IIFA Awards 2027 Abu Dhabi: Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan lead star line-up

The 27th International Indian Film Academy Awards, commonly known as the IIFA Awards, are set to return to Abu Dhabi in January 2027. The red-carpet event will be held over two days at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, marking the fourth time Abu Dhabi has hosted the prestigious ceremony.

Prominent names confirmed to attend include Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, alongside Shahid Kapoor and director-producer Karan Johar. Other celebrated stars confirmed include Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and numerous others. The event, organized by the International Indian Film Academy, promises bigger stars, larger experiences, and deeper fan engagement compared to previous shows.

Tickets for the awards show will go on sale at 10am UAE time on September 18. The IIFA Awards celebrate the best in Hindi cinema, while the affiliated IIFA Utsavam honors achievements across South Indian film industries, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema.

The decision to bring the IIFA Awards back to Abu Dhabi comes as no surprise, given the emirate's strong ties with India and its evolving reputation as a premier entertainment destination. Andre Timmins, founder and director of IIFA Weekend & Awards, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, stating that they aim to elevate the celebration to new heights.