Bollywood’s IIFA Weekend & Awards will return to Abu Dhabi in 2027, with the 27th edition set to take place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island for its fourth showcase in the emirate.
The two-day event will bring together Indian film stars, music, live performances and awards, giving UAE audiences another opportunity to see some of India’s biggest entertainment names in Abu Dhabi. The announced line-up includes Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal.
The return was announced during Arabian Travel Market 2026, where IIFA marked the continuation of its partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and Miral.
IIFA 2027 in Abu Dhabi: what we know
The 27th Edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards will be held at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, although the press release does not provide specific event dates.
IIFA says the 2027 edition will run across two days, combining awards, music and live performances with celebrations of Indian cinema.
For UAE residents and visitors, the announcement confirms the destination and venue, but ticket prices, ticket-sale dates and the exact event dates have not yet been provided.
Which Bollywood stars will attend IIFA 2027?
The announced performers and guests include:
Salman Khan
Karan Johar
Shahid Kapoor
Varun Dhawan
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Janhvi Kapoor
Pankaj Tripathi
Ali Fazal
The announcement describes the event as bringing together India’s biggest entertainers, with the stars set to take part in the IIFA Weekend & Awards celebrations.
Why is IIFA returning to Yas Island?
The 2027 edition will be IIFA’s fourth showcase in Abu Dhabi, continuing a partnership that the organisers say has grown over the years.
For Abu Dhabi, the event connects the emirate’s entertainment and tourism ambitions with the international Indian entertainment community. IIFA says Abu Dhabi has become a natural global stage for its celebration of Indian cinema, culture and entertainment.
H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “IIFA is one of the world’s most influential celebrations of Indian cinema, and its return to Abu Dhabi reflects the strength of our longstanding relationship with India and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing profile as a leading global destination for entertainment and culture.”
Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director – Marketing, Communications and Events, Miral, said: “We are delighted to welcome IIFA back to Yas Island for its fourth showcase in Abu Dhabi, bringing the energy and artistry of Indian cinema to Etihad Arena; Yas Island holds a special place in IIFA’s global journey.
Our continued partnership with IIFA is rooted in a shared passion for creativity and storytelling. Through events of this scale, we create moments that resonate with audiences worldwide, strengthen Yas Island’s position as a leading global destination for leisure and entertainment, and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as a destination for culture and tourism.”
When will IIFA 2027 take place?
The organisers have confirmed that IIFA 2027 will take place in 2027 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, across two days.
However, the announcement does not yet state the exact dates, ticket launch date or ticket prices. Those details will therefore need to be confirmed in a subsequent announcement.
For now, the key takeaway for fans in the UAE is that the IIFA Weekend & Awards is returning to Yas Island, with a major Bollywood line-up already announced.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
