IIFA 2027 returns to Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22 and 23, bringing together more than 100 Indian cinema personalities, including Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karan Johar, for two days of awards and entertainment.
ABU DHABI: Bollywood’s biggest stars are preparing for a spectacular return to the UAE as IIFA 2027 brings more than 100 actors, filmmakers, musicians and entertainment personalities to Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22 and 23.
The 27th edition of the International Indian Film Academy Weekend & Awards promises one of its largest celebrations, bringing Indian cinema’s leading personalities together for two days of performances, awards and entertainment.
Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor lead star-studded line-up
The announced line-up includes Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Nora Fatehi, Ananya Panday, Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan and Maniesh Paul.
Musical personalities A. R. Rahman, Himesh Reshammiya and Sunidhi Chauhan are also among the prominent names associated with the celebrations.
Other expected attendees include Ram Charan, Rani Mukerji, Vicky Kaushal, Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Abhishek Banerjee, Anil Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Mrunal Thakur and Vikrant Massey.
Filmmakers and industry veterans, including Boney Kapoor, David Dhawan, Rajkumar Santoshi, Ashutosh Gowariker and Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, further strengthen the gathering.
Who will host and perform at IIFA Abu Dhabi?
Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul and Ananya Panday feature among the main ceremony’s announced hosts.
Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Nora Fatehi are among the announced performers.
The two-day programme includes the IIFA Digital Awards on January 22, followed by the main awards ceremony on January 23.
Abu Dhabi prepares for its biggest IIFA celebration
IIFA Co-Founder Andre Timmins said the upcoming edition aims to bring Indian cinema’s biggest personalities together on one international stage.
He said: “At its heart, IIFA has always been about taking the magic of Indian cinema beyond borders, forging global connections and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences worldwide.”
The celebration marks another major milestone for Abu Dhabi, which previously hosted the awards in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
With its international audience and established entertainment infrastructure, Yas Island continues to serve as an important destination for major Indian entertainment events.
Impact to expect
IIFA 2027 could provide a significant boost to Abu Dhabi’s entertainment, tourism and hospitality sectors, attracting Bollywood fans from across the UAE and international markets. The gathering is also expected to strengthen cultural connections between India and the UAE while reinforcing Yas Island’s reputation as a destination for major global entertainment events.
