Acclaimed Bollywood actor Rajjummar Rao will co-host IIFA Rocks 2023 with director Farah Khan in Abu Dhabi. All photos: IIFA
Acclaimed Bollywood actor Rajjummar Rao will co-host IIFA Rocks 2023 with director Farah Khan in Abu Dhabi. All photos: IIFA
After hosting the IIFA Rocks at the Etihad Arena last year, Farah Khan will return for the event in Abu Dhabi in May
After hosting the IIFA Rocks at the Etihad Arena last year, Farah Khan will return for the event in Abu Dhabi in May
Rapper Badshah will perform at IIFA Rocks in Abu Dhabi
Rapper Badshah will perform at IIFA Rocks in Abu Dhabi
Singer Sunidhi Chauhan
Singer Sunidhi Chauhan
EDM Producer Nucleya will perform at IIFA Rocks
EDM Producer Nucleya will perform at IIFA Rocks
Singer and composer Amit Trivedi
Singer and composer Amit Trivedi
Indian designer Manish Malhotra, known for his work in Bollywood films, will showcase a special collection at IIFA Rocks 2023 in Abu Dhabi. Photo: IIFA
Indian designer Manish Malhotra, known for his work in Bollywood films, will showcase a special collection at IIFA Rocks 2023 in Abu Dhabi. Photo: IIFA
Shreya Ghoshal will perform at IIFA Rocks. Suzanne Lee for The National
Shreya Ghoshal will perform at IIFA Rocks. Suzanne Lee for The National
Singer Mika Singh. Photo: IANS
Singer Mika Singh. Photo: IANS
Indian singer Sukhbir. EPA
Indian singer Sukhbir. EPA

Culture

Film & TV

Rajkummar Rao to host IIFA Rocks with Farah Khan in Abu Dhabi

The music and fashion night is a precursor to the main awards gala, to be held at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island

David Tusing

May 09, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

Acclaimed Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao will co-host IIFA Rocks, the first night of the International Indian Film Academy awards that is dedicated to music and fashion.

The two-day event, celebrating all things Bollywood, is set to return to Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena for the second year in a row, on May 26 and 27.

Rao, who was last seen in the film Bheed, released in March, will host the night with director Farah Khan, who also hosted the event last year. IIFA Rocks will feature top performers including rapper Badshah, singer and music director Amit Trivedi, singer Sunidhi Chauhan and EDM producer Nucleya.

Known popularly as the IIFA Awards, IIFA Rocks will be followed by the main awards gala the following night on May 27.

Scroll through the gallery below for more pictures from IIFA Rocks 2022 in Abu Dhabi

South Indian composer and singer Devi Sri Prasad performs at IIFA Rocks at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on June 3. All photos: IIFA 2022
South Indian composer and singer Devi Sri Prasad performs at IIFA Rocks at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on June 3. All photos: IIFA 2022
Devi Sri Prasad, popularly known as DSP, created a special mix for his Abu Dhabi performance — blending one of his hits 'OO Antava Mava' with Arabic beats and the Punjabi dhol.
Devi Sri Prasad, popularly known as DSP, created a special mix for his Abu Dhabi performance — blending one of his hits 'OO Antava Mava' with Arabic beats and the Punjabi dhol.
The IIFA Rocks show was hosted by director Farah Khan Kunder and actor Aparshakti Khurana.
The IIFA Rocks show was hosted by director Farah Khan Kunder and actor Aparshakti Khurana.
Dancers performing at IIFA Rocks.
Dancers performing at IIFA Rocks.
Composer A R Rahman being honoured by host Farah Khan Kunder.
Composer A R Rahman being honoured by host Farah Khan Kunder.
Singer Neha Kakkar on stage.
Singer Neha Kakkar on stage.
Neha Kakkar also performed with her husband, singer Rohanpreet Singh.
Neha Kakkar also performed with her husband, singer Rohanpreet Singh.
Neha Kakkar and Rohanpreet Singh on the IIFA Rocks stage.
Neha Kakkar and Rohanpreet Singh on the IIFA Rocks stage.
The couple performed their hits together.
The couple performed their hits together.
Hosts Farah Khan Kunder and Aparshakti Khurana share a light moment with actor Chunky Panday.
Hosts Farah Khan Kunder and Aparshakti Khurana share a light moment with actor Chunky Panday.
Singer and actor Zahrah S Khan performs.
Singer and actor Zahrah S Khan performs.
Zahra S Khan shares the stage with singer and composer Tanisk Bagchi.
Zahra S Khan shares the stage with singer and composer Tanisk Bagchi.
Neha Kakkar belted out her hits.
Neha Kakkar belted out her hits.
Singers Asees Kaur and Zahrah S Khan on stage.
Singers Asees Kaur and Zahrah S Khan on stage.
Singer Asees Kaur performs.
Singer Asees Kaur performs.
Actress Jacqueline Fernandez was one of the models for the fashion show.
Actress Jacqueline Fernandez was one of the models for the fashion show.
Actress Ananya Panday walks the catwalk for designers Falguni and Shane Peacock.
Actress Ananya Panday walks the catwalk for designers Falguni and Shane Peacock.
Bollywood actors Ananya Panday and Jacqueline Fernandez helped showcase the latest collection by celebrity favourite designers Shane and Falguni Peacock.
Bollywood actors Ananya Panday and Jacqueline Fernandez helped showcase the latest collection by celebrity favourite designers Shane and Falguni Peacock.

Bollywood stars Vicky Kaushal and Abhishek Bachchan will host the awards night, which is set to be attended by some of the biggest stars in the Hindi film industry, including Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan, Karan Johar and Kriti Sanon.

“I'm ecstatic to be hosting the 23rd edition of IIFA at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. IIFA is like family to me. I am looking forward to entertaining, meeting fans and connecting with them globally,” Bachchan said earlier.

“IIFA is the only global platform that has travelled the world. It has bought cinema lovers closer from all across the globe. As always, I am looking forward to the next edition of IIFA Weekend and awards and am excited to be co-hosting the 23rd edition.”

First held in London in 2000, the IIFA Awards were conceptualised by Mumbai event company Wizcraft International Entertainment and have been instrumental in boosting Bollywood's global popularity. They are held in a different location every year.

Cities that have previously hosted the awards include Dubai, Bangkok, New York, Colombo, Amsterdam, Madrid, Florida, Kuala Lumpur and Macau.

Last year's event marked the first time it was held in Abu Dhabi, on June 3 to 4, after being postponed following the death of Sheikh Khalifa.

More than 20,000 fans attended the event across two days, IIFA said.

Tickets, starting at Dh110, are available at etihadarena.ae

Scroll through the gallery below for more pictures from IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi

Actors Maniesh Paul, Riteish Deshmukh and Salman Khan hosted the 22nd IIFA Awards at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: IIFA2022
Actors Maniesh Paul, Riteish Deshmukh and Salman Khan hosted the 22nd IIFA Awards at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: IIFA2022
Salman Khan arrived to the venue on a motorbike.
Salman Khan arrived to the venue on a motorbike.
Actor Tiger Shroff was one of the first performers of the night.
Actor Tiger Shroff was one of the first performers of the night.
Tiger Shroff is known for his high-energy dance moves.
Tiger Shroff is known for his high-energy dance moves.
Shroff performed a mix of his hits, including 'Whistle Baja', 'Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main', 'Dus Bahane' and 'Jai Jai Shivshankar'.
Shroff performed a mix of his hits, including 'Whistle Baja', 'Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main', 'Dus Bahane' and 'Jai Jai Shivshankar'.
Singer Jubin Natiyal won the Best Playback Singer (Male) for the song 'Raataan Lambiyan' from the film 'Shershaah'.
Singer Jubin Natiyal won the Best Playback Singer (Male) for the song 'Raataan Lambiyan' from the film 'Shershaah'.
Asees Kaur also won Best Playback Singer (Female) for 'Raataan Lambiyan' from the film 'Shershaah'.
Asees Kaur also won Best Playback Singer (Female) for 'Raataan Lambiyan' from the film 'Shershaah'.
Ahan Shetty won the Best Debut (Male) for his role in 'Tadap'.
Ahan Shetty won the Best Debut (Male) for his role in 'Tadap'.
Actor Suniel Shetty handed the Best Debut (Male) award to his son Ahan Shetty.
Actor Suniel Shetty handed the Best Debut (Male) award to his son Ahan Shetty.
Actress Divya Khosla Kumar performs.
Actress Divya Khosla Kumar performs.
Rapper Yo Yo Singh and Guru Randhawa debuted their song 'Designer' at the IIFA Awards.
Rapper Yo Yo Singh and Guru Randhawa debuted their song 'Designer' at the IIFA Awards.
The musicians were joined by Divya Khosla Kumar for a performance.
The musicians were joined by Divya Khosla Kumar for a performance.
Punjabi pop star Guru Randhawa performs.
Punjabi pop star Guru Randhawa performs.
Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh on stage.
Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh on stage.
Actor Abhishek Bachchan appears on stage.
Actor Abhishek Bachchan appears on stage.
Nora Fatehi on stage at the IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi.
Nora Fatehi on stage at the IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi.
Nora Fatehi shared the stage with a young dancer, Kashni from Abu Dhabi, who she found via an Instagram scout.
Nora Fatehi shared the stage with a young dancer, Kashni from Abu Dhabi, who she found via an Instagram scout.
Fatehi also debuted her new song 'Dirty Little Secrets' in Abu Dhabi.
Fatehi also debuted her new song 'Dirty Little Secrets' in Abu Dhabi.
Filmmaker Vishnuvardhan's film 'Shershaah' won both Best Director and Best Picture.
Filmmaker Vishnuvardhan's film 'Shershaah' won both Best Director and Best Picture.
Anurag Basu won Best Original Story for 'Ludo'.
Anurag Basu won Best Original Story for 'Ludo'.
Sai Tamhankar with her award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film 'Mimi'.
Sai Tamhankar with her award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film 'Mimi'.
Pankaj Tripathi won Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Ludo'.
Pankaj Tripathi won Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Ludo'.
Kriti Sanon received the Best Actress for her role in the film 'Mimi'.
Kriti Sanon received the Best Actress for her role in the film 'Mimi'.
Vicky Kaushal with his Best Actor for his role in 'Sardar Udham'.
Vicky Kaushal with his Best Actor for his role in 'Sardar Udham'.
Abhishek Bachchan began his performance with the song 'Indiawale'.
Abhishek Bachchan began his performance with the song 'Indiawale'.
Abhishek Bachchan performs. His was one of the most well-received performances of the night.
Abhishek Bachchan performs. His was one of the most well-received performances of the night.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aaradhya dancing as they watch Abhishek Bachchan perform.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aaradhya dancing as they watch Abhishek Bachchan perform.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya enjoy Abhishek's performance on the front row.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya enjoy Abhishek's performance on the front row.
Ananya Panday performs.
Ananya Panday performs.
Actress Sara Ali Khan performs.
Actress Sara Ali Khan performs.
Abhishek Bachchan performs.
Abhishek Bachchan performs.
Ananya Panday's first ever live performance didn't seem like one. She aced it like a seasoned performer.
Ananya Panday's first ever live performance didn't seem like one. She aced it like a seasoned performer.
Sara Ali Khan delivered a high-energy set on stage.
Sara Ali Khan delivered a high-energy set on stage.
For his performance, Shahid Kapoor made his entrance with the song 'Yaad Aa Raha Hai' via a small platform above the audience.
For his performance, Shahid Kapoor made his entrance with the song 'Yaad Aa Raha Hai' via a small platform above the audience.
Kapoor's performance was a tribute to Bollywood singer and composer Bappi Lahiri, who died in February.
Kapoor's performance was a tribute to Bollywood singer and composer Bappi Lahiri, who died in February.
Kapoor also pulled actress Ananya Panday from the audience.
Kapoor also pulled actress Ananya Panday from the audience.
Lahiri was known for introducing Bollywood to disco and electronic music. For Kapoor's performance, the Etihad Arena was converted into a disco hall.
Lahiri was known for introducing Bollywood to disco and electronic music. For Kapoor's performance, the Etihad Arena was converted into a disco hall.
Kapoor was also joined by Nora Fatehi for a song.
Kapoor was also joined by Nora Fatehi for a song.
Kapoor's tribute to Lahiri was the final performance of the night.
Kapoor's tribute to Lahiri was the final performance of the night.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

While you're here
What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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Major honours

ARSENAL

  • FA Cup - 2005

BARCELONA

  • La Liga - 2013
  • Copa del Rey - 2012
  • Fifa Club World Cup - 2011

CHELSEA

  • Premier League - 2015, 2017
  • FA Cup - 2018
  • League Cup - 2015

SPAIN

  • World Cup - 2010
  • European Championship - 2008, 2012
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Andor
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In The Heights

Directed by: Jon M. Chu

Stars: Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manual Miranda

Rating: ****

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPAD%20PRO%20(12.9%22%2C%202022)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012.9-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%20XDR%2C%202%2C732%20x%202%2C048%2C%20264ppi%2C%20wide%20colour%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20ProMotion%2C%201%2C600%20nits%20max%2C%20Apple%20Pencil%20hover%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EChip%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M2%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%2010-core%20GPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Storage%20%E2%80%93%20128GB%2F256GB%2F512GB%20%2F%201TB%2F2TB%3B%20RAM%20%E2%80%93%208GB%2F16GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20iPadOS%2016%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%2012MP%20wide%20(f%2F1.8)%20%2B%2010MP%20ultra-wide%20(f%2F2.4)%2C%202x%20optical%2F5x%20digital%2C%20Smart%20HDR%204%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20ProRes%204K%20%40%2030fps%2C%204K%20%40%2024%2F25%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full%20HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20slo-mo%20%40%20120%2F240fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20TrueDepth%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20(f%2F2.4)%2C%202x%2C%20Smart%20HDR%204%2C%20Centre%20Stage%2C%20Portrait%2C%20Animoji%2C%20Memoji%3B%20full%20HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Four-speaker%20stereo%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Face%20ID%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%2C%20smart%20connector%20(for%20folio%2Fkeyboard)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Up%20to%2010%20hours%20on%20Wi-Fi%3B%20up%20to%20nine%20hours%20on%20cellular%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinish%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Silver%2C%20space%20grey%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20iPad%2C%20USB-C-to-USB-C%20cable%2C%2020-watt%20power%20adapter%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20WiFi%20%E2%80%93%20Dh4%2C599%20(128GB)%20%2F%20Dh4%2C999%20(256GB)%20%2F%20Dh5%2C799%20(512GB)%20%2F%20Dh7%2C399%20(1TB)%20%2F%20Dh8%2C999%20(2TB)%3B%20cellular%20%E2%80%93%20Dh5%2C199%20%2F%20Dh5%2C599%20%2F%20Dh6%2C399%20%2F%20Dh7%2C999%20%2F%20Dh9%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Keep it fun and engaging

Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.

“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.

His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.

He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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On Women's Day
Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

On Women's Day

500 People from Gaza enter France

115 Special programme for artists

25   Evacuation of injured and sick

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Series information

Pakistan v Dubai

First Test, Dubai International Stadium

Sun Oct 6 to Thu Oct 11

Second Test, Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Tue Oct 16 to Sat Oct 20          

 Play starts at 10am each day

 

Teams

 Pakistan

1 Mohammed Hafeez, 2 Imam-ul-Haq, 3 Azhar Ali, 4 Asad Shafiq, 5 Haris Sohail, 6 Babar Azam, 7 Sarfraz Ahmed, 8 Bilal Asif, 9 Yasir Shah, 10, Mohammed Abbas, 11 Wahab Riaz or Mir Hamza

 Australia

1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Aaron Finch, 3 Shaun Marsh, 4 Mitchell Marsh, 5 Travis Head, 6 Marnus Labuschagne, 7 Tim Paine, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Peter Siddle, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Jon Holland

On Women's Day
The Bio

Name: Lynn Davison

Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi

Children: She has one son, Casey, 28

Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK

Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite Author: CJ Sansom

Favourite holiday destination: Bali

Favourite food: A Sunday roast

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

While you're here
While you're here
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

UNSC Elections 2022-23

Seats open:

  • Two for Africa Group
  • One for Asia-Pacific Group (traditionally Arab state or Tunisia)
  • One for Latin America and Caribbean Group
  • One for Eastern Europe Group

Countries so far running: 

  • UAE
  • Albania 
  • Brazil 
FIXTURES

Fixtures for Round 15 (all times UAE)

Friday
Inter Milan v AS Roma (11.45pm)
Saturday
Atalanta v Verona (6pm)
Udinese v Napoli (9pm)
Lazio v Juventus (11.45pm)
Sunday
Lecce v Genoa (3.30pm)
Sassuolo v Cagliari (6pm)
SPAL v Brescia (6pm)
Torino v Fiorentina (6pm)
Sampdoria v Parma (9pm)
Bologna v AC Milan (11.45pm)

Updated: May 09, 2023, 2:17 PM`
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