23rd International Indian Film Academy Awards to take place in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Media Office
The 23rd International Indian Film Academy Awards will take place from 26-27 May 2023 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island. The event celebrates excellence in Indian cinema and reflects Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for arts and culture.
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The 23rd edition of the International Indian Film Academy and Awards (IIFA) is to take place in Abu Dhabi.

In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, the celebration of Indian Cinema is taking place 26-27 May 2023 at Etihad Arena.

His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi said: “We are pleased to host the IIFA Awards once again in Abu Dhabi since it marks a significant turning point for our dynamic entertainment calendar. Our relationship with India, which is based on shared cultural and economic interests, has been boosted even further by the fact that Abu Dhabi has served as the setting for a number of Bollywood blockbusters, allowing people all over the world to learn about our stunning country.

“The biggest celebration of Indian cinema will take place in Abu Dhabi, and we are excited to welcome the illustrious actors, directors, and members of the Indian film community, as well as their supporters.”

Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director of Group Communication and Destination Marketing, Miral, said: “We are honoured to once again be hosting the esteemed IIFA Awards 2023 on Yas Island. This exceptional event, set to unite remarkable movie stars on the island, further reinforces our commitment to positioning Yas Island as a global destination for leisure and entertainment.

“We have a relentless pursuit of excellence and are committed to ensure all that visit us create memories that last a lifetime. I can't wait to witness the fans' finally getting to meet their idols and have a memorable weekend on Yas Island. Through events like these, we continue to support Abu Dhabi’s vision to becoming a leading global tourism hub, as well as contributing to the Capital’s growth and economic diversification.”

IIFA 2023 will kickstart the celebration with Sobha IIFA Rocks on 26 May, hosted by Farah Khan Kunder and Rajkummar Rao and will feature performances by Amit Trivedi, along with several popular singers, Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Nucleya, Sukhbir Singh.

The highly awaited special addition this year to the Sobha IIFA Rocks is the premiere of an exclusive showcase by leading celebrity designer, Manish Malhotra, who is celebrating 25 years in the fashion industry.

Host of Sobha Realty IIFA Rocks 2023, Farah Khan, said: “IIFA is a real example of a worldwide phenomenon that not only recognises and honours the excellence of Indian cinema on a global scale but also offers the entire film industry a terrific opportunity. Personally, I am overjoyed to host IIFA Rocks once again.”

Sobha Realty IIFA Rocks 2023, Co-host Rajkummar Rao, said: “I think that I am IIFA's biggest fan. Together with Farah Khan, I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to co-host IIFA Rocks. The prospect of having fun and making memories excites me. It's going to be a blast.”

The Nexa IIFA Awards will take place on 27th May 2023 and will be hosted by Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal along with electrifying performances by Bollywood superstars Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi and Rakul Preet Singh.

Abhishek Bachchan said: "I am thrilled to return to the wonderful city of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. It will be an absolute pleasure and honour to entertain and meet fans from all over the world. Looking forward to hosting the IIFA Awards."

Vicky Kaushal said: "My journey with IIFA has been tremendously exciting over the years and I can't wait to be on stage and co-host IIFA Awards 2023 with my buddy Abhishek Bachchan!”

One of the highlights of the Sobha IIFA weekend is a set of masterclasses designed for film buffs, aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts. The masterclass series features, ‘Director’s Cut’ with Kabir Khan and Omung Kumar along with a must-attend session by celebrity hair and makeup artist Nabila.

This year, Kamal Haasan, Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Riteish & Genelia D’Souza, Sunny Kaushal, Mouni Roy, Fardeen Khan, Esha Gupta, Mrunal Thakur, Dia Mirza, Rashii Khanna, Sheeba Chaddha, Neelam Kothari, Bhavna Pandey, Maheep Kapoor and Seema Sajdeh will all be walking the green carpet. Producer Ramesh Taurani along with other movie moguls, Boney Kapoor, Bhushan Kumar, Jayantilal Gada, Anees Bazmee and R Madhavan are expected to attend the IIFA Weekend and Awards.