IIFA 2027 Abu Dhabi returns to Etihad Arena on January 22 and 23, bringing Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and other major Indian cinema stars to Yas Island, with tickets going on sale September 18.
ABU DHABI: IIFA 2027 Abu Dhabi is officially heading back to Yas Island, with the 27th International Indian Film Academy Weekend & Awards scheduled for January 22 and 23, 2027, at Etihad Arena. The two-day celebration will mark IIFA’s fourth showcase in the UAE capital.
The first announced line-up brings together some of Indian cinema’s most recognisable names. Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal are confirmed to take part. Organisers have not yet disclosed which stars will host, perform or present awards.
For fans hoping to attend, tickets are scheduled to go on sale at 10 am UAE time on Friday, September 18, through Etihad Arena.
The return continues a strong connection between IIFA and Abu Dhabi. The capital previously hosted the awards in 2022, 2023 and 2024, before the 25th-anniversary edition moved to Jaipur in 2025. The 2027 event will again be staged in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the return reflects Abu Dhabi’s longstanding relationship with India and supports the emirate’s profile as an international entertainment and cultural destination.
IIFA founder and director Andre Timmins said the organisers want to make the latest Abu Dhabi edition more ambitious, promising “bigger stars, bigger experiences, deeper fan engagement”.
The awards have developed into an international showcase for Hindi cinema since the inaugural ceremony was held in London in 2000. Previous host destinations have included Dubai, Bangkok, New York, Amsterdam, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur and Macau.
IIFA 2027 Abu Dhabi will combine awards, live entertainment and appearances from leading film personalities across its two-day programme. Further details about hosts, performers, award categories and the complete event schedule are expected closer to the event.
For Yas Island, the announcement also adds another major entertainment event to Abu Dhabi’s calendar, with Etihad Arena continuing to attract international shows and live experiences.
Impact to expect
The fourth Abu Dhabi edition could strengthen Yas Island’s appeal to Indian cinema fans and encourage regional and international visitors to plan a January weekend around the awards, entertainment and surrounding attractions.
