As a stand-up comedian, I am always looking for talented performers who elevate the status of women in comedy. Recently, I discovered Imah Dumagay from Dubai. Gossip Girl had the opportunity to conduct a one-on-one interview with her, showcasing the pride of Filipina overseas workers in Dubai. Imah Dumagay is also known on Facebook and Instagram as @Imahcomedy.

Imah Dumagay, a former overseas Filipina accountant in Dubai, started her stand-up comedy journey in 2018. “Before comedy took over my life, I worked as an accountant and executive assistant to the CFO of one of the property developers in Dubai. It was a stable job, but I felt I had much more to share than just meeting minutes and spreadsheets! I always had a hidden desire to make people laugh, but I never considered it as a career until our graduation show after a five-week comedy workshop I took. Becoming a comedian wasn’t even in my plans; it was more of a spur-of-the-moment decision. But I knew I wanted to pursue this seriously when I got on stage. That one night sparked a passion that’s only grown stronger ever since," the award-winning comedienne tells Gossip Girl.

Imah started performing for about 10 people, “It felt more like an intimate gathering than a show, but I guess that just makes the laughs feel louder! However, the largest audience was 1,800 people when I performed at the Africa Global Comedy Fest in Dubai at Festival Arena in 2018. It was a huge moment for me, especially being the only female comedian in that lineup. These days, I perform several times a week. I perform both local and international shows. But back when I started, I was lucky to get on stage thrice a month. It’s been a journey," Imah recalls her highs and lows as a comedienne.

While often subtle and overlooked, it’s evident that Filipino overseas workers experience racial discrimination in the United Arab Emirates. I witnessed an Emirati in the business class lounge shout at a Filipino waiter for getting his coffee order wrong, belittling him by saying how worthless Filipinos are. I felt compelled to speak up, but another waiter advised me against it, warning that if I caused a scene, the waiter would lose his job.

Imah shares with Manila Bulletin her experience of alleged racism in the UAE. “The first incident happened when an agent reached out about a gig and forwarded the client’s requirements, which explicitly said, 'No Philippines comedian,' clearly not realizing I’m Filipina. I told them I don’t work with racist clients, and besides, their budget was way below my standard rate. Racist and cheap? Bad combo! The second time, I was booked for a show. But when the client found out I’m Filipina, they asked for a non-Filipino comedian without specifying any nationality. So, it was canceled with no explanation. It was upsetting, but it only fuels my determination to show that Filipinos belong in spaces far beyond the stereotypes. I am trying my best as a Filipina stand-up comedienne here in Dubai. I want to be a voice for my compatriots working here. When you use your platform, you send a message to people. Comedy is a great method to send your message across.” 

Imah won the Best Local Performer award at the Dubai Tag Radio Choice Award in 2022, as well as the Emirates Influencer Award at the Etisalat WeTel Awards in the same year.