The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards is returning to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, for its fourth showcase in the destination, marking another landmark chapter in IIFA’s global journey. The highly anticipated 27th Edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards will take place at the iconic Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on 22–23 January 2027, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi.
The landmark announcement was made at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, where IIFA officially confirmed the return of the 27th Edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The occasion was marked by a ceremonial signing celebrating the continued IIFA–Abu Dhabi partnership and setting the stage for IIFA’s spectacular return to the destination.
IIFA 2027 will bring together two days of star power, music, spectacular performances and cinematic excellence, once again creating a global meeting point for audiences, artists, creators and communities from around the world.
IIFA AND ABU DHABI: A PARTNERSHIP THAT CONTINUES TO GROW
Abu Dhabi is a destination that welcomes the world, where cultures connect, creativity thrives and extraordinary experiences bring people together. With its distinctive blend of culture, entertainment, hospitality and innovation, the emirate has established itself as a dynamic global destination, creating memorable experiences for visitors and communities from around the world.
At the heart of this vision, Yas Island has emerged as a globally renowned destination for entertainment and leisure, bringing together world-class attractions, spectacular live events and immersive experiences. IIFA’s return for its fourth showcase in Abu Dhabi celebrates a partnership that has continued to grow in ambition and global impact, strengthening the connection between Abu Dhabi and the global Indian entertainment community.
For more than 26 years, IIFA has taken Indian cinema to the world. In Abu Dhabi, it has found a natural global stage — a destination that shares IIFA’s belief in the power of entertainment to connect cultures, create unforgettable moments and bring audiences together across borders.
IIFA 2027 will build on this shared vision, once again placing Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, at the centre of a global 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.”
IIFA 2027 UNVEILS ITS STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP
The 27th Edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards is set to be a star-studded celebration, with some of India’s biggest entertainers taking centre stage. The spectacular celebrations will feature Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal, coming together for an unforgettable IIFA Weekend & Awards at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Together, they will bring an electrifying mix of glamour, entertainment and cinematic excellence to the IIFA 2027 stage.
More than an awards celebration, IIFA is where Indian cinema meets the world — creating moments that become memories, conversations and cultural milestones.
Andre Timmins, Founder/Director, The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards, commented:
“Every new chapter of IIFA has been driven by one ambition: to take the magic, emotion and extraordinary power of Indian cinema to the world. In 2027, that ambition becomes bigger than ever.
“Returning to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, for our fourth showcase is incredibly special. Abu Dhabi has embraced IIFA, our film fraternity and our audiences with extraordinary warmth, and together we have created some truly iconic moments. With this IIFA, we want to raise that bar again — bigger stars, bigger experiences, deeper fan engagement and a celebration that reaches far beyond the arena.
“With Abu Dhabi as our global stage and our partners Sobha Realty, YouTube and ZEE, IIFA 2027 represents an exciting new era for us. Indian cinema has never been more global, its stars never more influential and its audiences never more connected. IIFA 2027 will celebrate that moment, bringing the world together through the incredible power of Indian cinema.”