IIFA has set out the programme for its return to Abu Dhabi, bringing film stars and partners together at a Mumbai press conference on 22 October 2026 ahead of the 27th IIFA Weekend & Awards.
The two-day celebration is scheduled for 22–23 January 2027 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The main IIFA Awards ceremony is listed by the venue for Saturday, 23 January.
Film and digital entertainment share the spotlight
According to IIFA’s announcement, Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul and Ananya Panday will host the IIFA Awards. The announced performance line-up includes Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Nora Fatehi.
The IIFA Digital Awards will have Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Abhishek Banerjee as hosts, with performances announced by Himesh Reshammiya and Sunidhi Chauhan. Together, the events will bring cinema, music and digital entertainment into the same weekend programme.
The Mumbai gathering marked the wider launch of the January celebration, following individual announcements about artists and hosts. It brings together the participants and partners behind IIFA’s fourth Abu Dhabi showcase.
Abu Dhabi prepares to welcome fans
IIFA said the return is being organised with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral. Sobha Realty will continue its partnership into a fourth year, while ORN joins the weekend as a sponsor.
ZEE remains IIFA’s broadcasting partner. The organisers also outlined plans for YouTube to carry a worldwide livestream alongside the broadcast, with creator collaborations and additional behind-the-scenes coverage extending the programme online.
Planning a visit
Tickets for the main ceremony are listed on the official Etihad Arena event page. Visitors should check that page for current availability, seating categories and admission details, and confirm which event their ticket covers. Artist participation and programme details remain subject to updates from the organisers.
Read our earlier coverage of the four IIFA Awards hosts and Pankaj Tripathi’s Digital Awards hosting announcement.
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