Bassem Youssef will be hosting this year’s Emmy Awards Gala, which will take place on 23 November at the Hilton New York Hotel.

"I am extremely honored to be chosen, following in the footsteps of incredibly funny and distinguished comedians like John Oliver and Matt Lucas, who hosted the ceremony the last two years," said Bassem Youssef in a press release on the Emmy’s website.

"This is a great opportunity where television productions from outside the United States are recognized. Being the first host from the Middle East will put more responsibility on my shoulders to serve this position in the best way I can and I hope that this will shed more light on the vibrant entertainment industry in my region."

Dubbed the Jon Stewart of the Arab World, Youssef, who hosted his own weekly satire show Al-Barnameg, gained international recognition especially after Jon Stewart hosted him on The Daily Show multiple times since 2012.

Al-Barnameg was taken off the air on MBC Misr in May 2014 due to political controversy over Youssef's satirical approach to the post-Brotherhood government.

In 2013, Youssef received the International Press Freedom Award by the Committee to Protect Journalists and was also included in Time magazine’s list of 2013’s Most Influential People.
The event will announce the Emmy Award winners, with 40 nominees across 10 categories from 19 countries.

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