Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi is all set to host the 23rd edition of the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) on May 26th and 27th, 2023, in a grand celebration of Indian Cinema. The prestigious event, held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, will take place at the Etihad Arena, promising an unforgettable experience for film enthusiasts worldwide.
The exhilarating festivities of IIFA 2023 will kick off with the Sobha IIFA Rocks on May 26th, a night filled with glamour and entertainment. Renowned Bollywood personalities Ms. Farah Khan Kunder and Mr. Rajkummar Rao have been entrusted with the hosting duties for the evening. The event will feature scintillating performances by acclaimed composer Mr. Amit Trivedi, who will be joined on stage by popular singers Mr. Badshah, Ms. Sunidhi Chauhan, Mr. Nucleya, and Mr. Sukhbir Singh.
Mr. Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi, remarked that, “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.”

This year’s Sobha IIFA Rocks holds an extra special treat for attendees as leading celebrity designer Mr. Manish Malhotra will be showcasing his exclusive collection to commemorate his 25th year in the fashion industry. The premiere of Mr. Malhotra’s showcase promises to be a highlight of the evening, captivating the audience with his creative brilliance.
The much-anticipated Nexa IIFA Awards, the main event of the weekend, will take place on May 27th. Hosting duties for the grand ceremony will be shared by the dynamic duo of Mr. Abhishek Bachchan and Mr. Vicky Kaushal, adding their own charm and wit to the proceedings. The star-studded event will feature electrifying performances by Bollywood superstars Mr. Salman Khan, Ms. Jacqueline Fernandez, Mr. Varun Dhawan, Ms. Kriti Sanon, Ms. Nora Fatehi, and Mr. Rakul Preet Singh, leaving the audience spellbound with their talent and charisma.
In addition to the dazzling performances, the Sobha IIFA weekend offers a series of masterclasses designed for film buffs, aspiring filmmakers, and enthusiasts. The masterclass series includes the enlightening ‘Director’s Cut’ sessions featuring industry prominent filmmakers including Mr. Kabir Khan and Mr. Omung Kumar, providing valuable insights and knowledge to attendees. Furthermore, attendees will have the opportunity to attend a must-see session by celebrity hair and makeup artist Nabila, who will share her expertise and secrets of the trade.

The International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) has consistently been a platform for honoring the best talent in Indian Cinema while celebrating the cultural exchange between India and the world. With Abu Dhabi as the host city, this year’s edition promises to be an unforgettable extravaganza, bringing together the glitz, glamour, and brilliance of the Indian film industry on a global stage. As the world eagerly awaits the 23rd IIFA Awards, film enthusiasts and Bollywood fans are gearing up for an unforgettable celebration of Indian Cinema in Abu Dhabi.