Announcements

Star Power shines as IIFA Festival 2024 kicks off

Published

2 years ago

September 10, 2024

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The IIFA 2024 kicked off with a dazzling showcase of stardom at its official India press conference, featuring the ‘King Khan’ Shah Rukh Khan and celebrated filmmaker Karan Johar. They will be hosting the highly anticipated NEXA IIFA Awards extravaganza co-presented by Sobha Realty on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, at the iconic Etihad Arena.

Joining the impressive line-up are the dynamic duo Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee, set to dazzle as hosts of IIFA Rocks 2024. Also in attendance at the press conference was Telugu and Hindi cinema’s superstar Rana Daggubati.

Heralding an extraordinary journey over 24 glorious years, IIFA2024 is set to bring together the finest in Indian cinema in a breath-taking display of brilliance across five iconic industries. The three-day extravaganza is all set to showcase the rich diversity of Indian cinema by bringing together the glamour of the IIFA Awards with the vibrant South Indian cinema through the IIFA Utsavam Awards (Celebrating Cinema of the South). Set to take place from September 27th to 29th, 2024, at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the festivities will kick start on Friday, 27th September, with IIFA Utsavam Awards, a grand celebration of the four vibrant South Indian film industries. The excitement continues on Saturday, 28th September, with the prestigious IIFA Awards. The festival concludes on Sunday, 29th September, with the exclusive, IIFA Rocks. The 24^th Edition of IIFA promises to be a magnificent celebration of cinematic excellence, featuring a stellar array of talent and industry luminaries, from the brilliance of Hindi cinema to the dynamic South Indian film industry, OTT platforms, global stars, international dignitaries, cinema enthusiasts and media houses from around the world, this will be the largest and most memorable IIFA Festival to date.

Mr Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer Marketing & Sales, NEXA commented, “As the NEXA IIFA Awards return to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi this September, we reaffirm our commitment to our 8-year partnership. NEXA and IIFA symbolize the pursuit of innovation, challenging the status quo to create novel and inspiring experiences. By combining global design, sophisticated style, and innovative technology, NEXA crafts premium experiences that align perfectly with IIFA’s mission to build lifetime experiences and celebrate excellence in Indian cinema globally.”

Mr Ashish Parakh, Chief Sales Controller and Chief Marketing Officer at Sobha Realty, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “IIFA has always been a shining example of cinematic excellence, bringing people together from across the globe—much like how Sobha Realty creates homes that resonate with the global Indian community. We’re thrilled to continue the journey with Sobha Realty IIFA Weekend and Rocks at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and are eager to be part of another remarkable event that showcases creativity and excellence on the world stage.”

Mr Andre Timmins, Founder/Director, IIFA stated, “As we approach IIFA’s Silver Jubilee in 2025, we’re thrilled to announce the biggest and most spectacular IIFA Festival yet, set for September 27-29 at Yas Island. This year’s IIFA will be a celebration of unprecedented scale, transcending cinematic boundaries with the convergence of Hindi Cinema and South Indian cinema, set against Yas Island’s unmatched hospitality and breath-taking backdrop as a premier international destination. He added, “Expect mesmerizing performances and cultural extravaganzas during the three-day celebration that will not only captivate audiences worldwide but also make a profound global impact. A true testament to the unparalleled appeal of Yas Island, IIFA 2024 festival will foster meaningful connections, offer unique networking opportunities, and celebrate the visionaries who have shaped the global entertainment landscape, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey to 2025.”

Taghrid AlSaeed, Miral’s Executive Director of Marketing, Communications & Events, said, “We are proud to welcome the world’s biggest celebration of Indian film for a historic third time to Yas Island. This year’s IIFA Festival promises to be an extraordinary spectacle of cinematic excellence and vibrant culture with the welcome of IIFA Utsavam to the Island for the first time. We can’t wait to transform Yas Island, the leading entertainment and leisure destination into a global stage for Indian cinema. This year’s event will unit Bollywood’s brightest stars with their most passionate fans for an unforgettable experience in Abu Dhabi. Let’s get ready for an event like never before”

H.E. Nouf Mohamed Al-Bushlaibi, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications, DCT Abu Dhabi says, “We are delighted that Abu Dhabi will host the International Indian Film Academy Awards for an unprecedented third consecutive year. As a city steeped in culture and creativity, this continued partnership highlights Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading destination for global events. We look forward to sharing our city with the luminaries of Indian cinema and the IIFA audience, celebrating the best of Indian cinema together with the finest Emirati hospitality.”

Mr Ashish Sehgal – Chief Growth Officer – Digital & Broadcast Revenue, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Limited, expressed his excitement about this association – “ZEE is thrilled to bring the magic of the IIFA to millions of households across the globe and celebrate the brilliance of Indian Cinema and its talented artists. This prestigious property is a natural fit for our portfolio and reaffirms ZEE’s audience-first strategy of delivering premium entertainment that resonates deeply with our diverse viewers. We are confident that this association will not only elevate the viewer experience but also strengthen our leadership in delivering the best of Indian Cinema to the world and set new benchmarks in engagement, viewership and entertainment.”

Mr Praveen Sharma, Group CEO & Partner Maisour & Meteora Group expressed his happiness, “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards as the Investment Partners of IIFA Weekend & Awards. This collaboration marks a monumental milestone for Maisour, a crowdfunding platform for fractional ownership in Real Estate in Dubai with a global platform like IIFA that unites and celebrates the best of Indian cinema in a dazzling showcase of stardom. The highly anticipated cinematic extravaganza IIFA Festival 2024 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, sets the perfect stage for this partnership. At Maisour, we champion creativity, innovation, and make Real Estate investment in Dubai affordable that seamlessly resonate with the prestigious legacy of the IIFA awards. Together, we aim to elevate the fan engagement and offer them opportunities for investment and excellent returns.”

Mr. Nishant Pitti, CEO& Co-founder of EaseMyTrip shared his thoughts on the association, stating; “As IIFA approaches its Silver Jubilee in 2025, EaseMyTrip is excited to be the official travel partner for the world’s grandest celebration at the IIFA Awards. This year, the celebrations promise to be bigger and more spectacular than ever. As a homegrown brand, we’re delighted to offer IIFA specific holiday packages. This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to making travel for the event and beyond both effortless and unforgettable for all.”

Nader Halim, Cluster General Manager for Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, The WB™ Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, and DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences, remarked on the partnership, saying, “As the official hospitality partner for the IIFA Festival 2024, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is honoured to be at the very heart of this extraordinary celebration of Indian cinema and music. We are thrilled to welcome the industry’s most prominent stars throughout this action-packed weekend and are committed to ensure they experience the exceptional hospitality that Hilton is renowned for.”

Nabila, Founder NABILA and ZERO makeup- Official Hair & Makeup Partner commented saying, “The team at NABILA is thrilled to return to IIFA for the fourth time, styling and energizing this star-studded event at the magical YAS Island. With our backstage powered by ZERO Makeup — a brainchild of NABILA that is specially designed for brown skin and associated with IIFA since its inception — we are fully prepared for this exciting journey.”

Related Topics:#abudhabi #iifa #iifa2024 #iifaawards #yasisland

Sudhashree Dash

With 20 years of experience across print, TV, and digital journalism, Sudhashree is a seasoned media professional with a keen eye for news. A true news bug, she thrives on curating stories that capture the pulse of fashion, film, and all things trending. Deeply immersed in the fast-evolving media landscape, she swears by the power of social media to shape narratives and spark conversations.

Announcements

DIFC unveils relief package to ease financial pressure for more than 8,000 companies

Published

5 days ago

April 10, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has today announced a comprehensive suite of temporary economic support measures designed to fortify its business and retail community. Effective immediately, the package addresses short-term operational pressures, ensuring the DIFC ecosystem remains the most resilient financial hub in the MEASA region.

As the global economy navigates a shifting landscape, the DIFC Authority is taking a proactive stance to provide financial reassurance and administrative flexibility to its 8,800+ active firms.

Targeted financial & operational support

The relief measures are specifically designed to stabilise cash flows for both commercial tenants and retail operators. Key initiatives include:

Flexible Payment Solutions: Customised payment plans for retail and commercial sectors.
Licensing Ease: New instalment plans for license renewal fees to reduce upfront capital requirements.
Administrative Grace Periods: Extensions on payments related to the Registrar of Companies, Data Protection Department, and lease contract filings.
Workforce Support: Deferred timelines for registering employees into the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) scheme.

Regulatory flexibility

In tandem with the DIFC Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) is introducing regulatory relief to maintain market momentum. These measures will support existing regulated firms and streamline the authorisation process for new entities seeking to enter the Dubai market.

“At DIFC, we stand alongside our clients, partners, and employees with a clear commitment to provide support and reassurance when it is needed most,” said Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority.

The announcement comes as DIFC continues its Zabeel District expansion, which is set to house over 42,000 companies. By prioritising the human and financial health of its current partners, DIFC is reinforcing Dubai’s position as a top-four global financial centre that prioritises stability alongside innovation.

Announcements

Dubai ad agency turns billboard into a self-funded tribute of gratitude and love for the UAE

Published

5 days ago

April 10, 2026

Michael Gomes

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As global markets navigate a landscape of uncertainty, the UAE continues to stand as a beacon of stability and resilience. While business leaders across the region have applauded the nation’s defence mechanisms and leadership, one Dubai-based advertising firm is moving beyond words and into action.

NextWhat Advertising has unveiled a massive, self-funded tribute billboard at the Dubai World Trade Centre Roundabout. In a move that breaks industry norms, the agency has bypassed commercial revenue to dedicate one of the city’s most premium outdoor spots to a message of solidarity and love for the UAE leadership.

The billboard, strategically located in the parking area facing the flow of traffic from Emirates Towers toward Zabeel Road and facing the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road, carries a heartfelt message honouring the strength, wisdom, and commitment to unity that defines the UAE’s path forward.

Gratitude for leadership

While Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaigns are common, they are almost exclusively funded by clients. NextWhat is pioneering a different path: the billboard owner acting as the benefactor.

“Typically, we see clients using CSR funds for these types of messages. Among outdoor media players, we are amongst the first few to have done this entirely on our own,” says Tanvir Shah, Founder and Managing Director of NextWhat Advertising.

“We’ve spent our own money and used our own premium space, no sponsorship, no clients, to show our genuine gratitude for the safety and leadership the UAE provides.”

From Mumbai to the world stage

The man behind the move, Tanvir Shah, is a first-generation entrepreneur with a legacy of Thinking Big. A graduate of Mumbai’s prestigious Sydenham College and a veteran of The Times of India, Shah launched his first venture in 1992. Today, his footprint spans India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE.

Under Shah’s leadership, NextWhat has become synonymous with unmissable brand experiences. By dedicating their state-of-the-art digital and large-format sites to a national cause, the company is demonstrating that in the UAE, the bond between the private sector and the state is built on more than just commerce; it is built on shared resilience.

United we stand as a family

Today, as business leaders and residents alike confront uncertainty, they do so not as guests in a foreign land, but as a united family standing in defence of the home that has embraced them. This bond has been forged through years of shared milestones and a collective belief that, regardless of origin, hearts can beat as one for the Emirates.

“The UAE has given us extraordinary opportunities and unwavering support. Just as it welcomed us during times of prosperity, we stand with it now in moments of challenge. We are not merely expatriates or guests; we are family. Irrespective of nationality, we have consciously chosen this country as our home, and we hold it close to our hearts. Our loyalty has only grown stronger through the trust and confidence shown by the nation’s leadership. This land has embraced us with dignity, and the least we can do is stand by it. At the end of the day, we are one,” concluded Shah.

Click on the link to see a video of the ad: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DWqPp7EjKCU

Announcements

Dubai unveils Dh1 billion economic package to support tourism, businesses

Published

2 weeks ago

April 3, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai authorities have announced a series of business support measures aimed at strengthening resilience, easing financial pressures, and sustaining economic growth across key sectors.

The initiatives are part of a wider Dh1 billion economic incentive package unveiled by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister.

Relief for tourism and hospitality

To support hotels and tourism-related businesses, the government will allow:

Deferral of 100% of sales fees on rooms and food & beverage
Postponement of Tourism Dirham fees

These relief measures will be valid for three months starting April 1 and apply to:

Hotels
Hotel apartments
Holiday homes

The goal is to enhance liquidity and reduce short-term financial strain on the hospitality sector.

Wider support for businesses

Additional measures have been introduced across the broader economy, including fee deferrals for three months on:

Premium business names
Licence amendments
Newspaper announcements
Local service fees
Accommodation and waste management fees
Service improvement charges

These apply to both new business licences and renewals, with further updates expected after the three months.

Additional reforms

The broader package also includes:

Extended grace periods for customs data
Streamlined processes for issuing and renewing residency permits

Officials from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism emphasised that the emirate’s economic success is built on proactive policymaking and strong collaboration with industry stakeholders.