Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is set to bring a major music and cultural festival to Abu Dhabi in 2027, with some of India’s most popular singers expected to take the stage. Titled UNIFYD, the one-day event will be held on 20 March 2027 at Etihad Live on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates.
The festival will feature more than 15 artists, including Arijit Singh, Sonu Nigam and Karan Aujla. Bringing together performers from different generations and musical backgrounds, the event aims to showcase the diversity of Indian music to an international audience.
Shah Rukh Khan is responsible for the festival’s creative vision. The initiative marks another involvement in the entertainment industry for the actor, who is widely known for his work in Indian cinema.
Arijit Singh, Sonu Nigam and Karan Aujla Among Headliners
The participation of Arijit Singh, Sonu Nigam and Karan Aujla is expected to be one of the festival’s biggest attractions. Although the three artists represent different musical styles, each has established a distinct identity and a substantial following.
Arijit Singh has become one of India’s leading playback singers, known for his emotional delivery and romantic songs featured in Hindi films. His distinctive voice has made him a familiar name among audiences across generations.
Sonu Nigam, whose musical career spans several decades, has earned widespread recognition for his versatility and contribution to Indian music. His repertoire includes film songs and live performances, making him one of the country’s established musical performers.
Karan Aujla, meanwhile, represents the contemporary Punjabi music scene. His participation will add a modern Punjabi sound to the festival, offering audiences a different musical experience alongside Bollywood favourites.
According to the organisers, the event will mark the first time Sonu Nigam has performed at a music festival during his career. More than 15 artists are expected to perform across multiple stages, creating a varied programme for festivalgoers.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Vision for UNIFYD
In a statement, Shah Rukh Khan highlighted the ability of storytelling and music to connect people from different backgrounds.
Reflecting on his experience in cinema, the actor said he had witnessed how stories could bring people together. Music, he added, possessed a similar ability to create connections between individuals and communities.
Shah Rukh said UNIFYD would bring some of the most notable names in Indian music together on a single platform. He also expressed hope that the event would offer audiences a memorable experience through its scale, energy and spectacle.
The festival is being jointly organised by D’YAVOL Live and District, with support from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Miral and Emirates NBD.
D’YAVOL Live is part of the D’YAVOL Luxury Collective, which was co-founded by Shah Rukh Khan, his son Aryan Khan, Leti Blagoeva and Bunty Singh.
Advance Ticket Sales to Begin on 19 October
Organisers have announced an advance booking period for Emirates NBD cardholders. The pre-sale will begin at 9.30 am UAE local time on 19 October and continue until 9.30 am on 20 October.
General ticket sales will open at 10.30 am on 20 October. Tickets will be available exclusively through the District app, although prices have yet to be announced.
The organisers are also planning to expand UNIFYD beyond its inaugural edition in Abu Dhabi. They intend to explore opportunities to take the festival to other cities and international markets.
Their broader ambition is to build on the growing global popularity of Indian music and establish UNIFYD as an international cultural event.
With established performers, contemporary stars and a programme spanning different musical genres, the festival aims to appeal to audiences across generations. Its debut in Abu Dhabi in March 2027 will bring together some of India’s best-known musical talents under Shah Rukh Khan’s creative direction, positioning UNIFYD as a significant new event on the international music calendar.
