The 27th edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards will take place on January 22 and 23, 2027, marking the event’s fourth showcase in Abu Dhabi. The announcement was made at Arabian Travel Market 2026, where IIFA, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Miral celebrated the continuation of their partnership.
With Abu Dhabi serving as the global stage and Yas Island providing the setting, IIFA 2027 is expected to be one of the most spectacular editions of the internationally recognised Indian film celebration.
IIFA 2027 to Bring Bollywood’s Biggest Stars to Yas Island
The upcoming IIFA Weekend & Awards will feature a star-studded line-up of leading Indian entertainers. Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal are set to come together for a celebration of cinema and entertainment.
The event promises a dynamic mix of live performances, celebrity appearances, music, fashion and awards, creating an unforgettable experience for audiences in Abu Dhabi and viewers around the world.
Known for bringing the Indian film fraternity together on an international platform, IIFA continues to connect artists, audiences and communities across borders.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island: The Venue Partner for IIFA 2027
The 2027 edition will be hosted at Etihad Arena, the UAE’s largest indoor entertainment venue, located on Yas Bay Waterfront at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
As the venue partner, Etihad Arena will provide the setting for IIFA’s signature blend of large-scale production, live performances and cinematic celebration. The arena’s location on Yas Island also places visitors close to some of Abu Dhabi’s leading attractions, hospitality destinations and entertainment experiences.
Yas Island has established itself as a global leisure and entertainment destination, known for its theme parks, live events, hotels, dining experiences and waterfront attractions. IIFA’s return further strengthens the island’s position as a hub for international cultural and entertainment events.
A Growing Partnership Between IIFA and Abu Dhabi
IIFA’s return to Abu Dhabi highlights the growing relationship between the awards platform and the emirate. Abu Dhabi’s blend of culture, hospitality, innovation and world-class entertainment makes it a natural destination for an event that celebrates the global influence of Indian cinema.
H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said that IIFA’s return reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s longstanding relationship with India and reinforces the emirate’s profile as a leading destination for entertainment and culture.
Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director – Marketing, Communications and Events at Miral, said Yas Island holds a special place in IIFA’s global journey. She added that the continued partnership is built around a shared passion for creativity and storytelling.
Through IIFA 2027, Abu Dhabi is expected to welcome film stars, industry professionals, fans and visitors from around the world for a weekend that combines Indian cinema with the destination’s renowned entertainment offering.
IIFA 2027: Indian Cinema on a Global Stage
For more than 26 years, IIFA has taken Indian cinema to audiences across the world. Its return to Yas Island represents another important chapter in that journey, bringing together the energy of Bollywood, the appeal of Abu Dhabi and the global reach of Indian entertainment.
As IIFA 2027 takes over Etihad Arena on January 22 and 23, Abu Dhabi will once again become the meeting point for cinema, culture, music and international celebration.
With anticipation already building, the stars are set to arrive and the stage is ready for another landmark IIFA celebration in Abu Dhabi.
Tickets for IIFA 2027 will go on sale on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10am UAE time.
IIFA 2027. Indian cinema. Global stage. One extraordinary weekend.
