Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Abhishek Banerjee to host the Digital Awards; Himesh Reshammiya and Sunidhi Chauhan to headline musical performances

Abu Dhabi: Indian cinema fans have a special reason to celebrate this Diwali, as the Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards 2027 has announced an exclusive 48-hour festive offer, providing a 20 per cent discount on tickets.

The limited-period offer will be available on November 7 and 8, 2026, using the promotional code IIFADIWALI20, giving audiences an opportunity to be part of one of the biggest celebrations of Indian entertainment.

The 27th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards will take place at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22 and 23, 2027. The event is expected to bring together more than 100 stars, celebrated filmmakers, music icons and leading personalities from the Indian entertainment industry.

Star-Studded Hosts and Performances

The IIFA Digital Awards 2027 will feature Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Abhishek Banerjee as hosts, while popular singers Himesh Reshammiya and Sunidhi Chauhan will entertain audiences with live musical performances.

The wider IIFA Weekend and Awards celebrations will feature several prominent Bollywood personalities, including Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul, Ananya Panday, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Nora Fatehi.

Other distinguished names expected to be part of the celebrations include Ram Charan, Rani Mukerji, Vicky Kaushal, A.R. Rahman, Anil Kapoor, Ravi Kishan, Chunky Panday, Vikrant Massey, Anupam Kher, Mrunal Thakur, Urvashi Rautela, David Dhawan and Rajkumar Santoshi, among others.

Pankaj Tripathi Excited to Host IIFA Digital Awards

Expressing his excitement about hosting the IIFA Digital Awards for the first time, actor Pankaj Tripathi said the opportunity was both exciting and humbling.

He highlighted how digital platforms have transformed storytelling and expressed his happiness at being part of an event celebrating the new generation of Indian creators and performers. He also said he hoped to bring warmth, humour and the spirit of Indian cinema to the IIFA stage.

Ali Fazal said he was looking forward to returning to Abu Dhabi and hosting the awards alongside Pankaj Tripathi and Abhishek Banerjee. He described IIFA as a platform that celebrates Indian entertainment and its evolving storytelling landscape.

Abhishek Banerjee also expressed his excitement about returning to Yas Island and being part of the IIFA family once again, celebrating the talent shaping the digital entertainment industry.

Himesh Reshammiya and Sunidhi Chauhan to Set the Stage Alight

Singer and composer Himesh Reshammiya said his association with IIFA dates back to 2006, when he performed at the awards and received recognition for his work in Aashiq Banaya Aapne.

He revealed that his performance will feature some of his popular chartbusters, along with his latest hit song Afsana Banaya Aapne. He also highlighted the special significance of reuniting with actor Emraan Hashmi through the song after 20 years.

Singer Sunidhi Chauhan expressed her excitement about performing at the IIFA Digital Awards, saying music has the power to connect people across cultures and borders. She looks forward to creating another memorable musical experience for audiences in Abu Dhabi.

Tickets and Diwali Offer Details

The 27th IIFA Weekend and Awards will be held at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22–23, 2027.

The 20 per cent Diwali discount on Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards 2027 tickets is valid exclusively on November 7 and 8, 2026.

Ticket booking:

Etihad Arena: https://www.etihadarena.ae/

Platinumlist: https://www.platinumlist.net/

Promotional Code: IIFADIWALI20

With more than 100 entertainment personalities, spectacular performances and celebrations of Indian cinema, IIFA 2027 is gearing up to deliver a grand international entertainment experience in Abu Dhabi.