Factory

As the happiest country in the Gulf, at least according to the UN, it's time for the UAE to spread some cheer. And one Dubai-based comedian is taking the lead.

Nitin Mirani will represent the country at the first ever Funniest Person in the World contest organised by iconic American comedy club Laugh Factory.
Launched in July for comedians around the world, Mirani has made it to the Top 10 of the contest, which will see him fly to the Hollywood branch of the club next month. There, he will compete with other comedians for a spot in the Top 5, selected by a panel of judges.
The finals will then move to Las Vegas where the Funniest Person in the World will be crowned on October 24 via an online audience vote. Videos of each contestant are uploaded on the Laugh Factory website.
"It's quite a big deal if you think about it," Mirani told tabloid! "I am very excited. I just want to get out there and do my thing. I was brought up in the UAE and to represent it on such a big platform is just amazing."
The Indian comedian and founder of Komic Sutra and Laugh Your Assets Off, was referred to the contest by "good friend" Maz Jobrani, the Iranian-American comedian. "I was asked to send in a video and then I got selected," said Mirani.
"After watching Nitin's tape, it is clear why he was chosen to represent the UAE. I have high expectations that he will move on to the next round and travel to Hollywood and Las Vegas where the Laugh Factory and our PR company will expose him to millions in the American Public and entertainment industry," said Jamie Masada, the founder and CEO of Laugh Factory Inc, in a statement.
If he wins the title, Mirani will receive an unspecified cash prize, a three-month contract with a Hollywood PR agency and a US-wide tour with Laugh Factory. Some of the world's top comedians have performed at Laugh Factory clubs over the years, including Jimmy Fallon, Aziz Ansari, Eddie Murphy, Chris Tucker, Chris Rock and Seinfeld.