IIFA 2027 Unveils Star-Studded Hosts and Performers for Abu Dhabi Celebration.
ABU DHABI, UAE, September 18, 2026: The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) has unveiled a star-studded line-up of hosts and performers for the 27th edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards, set to take place on January 22–23, 2027, at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Tickets for IIFA 2027 are now on sale, opening the global celebration of Indian cinema to audiences from around the world.
The IIFA Awards 2027 will be hosted by Bollywood filmmaker and television personality Karan Johar and actor Varun Dhawan, while the entertainment line-up will feature performances by Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Janhvi Kapoor.
The IIFA Digital Awards 2027 will be hosted by acclaimed actors Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal, bringing a dedicated focus to the rapidly evolving world of digital entertainment and storytelling.
Returning to Yas Island for its fourth showcase in Abu Dhabi, IIFA 2027 is being presented in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral. Organisers said the event will bring together leading Indian film personalities, creators and fans for two days of music, entertainment and live performances.
H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said IIFA’s return reflects the longstanding relationship between Abu Dhabi and India and supports the emirate’s profile as a destination for international entertainment and culture.
Miral Executive Director – Marketing, Communications and Events, Taghrid Alsaeed, said the organisation was delighted to welcome IIFA back to Yas Island, adding that the partnership reflects a shared focus on creativity, storytelling and creating experiences for audiences worldwide.
Salman Khan to Return to IIFA Stage
Salman Khan is among the headline performers for the 2027 edition. The actor said he has been associated with IIFA since its early years and expressed his excitement about returning to the Abu Dhabi stage.
Pankaj Tripathi will make his IIFA Digital Awards hosting debut, describing the opportunity as his first experience of hosting an awards show. He said the digital transformation of storytelling has created a new generation of artists and creators whose work deserves recognition.
IIFA and Sobha Realty Extend Partnership
IIFA and Sobha Realty will continue their partnership into 2027, marking four years of collaboration. Sobha Realty will serve as Presenting Sponsor of IIFA Weekend and IIFA Digital Awards, using the international platform to highlight its presence in Abu Dhabi and Sobha City Abu Dhabi.
Ashish Parakh, Group Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of Sobha Realty, said the company was pleased to continue its association with IIFA and highlighted the expanding role of digital storytelling and live entertainment in the partnership.
ZEE Continues as Broadcasting Partner
ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited will continue as IIFA’s official Broadcasting Partner for the third consecutive year, connecting audiences worldwide with the event through its broadcast and digital ecosystem.
IIFA Partners with YouTube for Global Livestream
In another major development, IIFA has announced a strategic partnership with YouTube, through which the IIFA Awards 2027 will be livestreamed worldwide on YouTube.
The partnership will also extend beyond the awards ceremony, featuring celebrity conversations, creator-led content, behind-the-scenes access and other digital programming before and after the event.
Gunjan Soni, Managing Director – India, YouTube, said the partnership would bring together Indian cinema, global fandom and YouTube’s worldwide video platform to create a more interactive experience for audiences.
IIFA Founder and Director Andre Timmins said the 2027 edition would aim to expand the event’s reach beyond the arena, with Abu Dhabi serving as the global stage for a celebration designed to connect Indian cinema with audiences worldwide.
IIFA Weekend & Awards 2027 will take place on January 22–23, 2027, at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
