The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) is set to return to Abu Dhabi for the fourth time in January 2027. Andre Timmins, the founder and director of IIFA, has described Abu Dhabi as a "home away from home" for the Indian film industry and has announced broader programs including entertainment events, a new business forum, and the international expansion of the IIFA brand.
Hosting the IIFA Event in Abu Dhabi
The IIFA week and awards will take place on January 21 and 22 in Abu Dhabi, where major Bollywood stars and South Indian cinema figures, filmmakers, business leaders, and audiences from across the region will gather. Timmins stated, "The decision for IIFA to return to Abu Dhabi has been influenced by this emirate's strong relationship with the Indian entertainment industry and the current global situation."
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He added, "We have returned to Abu Dhabi because it is a familiar and supportive environment for us. IIFA is about celebrating and bringing people together. Culture and business are at the heart of this event." Timmins also emphasized the importance of Abu Dhabi's proximity to India, stating, "This city is only two and a half hours away from India."
New IIFA Business Forum
The 2027 version of IIFA will go beyond the traditional awards and entertainment format and will include a new business forum focused on media, entertainment, and trade. This forum, taking place on January 21 and 22, will bring together leaders from Abu Dhabi, Indian ministers, and Indian business leaders. Timmins remarked, "This forum will be a new addition to what we do."
In the entertainment section, the 2027 edition will feature a mix of Bollywood and South Indian cinema and will include several collaborations and promotions of new films. Timmins stated, "We want to bring cinema more into this event and promote new films."
He added, "Audiences can expect different content from previous editions of IIFA in Abu Dhabi."
The Importance of the Gulf Market for Indian Cinema
Timmins noted that the importance of the Gulf market for Indian cinema has significantly increased over the past decade. He stated, "Today, India is at the top, and the United Arab Emirates is in second place. This shift reflects the importance of this market not only for IIFA but for the film industry as a whole."
He emphasized that IIFA acts as a catalyst for Indian cinema and helps strengthen its connection with international audiences. Timmins also highlighted the new collaboration between IIFA and YouTube for the live broadcast of the awards night, stressing the importance of the in-person experience of this event, saying, "The live experience and watching it via YouTube or ZEE TV are very different."
However, he stressed that attending this event is very important for fans, and they should not miss this opportunity.
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