IIFA Awards returning to Abu Dhabi with Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar as hosts

The Bollywood awards show is taking place in the UAE for a third year

Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar will host this year's IIFA Awards. AP; AFP

Bollywood's biggest night is set to dazzle Abu Dhabi once again, as the IIFA Awards return to Etihad Arena on September 28.

This year, the event will combine with IIFA Utsavam, which celebrates the best of South Indian cinema, on September 27 and culminate with IIFA Rocks, a mega music concert featuring top Indian stars, on September 29.

The Bollywood awards night will be hosted by Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar. Although not too many other details have been revealed yet, Shahid Kapoor has been announced as a performer for the awards show.

IIFA Utsavam was originally scheduled for September 6 and 7 before being pushed back. Some of South India’s biggest film stars will host, including Rana Daggubati, Vijay Raghavendra and Diya Menon.

“My journey with IIFA goes way back, and IIFA Utsavam is indeed a true celebration of South Indian cinema,” Daggubati previously said about the event.

“I'm thrilled to be a part of it and feel immensely privileged to host the IIFA Utsavam Telugu Cinema Awards. Come join us and be a part of this grand celebration at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.”

The event will also feature performances by composer, singer and lyricist Devi Sri Prasad, known more popularly as DSP, and actresses Rakul Preet Singh and Sreeleela.

Singh said: “It feels fantastic to be a part of the grand celebration of South Indian cinema that IIFA Utsavam is poised to embark on this September on a global scale at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.”

DSP added: “I eagerly anticipate the impressive two-day extravaganza of IIFA Utsavam at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, which will showcase the cinematic achievements of South Indian cinema on a global stage, further solidifying its presence and impact in the entertainment industry.”

This is the third consecutive year the IIFA Awards have come to the UAE capital. First held in London in 2000, the awards were conceptualised by Mumbai event company Wizcraft International Entertainment and have been instrumental in boosting Bollywood's global popularity. Previously, they were held in a different location every year.

Cities that have hosted the awards include Dubai, Bangkok, New York, Colombo, Amsterdam, Madrid, Florida, Kuala Lumpur and Macau.

Tickets for the event start at Dh100 and are on sale now