Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is expanding his presence in the entertainment industry with the announcement of UNIFYD, a new international music festival scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in 2027. The one-day event will bring together three of India's biggest musical names—Arijit Singh, Sonu Nigam and Karan Aujla—as headline performers.
Curated by Shah Rukh Khan, the festival aims to celebrate Indian music and culture on an international stage, bringing together artists from different musical backgrounds. The announcement has generated excitement among music fans, particularly those looking forward to seeing some of India's most popular performers at the same event.
UNIFYD Festival 2027: Date and Venue Revealed
The inaugural edition of UNIFYD is scheduled for March 20, 2027, at Etihad Live on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The one-day festival is expected to feature more than 15 artists performing across multiple stages. The lineup will bring together different genres of Indian music, creating an experience for audiences from India, the Middle East and the wider global South Asian community.
According to reports, the organisers plan to announce additional performers in the coming weeks. The event is also being developed with international ambitions, with the possibility of expanding to other cities and markets in the future.
The festival is being produced by D’YAVOL Live in collaboration with District, with support from Abu Dhabi's tourism and entertainment partners.
Shah Rukh Khan Explains the Idea Behind UNIFYD
Shah Rukh Khan has spent decades entertaining audiences through films, but his latest venture focuses on the unifying power of music.
Announcing the festival, the actor highlighted the ability of entertainment to bring people together across geographical and cultural boundaries. He believes music can create connections similar to those audiences experience through cinema.
The promotional campaign also features a light-hearted video in which Shah Rukh tries his hand at several musical instruments, including the keyboard, saxophone, drums, guitar and violin. After struggling to play them successfully, he humorously suggests leaving the music to professional artists.
The video introduces the festival's central idea: bringing leading Indian musical voices together on one platform for an event designed to celebrate their talent and reach.
By curating UNIFYD, Shah Rukh is extending his involvement in entertainment beyond acting and film production into the live music space.
Arijit Singh, Sonu Nigam and Karan Aujla to Headline the Festival
The first announced lineup brings together three artists with distinct musical styles and fan bases.
Arijit Singh
Arijit Singh is one of India's most popular contemporary playback singers, known for his emotional performances and romantic melodies. His songs have become a major part of modern Hindi film music, earning him a massive following among listeners in India and abroad.
His inclusion is expected to attract fans who enjoy Bollywood soundtracks and live vocal performances.
Sonu Nigam
Sonu Nigam brings decades of experience and a celebrated catalogue of Hindi film songs to the lineup. Known for his versatility, expressive singing and enduring popularity, he represents a different generation of Indian playback music.
According to festival coverage, his appearance is particularly notable because the organisers describe it as his first performance at a music festival.
Karan Aujla
Punjabi singer and rapper Karan Aujla adds a contemporary Punjabi music dimension to the event. His popularity has expanded beyond India, with his songs reaching audiences across international markets.
His energetic performances and modern sound are expected to bring a different atmosphere to the festival, complementing the musical styles of Arijit Singh and Sonu Nigam.
Together, the three performers represent different eras and genres of Indian music, making the initial lineup one of the festival's major attractions.
UNIFYD Festival Tickets: When Will Sales Begin?
Music fans planning to attend the event should keep an eye on official ticketing announcements.
According to reports, tickets will be available exclusively through the District app. An early-access window for Emirates NBD cardholders is scheduled to begin on October 19, 2026, at 9:30 AM Gulf Standard Time and continue until October 20 at the same time.
General ticket sales are scheduled to open on October 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM Gulf Standard Time. Ticket prices and further event details should be checked through the official ticketing platform as they become available.
Why UNIFYD Could Become a Major Event for Indian Music
UNIFYD arrives at a time when Indian music is reaching increasingly diverse international audiences. Bollywood playback songs, Punjabi music and independent Indian artists have built substantial followings beyond their traditional markets.
By bringing performers from different musical backgrounds together, the festival aims to create a shared platform for these audiences. Its location in Abu Dhabi also makes it accessible to music fans across the Middle East and the wider South Asian diaspora.
The success of the inaugural edition will depend on the final lineup, event organisation and audience response. However, with Shah Rukh Khan leading the creative vision and three major artists already announced, UNIFYD has established a strong starting point.
For fans of Arijit Singh, Sonu Nigam and Karan Aujla, March 20, 2027, could offer an opportunity to experience some of India's most recognisable musical voices at a single international event.
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