Varun Dhawan and Ananya Panday Set to Host Star-Studded IIFA 2027 Awards in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai: Bollywood superstars Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor are set to take the stage at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards 2027, which will return to Abu Dhabi in January for another star-studded celebration of Indian cinema.
The 27th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony will be held at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on January 22 and 23, 2027.
Organisers officially revealed the event’s performance lineup, hosts and key partnerships during a press conference in Mumbai on Thursday, October 22.
The upcoming celebration will mark IIFA’s fourth appearance in Abu Dhabi, bringing together some of Bollywood’s biggest names, filmmakers and entertainment industry personalities for two days of performances, awards and cinematic festivities.
Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Lead Star-Studded Performance Lineup
Bollywood icons Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan attended the Mumbai announcement event, posing for photographers and generating excitement ahead of the much-anticipated awards weekend.
Salman, dressed in a blue blazer paired with denim, also used the occasion to emphasise the importance of photographers respecting celebrities’ privacy and personal boundaries.
The 61-year-old actor arrived at the venue under tight security but took time to interact with a young fan, creating a memorable moment during the event.
When the young girl approached him, Salman went beyond simply posing for a photograph.
He personally signed a poster, adding a lengthy handwritten message alongside his autograph, before posing for a picture with her.
The Bollywood star also shook her hand, embraced her warmly and gave her an affectionate kiss on the forehead, leaving the young admirer with a special memory.
Salman’s remarks about photography etiquette echoed concerns he had previously expressed on the reality television show Bigg Boss 20.
During the programme, the actor had criticised photographers for capturing images of female celebrities from inappropriate angles, highlighting the importance of respecting their comfort, dignity and personal space.
With Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor among the announced performers, IIFA 2027 is expected to bring another major Bollywood celebration to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.
Kareena Kapoor Khan made a stylish appearance at the Mumbai press conference, dressed in an elegant all-black ensemble complemented by sunglasses.
Several other prominent Bollywood personalities, including Rashmika Mandanna, Abhishek Banerjee and Pankaj Tripathi, were also present at the event.
Shahid Kapoor has also been confirmed as one of the performers for the Abu Dhabi edition, joining Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in the star-studded lineup.
Rashmika Mandanna Set for IIFA Debut in Abu Dhabi
Popular actress Rashmika Mandanna is preparing to make her debut at the IIFA Awards in 2027, where she will deliver her first live performance on the prestigious awards stage.
Expressing her excitement about the milestone, Rashmika said the opportunity holds special significance for her career.
“Performing on the IIFA Awards stage for the first time feels incredibly special, and I’m honestly so excited!” she said in a statement.
The actress also praised IIFA for its role in celebrating Indian cinema and creating a global platform that connects actors, filmmakers and movie enthusiasts from different parts of the world.
Her debut performance is expected to be among the highlights of the two-day entertainment extravaganza in Abu Dhabi.
Varun Dhawan and Ananya Panday to Host IIFA 2027
Bollywood actors Varun Dhawan and Ananya Panday have been announced as hosts of the upcoming IIFA Awards ceremony.
They will be joined by renowned filmmaker Karan Johar and popular television host Manish Paul, bringing together a mix of Bollywood glamour, humour and entertainment.
The awards weekend will feature live performances by leading Indian film stars, alongside celebrations recognising achievements across the Indian film industry.
Organisers aim to build on IIFA’s international appeal by delivering another high-profile event that brings Indian cinema closer to audiences worldwide.
Abu Dhabi Prepares to Welcome IIFA for the Fourth Time
Abu Dhabi will host the IIFA Weekend & Awards for the fourth time, further strengthening the UAE capital’s position as a destination for major international entertainment events.
The 2027 edition is being organised in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral.
The event’s return to the emirate was initially announced during Arabian Travel Market 2026, highlighting the continued partnership between IIFA and Abu Dhabi’s tourism and entertainment sectors.
The announcement was followed by an official signing ceremony attended by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group Chief Executive Officer 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.
With an impressive lineup of performers, celebrity hosts and international guests, IIFA 2027 is set to bring two days of Bollywood entertainment to Etihad Arena on Yas Island on January 22 and 23.
The 27th edition of the IIFA Awards, scheduled for January, will see Yas Island welcome leading Bollywood stars, filmmakers and entertainment industry professionals for a spectacular celebration of Indian cinema.
