Shah Rukh Khan to launch UNIFYD music festival in Abu Dhabi
Shah Rukh Khan is bringing a new Indian music festival to Abu Dhabi, with Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla and Sonu Nigam among the first artists announced.
The inaugural UNIFYD will take place on March 20, 2027, at Etihad Live on Yas Island. More than 15 artists are expected to perform across several stages during a one-day celebration of Indian music and culture.
Khan will oversee the festival’s artistic direction and creative vision, helping shape a project designed to grow beyond its first UAE edition.
Shah Rukh Khan shapes the festival’s creative vision
For Khan, UNIFYD extends his relationship with audiences into a different setting, bringing the emotional connection of storytelling to a live music experience.
“I’ve spent a lifetime telling stories on screen and watching them bring people together. Music has that same extraordinary power,” he said.
The festival will be produced by D’YAVOL Live and District, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral.
Khan already has a connection with major entertainment events on Yas Island, having hosted the IIFA Awards in 2024. UNIFYD gives him a new creative role in the capital, this time centred on music.
Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla and Sonu Nigam lead the first announcements
The opening line-up brings together performers spanning Hindi film music and Punjabi music, giving the festival a broad musical identity from its first edition.
Arijit Singh and Karan Aujla are among the initial acts confirmed, while Sonu Nigam will deliver a special set. Organisers describe the appearance as Nigam’s first performance at a music festival.
Further artists are still to be announced, with the full programme set to feature more than 15 performers.
The multiple-stage format will bring these different musical worlds into one event, offering audiences a programme that extends beyond a single headline concert.
Abu Dhabi becomes the starting point for UNIFYD
Although its debut will take place on Yas Island, the ambition for UNIFYD reaches beyond Abu Dhabi.
Organisers plan to take the festival to other cities and international markets following its first edition, establishing the UAE capital as the launch destination for a wider project.
For Bunty Singh, co-founder of D’YAVOL Live, the idea is to give Indian music a festival platform that reflects its international reach. Bringing artists of this stature together on the same day is central to the opening edition’s appeal.
When tickets go on sale
Tickets will be available exclusively through the District app, with general sales opening at 10.30am on October 20.
Ticket prices have not yet been announced. Further line-up details are also expected ahead of the festival’s March debut.
