Salman Khan performs during a concert in Riyadh. Reuterfs

The emirates of Abu Dhabi is set to roll out its red carpet for the biggest and brightest stars of the Hindi cinema. The 22nd edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards will be held at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on March 18-19, 2022, to celebrate the best of Hindi cinema.

The awards night will be hosted by superstar Salman Khan. Apart from celebrating and lauding cinematic excellence, the awards held in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will also commemorate the 75th year of India’s independence and the UAE’s year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations, marking its 50th anniversary, and strengthen the cultural ties between India and the UAE as it will see global dignitaries, fans and film enthusiasts from across the world.

Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty perform during a concert. AFP

Talking about the highly anticipated awards, event host Salman Khan said, “I have always enjoyed being a part of the IIFA Family and travelling to some great destinations but this year I am super happy that we are headed to one of my personal favourites, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.”

Salman continued, “IIFA is always a memorable time and this year it will be an even bigger celebration as we celebrate the 75th year of India’s independence and UAE’s 50th Anniversary-Golden Jubilee celebration.”

“Over the last 21 years, IIFA has not only given Indian cinema an international platform, but it has created a wonderful opportunity to take us to our fans and connect millions of people globally. I am proud and excited to get ready to host the 2022 IIFA Weekend & Awards Yas Island, Abu Dhabi as we unite the world through cinema & celebration”, he added.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “India has long been one of Abu Dhabi’s top inbound source markets for tourists building on strong historic ties. Hosting the IIFA Awards underlines the key strategic position the Indian market occupies for the emirate.”

Saood further said, “In addition, we have enjoyed a great bond with India’s movie industry, which has for many years been attracted to the UAE capital by our high-quality infrastructure, so the addition of the IIFA to Abu Dhabi’s calendar of events aligns perfectly with our 5-year strategy to develop the cultural and creative industries.” IIFA tweeted, “Everyone’s favourite Bhai from Bollywood is coming to Yas Island to host IIFA 2022!” Residents of the UAE are all excited to hear this news. They would be able to witness their favourite stars live in action. Last year, International Indian Film Academy Award ceremony, which was scheduled to take place in Indore city of Madhya Pradesh by March-end, was postponed due to coronavirus scare. One of the most charismatic stars of Hindi cinema, Salman has a huge fan following the Middle East as well.

Agencies