The awards will feature performances by Bollywood stars, while Varun Dhawan and Ananya Panday will host the event in Abu Dhabi.
The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards will return to Abu Dhabi in January 2027, bringing Bollywood stars, live performances, and film industry celebrations to Yas Island for the fourth time.
The 27th edition is scheduled for January 22 and 23 at Etihad Arena. Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Shahid Kapoor are among the performers announced for the event, while Varun Dhawan and Ananya Panday will host the awards ceremony alongside filmmaker Karan Johar and television presenter Manish Paul.
The organizers announced the lineup, hosts, and partnerships at a press conference in Mumbai on October 22, 2026. The upcoming edition will continue IIFA’s association with Abu Dhabi as an international destination for celebrations of Indian cinema.
Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor Join the Lineup
Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan attended the Mumbai press conference ahead of the awards weekend. Khan arrived wearing a blue blazer and denim, while Kareena opted for an all-black outfit with sunglasses.
Actors Rashmika Mandanna, Abhishek Banerjee, and Pankaj Tripathi were also present at the event.
Khan also reiterated his call for photographers to respect celebrities’ personal boundaries while taking pictures. During the event, he took time to interact with a young fan, signing a poster with a personal note before posing for a photograph with her.
The actor had previously raised concerns on Bigg Boss 20 about photographers taking pictures of actresses from angles that could make them uncomfortable.
Rashmika Mandanna to Make Her IIFA Debut
Rashmika Mandanna will make her IIFA debut at the 2027 awards, where she is set to perform live on stage.
“Performing on the IIFA Awards stage for the first time feels incredibly special, and I’m honestly so excited!” she said in a statement.
Mandanna described IIFA as a celebration of Indian cinema that brings together film talent and audiences from around the world.
Her debut performance adds another name to the lineup as the organizers prepare for two days of entertainment on Yas Island.
Varun Dhawan and Ananya Panday to Host the Awards
Actors Varun Dhawan and Ananya Panday will lead the hosting lineup for the 2027 ceremony. They will be joined by filmmaker Karan Johar and television presenter Manish Paul.
The awards weekend is expected to feature performances from prominent Bollywood names, alongside gatherings of actors, filmmakers, and other members of the Indian film industry.
With its mix of stage performances and award celebrations, the event will bring together entertainment and industry networking in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi to Host IIFA for the Fourth Time
The 2027 edition is being organized in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral.
IIFA’s return to the UAE capital was announced at Arabian Travel Market 2026, followed by a signing ceremony attended by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group Chief Executive of Miral; Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General of the Tourism Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; and IIFA co-founder Andre Timmins.
The partnership brings the awards back to Yas Island, a major entertainment destination in Abu Dhabi, for another edition of the event.
IIFA 2027 Set for January 22 and 23
The two-day celebration will take place at Etihad Arena on January 22 and 23, 2027, with performances, hosting appearances, and events involving Bollywood talent.
For Abu Dhabi, the return of IIFA adds another major Indian entertainment event to its calendar. For fans of Indian cinema, the awards weekend will offer an opportunity to see Bollywood stars perform and take part in a celebration of the industry’s work.
With its performer lineup and returning partnership with Abu Dhabi, IIFA 2027 is set to bring the Indian film industry back to Yas Island for its 27th edition.
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Bollywood actors Salman Khan (L), Varun Dhawan (C) and Kareena Kapoor attend the presser for the 27th edition of the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA 2027) in Mumbai.
AFP/ Gulf News
