IIFA’s most familiar host is coming back to Abu Dhabi. Karan Johar will host the IIFA Awards for a record sixth time when the 27th IIFA Weekend and Awards takes over Etihad Arena on Yas Island on January 22-23, 2027, co-hosting the main ceremony with Varun Dhawan, Nation Press reports.

The weekend splits hosting duties across two nights. The IIFA Digital Awards on January 22 will be hosted by Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal, before Johar and Dhawan front the main awards on January 23. Confirmed performers include Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Janhvi Kapoor.

Tickets, timings and the first global livestream

Tickets for the main ceremony are on sale through the venue, with prices starting from Dh100, doors at 6pm and the show at 7:30pm, according to KSA News Today. For fans who cannot reach Yas Island, this edition adds a first: the awards ceremony will stream live worldwide on YouTube, with build-up, celebrity and behind-the-scenes content around the show, Bollywood Hungama reports. The exact livestream start time has not been announced.

Bollywood awards ceremony stage with performers and bright lights
Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Janhvi Kapoor are confirmed performers.

Abu Dhabi’s fourth IIFA

The 2027 edition is IIFA’s fourth showcase in Abu Dhabi, after editions in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and is organised with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral. ZEE continues as broadcast partner alongside the new YouTube livestream.

Making a Yas Island weekend of it

Etihad Arena sits among Yas Island’s theme parks, so awards weekend pairs easily with Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld or Warner Bros. World. Our Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai guide, the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus page and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque guide help plan the trip, and January is peak season, so book hotels early.

Yas Island Abu Dhabi waterfront and theme parks at dusk
The 2027 edition is IIFA’s fourth showcase in Abu Dhabi.

FAQs

When and where is IIFA 2027?

January 22-23, 2027 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The Digital Awards are on January 22 and the main awards on January 23.

Who is hosting IIFA 2027?

Karan Johar and Varun Dhawan host the main awards, a record sixth hosting turn for Johar. Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal host the Digital Awards.

How much do IIFA 2027 tickets cost?

Tickets for the main ceremony start from Dh100 through the venue, per event reporting.

Can I watch IIFA 2027 online?

Yes. The ceremony will stream live worldwide on YouTube for the first time, alongside the ZEE broadcast.