The IIFA Awards 2027 Abu Dhabi will bring some of Bollywood’s biggest names to Yas Island next January, with Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor among the first stars announced for the 27th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards.
The two-day celebration of Indian cinema is scheduled for January 22 and 23, 2027, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, marking IIFA’s fourth showcase in Abu Dhabi. The initial lineup also includes filmmaker and television personality Karan Johar, actor Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal.
Further details about the individual appearances, performances and hosts are expected to be announced closer to the event.
IIFA Awards 2027 Returns to Abu Dhabi
The return of IIFA to Abu Dhabi continues the awards organisation’s relationship with the UAE capital and its partners, including the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral.
The 2027 edition was announced as IIFA continues to expand its international presence and connect Indian cinema with audiences around the world. Abu Dhabi has previously hosted IIFA events, making the 2027 edition another major Bollywood-focused event for Yas Island.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said the return reflects the longstanding relationship between Abu Dhabi and India while supporting the emirate’s profile as an international destination for entertainment and culture.
For Yas Island, the event adds another major entertainment production to an increasingly busy calendar of concerts, sporting events and cultural shows at Etihad Arena.
Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor Among Confirmed Stars
Salman Khan is one of the most prominent names in the initial IIFA 2027 lineup. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor are also confirmed among the stars heading to Abu Dhabi.
The announced group brings together established actors, younger Bollywood performers and major figures from the Indian film industry.
Karan Johar is also part of the initial lineup, alongside Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor. Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal round out the first group of announced names.
The announcement does not yet specify which stars will perform, present awards or take on hosting duties. Those details are expected to be revealed in subsequent announcements.
Two Days of Bollywood on Yas Island
The IIFA Weekend & Awards format extends beyond a single awards ceremony, bringing together entertainment, performances and celebrations around Indian cinema.
For Abu Dhabi audiences, the event will provide an opportunity to see major Bollywood personalities in person while also attracting visitors from across the UAE, India and other international markets.
IIFA has spent more than two decades taking Indian cinema celebrations to international destinations. Its official materials describe the academy as a platform for celebrating Indian cinema on a global stage, while its events have featured major Indian film personalities across multiple editions.
The 2027 Abu Dhabi edition therefore continues a long-running international approach rather than being a standalone local awards event.
IIFA and Abu Dhabi's Entertainment Calendar
The announcement comes as Abu Dhabi continues to develop Yas Island as a destination for major international entertainment.
Etihad Arena regularly hosts concerts, comedy shows, sporting events and large-scale productions. The venue’s current calendar includes international entertainment and sporting events throughout 2026 and into 2027.
IIFA’s return adds an Indian cinema-focused event to that wider entertainment calendar.
The connection between Abu Dhabi and Indian audiences is also significant for tourism. Indian visitors represent an important international audience for the UAE, while a large Indian community lives and works across the Emirates.
For IIFA, Abu Dhabi provides a venue and destination capable of hosting both local audiences and international visitors travelling specifically for the awards weekend.
Tickets for IIFA 2027 Abu Dhabi
Tickets for the IIFA Awards 2027 are scheduled to go on sale on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10am UAE time through Etihad Arena, according to the event announcement.
Fans planning to attend should use official ticketing channels. Etihad Arena advises customers to purchase tickets through its website or approved selling platforms and warns that tickets obtained through unauthorised resellers may be cancelled or refused at entry.
Additional information about ticket categories and pricing is expected as sales open.
More IIFA 2027 Details Expected
While the first celebrity lineup has already generated attention, several details about the Abu Dhabi edition remain to be announced.
The organisers are yet to confirm the full list of performers, hosts and the detailed awards programme. More Bollywood personalities could also be added to the lineup as preparations continue.
IIFA has previously combined awards presentations with live musical and dance performances, giving the weekend a broader entertainment format. Its official archive highlights the scale of past shows, including performances by Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan and Shahid Kapoor at earlier editions.
For the 2027 event, organisers have indicated that the Abu Dhabi edition will focus on fan engagement alongside the celebration of Indian cinema.
IIFA Awards 2027 Abu Dhabi Dates and Venue
The key details currently announced are:
Event: IIFA Weekend & Awards 2027
Dates: January 22-23, 2027
Venue: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Edition: 27th IIFA Weekend & Awards
Announced stars: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal
Ticket sales: September 18, 2026, from 10am UAE time
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi Prepares for Another Major IIFA Celebration
The IIFA Awards 2027 will bring another major international Indian cinema event to Abu Dhabi, with the first lineup already featuring some of Bollywood’s most recognisable names.
Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Karan Johar and the rest of the announced stars will headline a weekend designed to connect Bollywood talent with fans in the UAE and international visitors.
With the event returning to Yas Island for a fourth time, further announcements on performers, hosts, award categories and the complete programme are expected ahead of January 2027.
For Bollywood fans in the UAE, the next major date is September 18, when tickets are scheduled to go on sale, followed by the two-day IIFA celebration at Etihad Arena on January 22 and 23, 2027.