By: Raja Zahid Khanzada
Abu Dhabi: The countdown has begun for one of the most awaited events in the global entertainment calendar—“IIFA Festival 2024”! From September 27th to 29th, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi will transform into the beating heart of Indian cinema, hosting the grandest edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards yet. With glittering stars and dazzling performances, this three-day cinematic extravaganza promises to be a historic event, celebrating 24 years of IIFA’s legacy.
Under the patronage of **His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan**, Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence, IIFA will return to **Etihad Arena** for its third edition in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral. As the world converges on Yas Island, the festival will showcase five iconic Indian cinema industries, making it a true celebration of artistic brilliance and global cultural connections.
IIFA Utsavam: A Tribute to South Indian Cinema
The festivities kick off on **Friday, September 27th**, with the **IIFA Utsavam Awards**, shining a spotlight on South Indian cinema’s extraordinary talent. The awards will celebrate the vibrancy of **Telugu, Tamil, Kannada,** and **Malayalam** films, with an unforgettable night of stellar performances and star appearances.
**IIFA Utsavam Hosts:**
– **Telugu:** Rana Daggubati & Teja Sajja
– **Kannada:** Akul Balaji & Vijay Raghavendra
– **Tamil:** Sathish & Diya Menon
– **Malayalam:** Sudev Nair & Pearle Maaney
**Performers for the Night:** The legendary **Prabhu Deva**, musical sensation **Rockstar DSP**, and actors **Shane Nigam**, **Raashii Khanna**, and **Regina Cassandra**, among others, will take the stage for electrifying performances.
The star-studded guest list includes iconic names like **Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan, Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan**, and directors **Mani Ratnam** and **AR Rahman**, promising a spectacular evening.
### **IIFA Awards 2024: Honoring Bollywood’s Finest**
On **Saturday, September 28th**, all eyes will be on the **IIFA Awards**, celebrating the best of Hindi cinema. The night will be hosted by none other than **Shah Rukh Khan**, **Karan Johar**, and **Vicky Kaushal**, ensuring a blend of wit, glamour, and pure entertainment.
The audience will witness breathtaking performances by:
– **Rekha** – making a much-anticipated return to the stage.
– **Shahid Kapoor**, **Kriti Sanon**, **Vicky Kaushal**, and **Janhvi Kapoor**, among others, who are set to mesmerize with their powerful acts.
Tickets for this glamorous night are already sold out, but millions worldwide will tune in to experience the magic.
### **IIFA Rocks: A Finale of Music, Fashion, and Fun**
The grand finale, **IIFA Rocks**, on **Sunday, September 29th**, will bring the house down with a celebration of music and fashion. Hosted by **Siddhant Chaturvedi** and **Abhishek Banerjee**, this vibrant event will feature performances by music maestros **Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy**, singer **Shilpa Rao**, and the ever-energetic **Honey Singh**.
### **A Stellar Celebration at Yas Island**
The IIFA Festival 2024 is set to be the most epic edition yet. **Andre Timmins**, Founder/Director of IIFA, commented, “This year’s IIFA will be an unprecedented celebration, uniting Hindi and South Indian cinema on a global stage. With tickets sold out, Yas Island’s iconic backdrop will witness performances and moments that will captivate audiences worldwide, setting a new standard for future events.”
From Bollywood’s brightest stars to the finest talents from South Indian cinema, the IIFA Festival 2024 promises to be a celebration that will leave a lasting impact on cinema lovers around the world.
### **Event Details:**
– **Dates:** September 27th – 29th, 2024
– **Venue:** Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
### **Event Schedule:**
– **September 27:** NEXA IIFA Utsavam Co-Presented by Meteora Developers | **Hosts:** Rana Daggubati, Teja Sajja, Akul Balaji, Vijay Raghavendra, Sathish, Diya Menon, Sudev Nair, Pearle Maaney
– **September 28:** NEXA IIFA Awards Co-Presented by SOBHA Realty | **Hosts:** Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal | **Performers:** Rekha, Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Janhvi Kapoor
– **September 29:** SOBHA Realty IIFA Rocks | **Hosts:** Siddhant Chaturvedi, Abhishek Banerjee | **Performers:** Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Shilpa Rao, Honey Singh
For more information and updates, visit the official website: [IIFA](https://www.iifa.com/) and stay connected on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/iifa/?hl=en) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/IIFA).
This year’s IIFA Festival promises to be a cinematic celebration like no other—don’t miss out on the excitement!
