The IIFA 2023 will have live performances by Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan, Karan Johar and Kriti Sanon, among others.
The 23rd edition of the International Indian Film Academy and Awards (IIFA) will kickstart today, May 26, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral.
The two-day event will start the celebration with Sobha IIFA Rocks on May 26, hosted by Farah Khan Kunder and Rajkummar Rao. IIFA Rocks will feature performances by Amit Trivedi, along with several popular singers, Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Nucleya, and Sukhbir Singh.
The Nexa IIFA Awards will take place May 27 and will be hosted by Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal along with performances by Bollywood superstars Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi and Rakul Preet Singh.
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, added: “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.”
Farah Khan commented: “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.”
Rajkummar Rao noted: “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.”
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 remarked: “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.
