THE MAGIC RETURNS TO YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI: IIFA 2027 GETS SET FOR THE GLOBAL STAGE

FROM MUMBAI PRESS CONFERENCE TO ABU DHABI: THE COUNTDOWN TO IIFA 2027 BEGINS

Mumbai, 22nd October 2026: The magic of IIFA 2027 took centre stage in Mumbai as the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards hosted its much-anticipated Mumbai Press Conference, bringing together some of the biggest names in Indian cinema to mark the next chapter of IIFA’s global journey.

With the 27th Edition of the IIFA Weekend & Awards set to return to Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on 22nd – 23rd January 2027, the countdown is officially on for another spectacular celebration of Indian cinema, its stars and its global audience.

For over 26 years, IIFA has celebrated the magic of Indian cinema on the global stage. Now, in the heart of Yas Island, this extraordinary journey continues, creating unforgettable moments and bringing the world closer through the magic of cinema.       IIFA 2027 – AT A GLANCE
1. Date & Venue: 27th Edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on 22nd – 23rd January 2027

2. IIFA Awards 2027 Hosts: Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul and Ananya Panday

3. IIFA Awards 2027 Performers: Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Nora Fatehi

4. IIFA Digital Awards 2027 Hosts: Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Abhishek Banerjee | Performers: Himesh Reshammiya, Sunidhi Chauhan

5. Presenting Sponsor: IIFA & Sobha Realty extend landmark partnership into 2027, marking four years of collaboration as Presenting Sponsor of IIFA Weekend and IIFA Digital Awards6. Co-Powered By Sponsor: ORN.COM joins IIFA Weekend & Awards 2027 as Co-Powered By Sponsor

7. Broadcasting Partner: ZEE x IIFA continue partnership to take Indian cinema to homes in over 120 countries 8. Official Streaming Partner: IIFA 2027 partners with YouTube for a historic first-ever Global Livestream – discover IIFA Unfiltered only on YouTube

9. Tickets On Sale: https://www.etihadarena.ae/en/event-booking/iifa-awards-2027
IIFA Digital Awards ticket sales go live tomorrow, Friday 23rd October 2026                 IIFA IS BACK ON YAS ISLAND FOR A FOURTH EDITION – BIGGER AND BETTER THAN BEFORE
Returning for its fourth showcase, IIFA 2027 builds on its landmark partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi.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. Yas Island holds a special place in IIFA’s global journey. Our continued partnership is rooted in a shared passion for creativity and storytelling.”
THE STARS ARE READY. THE SPECTACLE BEGINS.

IIFA Awards 2027 will be hosted by Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul and Ananya Panday, with powerhouse performances by Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Nora Fatehi.IIFA Digital Awards 2027 will be hosted by Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Abhishek Banerjee with electrifying performances by Himesh Reshammiya and Sunidhi Chauhan.
PARTNERSHIPS 2027
IIFA & SOBHA REALTY:
As Presenting Sponsor, Sobha Realty will spotlight its growing presence in the emirate and Sobha City Abu Dhabi.Mr. Ashish Parakh, Group Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of Sobha Realty, said:
“Sobha Realty is proud to continue its association with IIFA as Title Sponsor. IIFA is more than an awards platform; it is a global celebration of Indian cinema, creativity, performance and cultural excellence.”
ZEE x IIFA:
Sandeep Mehrotra, COO – Advertisement Revenue, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited said, “Our continued association for the third consecutive year reflects our shared commitment to celebrate the excellence of Indian cinema and take its rich storytelling legacy to audiences across the globe.”IIFA x YOUTUBE – A HISTORIC GLOBAL LIVESTREAM:
At the heart of the partnership, the IIFA Awards 2027 will stream worldwide on YouTube, simultaneously with the broadcast. The partnership will bring Bollywood’s biggest stars together with digital creators for the on-ground YouTube Creator Collective, IIFA Uncut, Greenroom content series, and the IIFA YouTube Creator Club.Gunjan Soni, Managing Director – India, YouTube, said,
“Welcoming IIFA to YouTube represents a powerful milestone in bringing the best of Indian cinema to a wide global audience. YouTube is proud to be the canvas where the legendary scale of Indian cinema meets the limitless creativity of our creator community.”

INDIAN CINEMA. GLOBAL STAGE. ONE EXTRAORDINARY IIFA.

Andre Timmins, Founder/Director, IIFA, commented,
“For over 26 years, IIFA has believed in the extraordinary power of Indian cinema to transcend borders. Returning to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, for our fourth spectacular celebration is particularly special. Abu Dhabi has become our home away from home. With the continued support of Abu Dhabi, our valued partners Sobha Realty, YouTube and ZEE, and the incredible film fraternity, we are shaping a celebration that goes far beyond two spectacular nights.”
GET READY TO EXPERIENCE IIFA 2027
22nd – 23rd January 2027 | Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

TICKETS NOW ON SALE: https://www.etihadarena.ae/en/event-booking/iifa-awards-2027