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The Communiqué News

IIFA 2027 Returns to Abu Dhabi: Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Star-Studded Celebration Began at The Grand Hyatt, Mumbai

Swati Bhat
4 min read

The 27th edition of IIFA will take place on January 22–23 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, featuring Bollywood performances, digital entertainment awards and its first global YouTube livestream.

IIFA 2027 Abu Dhabi announcement featuring Bollywood hosts and performers for the January awards ceremony at Yas Island.

Mumbai, October 22, 2026: The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) has officially set the stage for its 27th edition, announcing a return to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22 and 23, 2027. The announcement, made during a press conference in Mumbai, unveiled a major lineup of Bollywood celebrities, performances and international partnerships, including a first-ever global livestream collaboration with YouTube.

With Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Nora Fatehi announced as performers, IIFA 2027 is positioning itself as a major international celebration of Indian cinema and entertainment.

Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul, Ananya Panday, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi and Abhishek Banerjee to Host IIFA Awards 2027

The 27th edition of the IIFA Awards promises an exciting blend of glamour, entertainment and engaging performances, with some of Indian cinema's most celebrated personalities taking centre stage. Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul and Ananya Panday will host the main IIFA Awards ceremony, bringing together Johar's signature wit, Dhawan's infectious energy, Paul's effortless humour and Panday's youthful charm.

Adding another dimension to the celebrations, the IIFA Digital Awards 2027 will be hosted by acclaimed actors Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Abhishek Banerjee. Known for their distinctive performances across cinema and streaming platforms, the trio is expected to bring a refreshing combination of humour, spontaneity and cinematic flair to the digital awards stage. The entertainment quotient will rise further with a spectacular lineup of performances featuring Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Nora Fatehi. From Bollywood's established superstars to contemporary audience favourites, the performances are set to celebrate the diversity, energy and global appeal of Indian cinema, making IIFA 2027 in Abu Dhabi, one of the most anticipated entertainment events of the year.

IIFA 2027 Strengthens Global Partnerships with Sobha Realty, ORN, ZEE and YouTube

The 27th edition of the IIFA Weekend & Awards continues to strengthen its international presence through strategic partnerships with leading global brands. Sobha Realty extends its association with IIFA into 2027, marking four years of collaboration as the Presenting Sponsor of IIFA Weekend and IIFA Digital Awards.

Joining the celebrations, ORN comes on board as the Co-Powered By Sponsor of IIFA Weekend & Awards 2027, bringing its expertise in logistics and technology to the global entertainment platform.

Meanwhile, ZEE continues its longstanding association as IIFA's Official Broadcasting Partner, taking the celebration of Indian cinema to television audiences across more than 120 countries.

In a significant digital milestone, YouTube joins IIFA 2027 as its Official Streaming Partner, introducing the event's first-ever global livestream and the exclusive IIFA Unfiltered experience.

Together, these partnerships underline IIFA's evolving global footprint, connecting Indian cinema, international brands and millions of entertainment enthusiasts across traditional and digital platforms.

IIFA Digital Awards 2027 to Celebrate Streaming Entertainment

Recognising the expanding influence of digital storytelling, IIFA will also host its Digital Awards, with Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Abhishek Banerjee announced as presenters. The digital celebration will feature musical performances by Himesh Reshammiya and Sunidhi Chauhan, bringing two distinctive musical voices to the IIFA stage. The inclusion of a dedicated digital awards ceremony reflects the growing importance of OTT platforms, streaming productions and digital-first entertainment within the Indian screen industry.

IIFA 2027 Announces First-Ever Global YouTube Livestream

One of the most significant developments announced at the Mumbai press conference is IIFA's partnership with YouTube as its official streaming partner.

For the first time, the awards will introduce a global livestream through YouTube, expanding access to audiences beyond the physical venue and traditional television broadcasting. The initiative will also introduce IIFA Unfiltered, a digital offering intended to bring viewers closer to the event and its personalities.

Meanwhile, ZEE will continue as IIFA's broadcasting partner, extending the awards' television reach to audiences across more than 120 countries.

Sobha Realty, ORN Join IIFA 2027's Global Partnerships

IIFA and Sobha Realty have extended their presenting sponsorship association into 2027, marking four years of collaboration. The partnership will continue across IIFA Weekend and the IIFA Digital Awards.

ORN has also joined IIFA Weekend & Awards 2027 as a co-powered-by sponsor, bringing logistics and technology into the event's commercial partnership network.

These associations highlight the continuing appeal of international entertainment events as platforms connecting cinema, global brands and audiences.

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Prepares for Two Days of Indian Cinema

The Etihad Arena on Yas Island will once again provide the setting for IIFA's international celebration. Over more than two decades, IIFA has established a presence beyond India, using its travelling awards format to connect Indian cinema with international audiences. Its return to Abu Dhabi further reinforces the emirate's association with large-scale Indian entertainment events and cultural celebrations. With an extensive celebrity lineup, digital broadcasting initiatives and live performances, the January 2027 edition aims to bring together traditional Bollywood glamour and the evolving digital entertainment landscape.

IIFA 2027 Tickets and Event Dates

January 22–23, 2027

Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

As the countdown begins, IIFA 2027 promises more than a conventional awards ceremony. Its combination of cinema, music, digital entertainment and international streaming marks another chapter in the event's effort to connect Indian storytelling with audiences worldwide.











IIFA 2027: Sponsors, Hosts, Performers, Dates and Venue

Swati Bhat
4 min read

ABU DHABI, UAE / MUMBAI, INDIA, October 22, 2026: The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards will return to Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22 and 23, 2027, with Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Nora Fatehi among the performers announced for its 27th edition.

Swati Bhat

IIFA 2027: Sponsors, Hosts, Performers, Dates and Venue

Hosts, Performers and Digital Awards Complete the Line-up

The 2027 edition will combine the main awards ceremony with the IIFA Digital Awards, bringing film talent and digital entertainment personalities into the same event programme.

The main awards will be hosted by Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul and Ananya Panday. Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Nora Fatehi are among the announced performers.

Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Abhishek Banerjee will host the IIFA Digital Awards, with Himesh Reshammiya and Sunidhi Chauhan set to perform.

Andre Timmins, Founder/Director of IIFA Weekend & Awards, said the return to Abu Dhabi was particularly meaningful after years of collaboration with the destination. He also described the 2027 edition as an opportunity to bring cinema, culture, technology and fans together through an expanded global experience.

Abu Dhabi and Yas Island Continue Their IIFA Association

IIFA's return builds on its ongoing relationship with Abu Dhabi's tourism and entertainment ecosystem. According to the announcement, the partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral will continue for the 2027 edition.

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, while reinforcing the emirate's ambitions as a destination for international entertainment and culture.

Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director – Marketing, Communications and Events at Miral, said Yas Island's association with IIFA is rooted in a shared interest in creativity and storytelling. She added that events of this scale support Yas Island's positioning as a global leisure and entertainment destination and contribute to Abu Dhabi's appeal for cultural tourism. The collaboration brings Indian cinema into a destination strategy built around entertainment experiences and international visitor engagement, although the announcement does not disclose the financial terms of the partnership.

Sobha Realty Extends Its IIFA Partnership into 2027

Sobha Realty will continue its association with IIFA in 2027, marking four years of collaboration, according to the announcement. The real estate company is identified as the Title sponsor of IIFA 2027, with the partnership expected to provide a platform for the brand to connect with audiences interested in Indian cinema and entertainment.

The announcement also references Sobha City Abu Dhabi as part of the company's wider brand positioning in the emirate. Ashish Parakh, Group Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of Sobha Realty, described IIFA as a platform connecting artists, audiences and communities across countries. He said the inclusion of IIFA Digital reflects the evolution of entertainment across cinema, live experiences and digital storytelling, themes that he linked to the company's philosophy of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

ORN.com Joins as Co-Powered By Sponsor

ORN.com has been announced as a Co-Powered By sponsor for IIFA Weekend & Awards 2027. The announcement positions the partnership around the company's association with IIFA's international reach and the visibility offered by a global Indian entertainment event.

ZEE Continues as Broadcasting Partner

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) will return as IIFA's broadcasting partner, continuing its association with the awards for a third consecutive year, according to Sandeep Mehrotra, Chief Operating Officer – Advertisement Revenue at ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited. Mr.Mehrotra said the partnership supports the company's aim of taking Indian cinema to audiences worldwide while creating opportunities for advertisers and industry partners. He also referred to ZEE's content ecosystem, broadcast and digital presence, and technology capabilities as part of its strategy to deepen consumer engagement. The announcement states that ZEE's distribution network reaches audiences in more than 120 countries.

YouTube Partnership Targets a Global Digital Audience

One of the headline developments for IIFA 2027 is its announced partnership with YouTube as the official streaming partner. The organisers say the IIFA Awards will be streamed worldwide on YouTube alongside the broadcast, marking what the announcement describes as a first for an event of IIFA's scale and legacy.

The proposed digital offering extends beyond the main awards ceremony. It includes video-on-demand programming, YouTube Shorts, backstage access, creator collaborations, digital watch parties and a Greenroom content series under the IIFA Uncut concept. The announcement also refers to an on-ground YouTube Creator Collective and the IIFA YouTube Creator Club. The event programming is expected to be presented in multiple languages, beginning with Hindi and English.

Gunjan Soni, Managing Director India at YouTube, said the partnership would connect Indian cinema with the platform's creator community and global audiences, while expanding access to behind-the-scenes material and other digital storytelling.

The arrangement could provide IIFA with additional ways to reach audiences beyond conventional event viewing.

IIFA 2027 Tickets and Dates

Tickets for IIFA Awards 2027 are listed through the official Etihad Arena booking page. The press release states that digital awards ticket sales are scheduled to begin on October 23, 2026.

Event: IIFA Weekend & Awards 2027

Dates: January 22–23, 2027

Venue: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Main awards hosts: Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul and Ananya Panday

Official ticket page:







Rashmika Mandanna to Make Her IIFA Awards 2027 Debut with Live Performance in Abu Dhabi

Swati Bhat
2 min read

The pan-Indian star joins the celebrations at the 27th IIFA Weekend & Awards, scheduled for January 22–23, 2027, at Etihad Arena, Yas Island.

Swati Bhat

Rashmika Mandanna is preparing to add another milestone to her career as she gears up for her first-ever performance at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards. The actress will take the stage at the 27th edition of the prestigious celebration, scheduled to take place at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22 and 23, 2027.

Having established herself across Kannada, Telugu and Hindi cinema, Rashmika's upcoming IIFA performance brings her screen popularity to an international live audience. The announcement adds another prominent name to an event that continues to celebrate Indian cinema beyond geographical and linguistic boundaries.

Rashmika Mandanna Expresses Excitement Ahead of IIFA Awards 2027

Sharing her enthusiasm about the upcoming performance, Rashmika said, "Performing on the IIFA Awards stage for the first time feels incredibly special, and I’m honestly so excited!" Describing IIFA as a celebration that brings Indian cinema and its admirers together across the world, the actress spoke about her personal connection with dance and the opportunity to entertain audiences on such a prominent platform. "I can’t wait to step onto the IIFA stage, share the energy and create beautiful memories together in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. I’m so grateful to be a part of this celebration and can’t wait to experience the magic of IIFA LIVE!" she added.

For Rashmika, whose filmography includes popular titles such as Pushpa: The Rise, Pushpa 2: The Rule and Animal, the appearance represents another opportunity to connect with audiences beyond the cinema screen.

IIFA 2027 Returns to Yas Island with a Star-Studded Celebration

The 27th IIFA Weekend & Awards will mark the event's fourth showcase in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its continuing association with the emirate as an international destination for Indian entertainment. The two-day celebration will include the IIFA Digital Awards on January 22, followed by the main IIFA Awards ceremony on January 23. Rashmika joins a performance line-up that includes Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor and Nora Fatehi, while Karan Johar and Varun Dhawan are among the announced hosts. The event is being organised in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism,Abu Dhabi and Miral.

Beyond its red-carpet appearances and live entertainment, IIFA has built its identity around introducing Indian cinema to international audiences. Rashmika's participation reflects the growing presence of performers whose careers span multiple Indian film industries rather than a single language market.

With preparations underway for the January celebration, her debut performance is set to be one of the anticipated additions to IIFA's expanding entertainment line-up.

Rashmika Mandanna announced as a performer for IIFA Awards 2027 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi







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