IIFA TAKE TWO! IT’S BACK TO YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI, AS THE ANNUAL EXTRAVAGANZA KICKS OFF THE BIGGEST TWO DAYS OF BOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT

25^th May 2023, Abu Dhabi: The 23^rd edition of the International Indian Film Academy and Awards (IIFA) got off to a sparkling start today. After the unprecedented success of IIFA 2022, the 2023 Sobha IIFA Weekend and NEXA IIFA Awards, partnered by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, are back in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, by popular demand. The prestigious brand NEXA continues as the title sponsor for the seventh consecutive edition of the NEXA IIFA AWARDS. For the first time, it is joined by Sobha Realty as the title sponsor of the SOBHA IIFA Weekend. The spectacular IIFA celebrations on Yas Island are co-powered by the KUBER Group. The grandest celebration of Indian Cinema is all set to thrill fans with its 23rd edition in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on May 26^th and 27^th, 2023. 

The event will take place at the Middle East’s largest state-of-the-art indoor entertainment venue, Etihad Arena, part of Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island. The Island is one of the world’s fastest-growing leisure and entertainment destinations, located on the golden shores of Abu Dhabi. Home to magical adventures and awe-inspiring entertainment, as well as three globally renowned theme parks, outstanding motorsports, an award-winning golf venue and world-class hospitality services, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, is a destination like nowhere else. Alongside the arena and Yas Bay, guests visiting Yas Island will also be able to enjoy a variety of experiences. From award-winning theme parks, the record-breaking CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, the capital’s largest mall, 160 dining options, a scenic beach and mangroves, luxurious hospitality stays and so much more, there’s a lot to explore!

At a press conference held at W Hotel – Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, addressing the media were this year’s hosts Abhishek Bachchan, Vicky Kaushal, Farah Khan and Rajkummar Rao along with performers Salman Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, Nora Fatehi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Amit Trivedi, Badshah, Nucleya, Sunidhi Chauhan and Iulia Vantur

Joining them were PNC Menon, Taghrid Al Saeed, Executive Director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral, Hans Fraikin – Film and Television Commissioner and Sandeep Walia, among other dignitaries for the highly anticipated event that promises to be a mélange of glitz and glamour. 

Sobha Realty would be presenting the star-studded IIFA Weekend as Title Sponsor of the SOBHA IIFA Weekend, SOBHA IIFA Rocks 2023 and Co-Presenter of the NEXA IIFA Awards. The celebrations are co-powered by KUBER Group. 

Commenting on the IIFA collaboration, Ravi Menon, Co-chairman of Sobha Realty, said, “We are delighted to be the title sponsors of the 23rd edition of IIFA Weekend. The event will witness the presence of the who’s who of the Indian film industry with the glitz and glamour that makes Indian cinema widely popular. With a rich culture of performing arts in our nation itself, we are honoured to recognize and celebrate the long-standing allure of Indian cinema and its outstanding contributors. Indian films are watched across the world, and we are pleased to welcome the numerous actors, artists, and talents of our nation, further bringing Indian cinema to a global audience. IIFA Awards recognizes the highest quality and artistic expressions in the Indian film sector, just like we at Sobha Realty recognize the value of quality, art, and design in our work.”

NEXA from Maruti Suzuki India Limited stands committed to IIFA continuing their partnership for the seventh consecutive edition as the Title Sponsor of the NEXA IIFA Awards. As the world looks forward to this year’s celebration of Hindi cinema with music and fashion at yet another exotic destination, the content promises to be aspirational and entertaining. With its growing popularity across the world, IIFA today is recognized as a global institution in its own right, and a platform that is recognized as the most engaging celebration of Indian cinema.

Mr Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India said, “NEXA has always been at the forefront of innovations and Curating Impeccable Experiences that not only Impress but Inspire. By foraying into the fields of Fashion, Music and Journeys, NEXA has successfully created and inspired multiple unique experiences for its customers. It is for this very reason that NEXA has collaborated with IIFA, which is a platform to recognize India’s top creative talent in the world of cinema and celebrate the best in cinema arts. The association is in its 7th year and both NEXA and IIFA are challenging the status quo to create experiences that are unique and inspiring. With IIFA, we have a perfect association as we share a common vision of creating global experiences, which has established the premium imagery of both brands. We look forward to IIFA 2023 which will be held at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi to inspire our new-age consumers who seek global experiences in their everyday lives.”

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 said, “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 ensuring all that who 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.”

world. Looking forward to hosting the IIFA Awards.”

Co-host of Nexa IIFA Awards – Vicky Kaushal shared, “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.

This year, Kamal Haasan, Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Riteish & Genelia D’Souza, Sunny Kaushal, Mouni Roy, Fardeen Khan, Esha Gupta, Mrunal Thakur, Dia Mirza, Rashii Khanna, Sheeba Chaddha, Neelam Kothari, Bhavna Pandey, Maheep Kapoor and Seema Sajdeh will all be walking the green carpet. Producer Ramesh Taurani along with other movie moguls, Boney Kapoor, Bhushan Kumar, Jayantilal Gada, Anees Bazmee and R Madhavan are expected to attend the IIFA Weekend and Awards.

Once again, IIFA will be broadcast exclusively on India’s No.1 premium Hindi entertainment channel, COLORS with a stunning line-up of star-studded programming

Speaking about the partnership, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids’ TV Network, Viacom18 said, “We, at COLORS, are delighted to partner with IIFA yet again to celebrate the excellence of Indian Cinema. Our long-standing partnership with this prestigious award showcases our commitment to recognising the cinematic brilliance and storytelling prowess of the Indian film industry on a global scale. We are thrilled to present to our viewers at COLORS and COLORS Cineplex an entertainment extravaganza filled with spectacular performances and glamour.”

Fans and media are welcome to keep abreast of the latest news and details on IIFA and Hindi cinema by logging on to www.iifa.com or checking out the social media handles.