IIFA Awards 2027 Confirmed for Abu Dhabi on January 22-23 at Etihad Arena, Featuring Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Shahid Kapoor

The International Indian Film Academy Awards will return to Abu Dhabi for two days on January 22 and 23, 2027, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, marking the fourth time Abu Dhabi has hosted the ceremony. Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Shahid Kapoor are among the celebrities confirmed to attend, according to The National on September 16. Other confirmed stars include Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and director-producer Karan Johar, although organisers have yet to reveal who will host, perform, or present awards. Tickets for IIFA 2027 will go on sale at 10am UAE time on September 18 through Etihad Arena website. Previous host cities included Dubai, Bangkok, New York, Amsterdam, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, and Macau. Dubai hosted the ceremony in 2006 before Abu Dhabi began its three-year run in 2022. The announcement comes as Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a destination for major international entertainment and cultural events. The IIFA Awards are one of the largest celebrations of Indian cinema outside India, attracting global audiences and significant media attention. The January dates place the event during Abu Dhabi peak tourism season when hotel occupancy and visitor numbers are typically at their highest. The return of IIFA for a fourth time reflects the emirate sustained investment in entertainment infrastructure and its appeal as a venue for large-scale international events.