* The 27th IIFA Weekend & Awards will take over Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on January 22-23, with the ceremony set to go LIVE worldwide on YouTube for the first time
TIL Desk Abu Dhabi:👉When Bollywood glamour takes centre stage on a global platform, the spectacle is bound to be larger than life. That is exactly what IIFA 2027 promises, bringing together star power, music, spectacular performances and the unmistakable Bollywood entertainment quotient. The 27th edition of the IIFA Weekend & Awards will be held on January 22 and 23, 2027, at the iconic Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
This edition is set to be particularly special, with some of the biggest names in Indian entertainment coming together under one roof.
Karan Johar and Varun Dhawan will take charge as hosts, bringing their trademark wit, energy and entertainment quotient to the awards night. Adding to the star-studded spectacle, Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Janhvi Kapoor will take the stage with power-packed performances.
All Eyes on Salman Khan
Salman Khan’s return to the IIFA stage is set to be one of the biggest highlights of the evening. The superstar shares a long-standing association with IIFA and has a special connection with Abu Dhabi as well.
Speaking about his return, Salman has described IIFA as much more than an awards show—it is a celebration of films, artists and the audiences whose love has made the journey special. His much-awaited performance is therefore expected to be one of the major attractions of IIFA 2027.
Pankaj Tripathi to Host an Awards Show for the First Time
The entertainment quotient will continue at the IIFA Digital Awards 2027, hosted by acclaimed actors Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal.
The highlight here is Pankaj Tripathi, who will be hosting an awards show for the first time. Known for his effortless humour, distinctive charm and natural screen presence, the actor is set to bring a completely different flavour to the digital awards stage.
IIFA Goes Global on YouTube
One of the biggest developments surrounding IIFA 2027 is its landmark partnership with YouTube. For the first time, the IIFA Awards will be streamed LIVE worldwide on YouTube, allowing fans across the globe to experience the celebration from wherever they are.
The digital experience will go beyond the live ceremony, with celebrity conversations, creator-led content, behind-the-scenes access and other exclusive moments building up to and continuing after the awards.
Fourth IIFA Showcase on Yas Island
Yas Island will host IIFA for the fourth time, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s association with the global celebration of Indian cinema.
IIFA and Sobha Realty will also enter the fourth year of their partnership in 2027, with Sobha Realty continuing as the Presenting Sponsor of IIFA Weekend and IIFA Digital Awards. Meanwhile, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited will continue as IIFA’s official Broadcasting Partner for the third consecutive year.
According to IIFA Founder and Director Andre Timmins, the 2027 edition aims to take the celebration to a new level with bigger stars, bigger experiences, deeper fan engagement and an expanded digital reach.
Tickets for IIFA 2027 are now on sale. Come January, Yas Island is set to transform into a spectacular global celebration of Indian cinema, with Salman’s star power, Karan and Varun’s chemistry, and the glamour of Bollywood’s biggest names coming together for an unforgettable IIFA experience.
