Dubai gears up for the 9th edition of India International Influencer Awards 2025
Conceptualised by the visionary Kunal Thakkar, founder of Eventz Factory, IIIA 2025 promises to be a spectacular showcase of creativity, impact, and digital excellence, and is set to draw global attention from across the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.
Building on the success of previous editions held in iconic cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Pattaya, Colombo, and Mumbai, the Dubai edition signals a bold new chapter. It will serve as a cultural bridge, celebrating the synergy between India's vibrant creator economy and the Middle East's dynamic digital landscape.
This year's event is expected to be more glamorous and influential than ever, with red carpet appearances from leading influencers, Bollywood celebrities, and international content creators.
Attendees can also look forward to world-class live performances, immersive experiences, industry discussions, and networking sessions designed to elevate the creator community.
Speaking about the upcoming edition, Kunal Thakkar shared: "Dubai was the natural choice for this milestone edition. It's a city that thrives on innovation, luxury, and global connectivity — everything our award show represents. We're setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration of influence."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
'Words twisted': Huda Kattan reacts to TikTok backlash, calls to remove brand from Sephora
US-based groups have been recently calling for Huda Beauty products to be removed from Sephora stores; where does this stem from? Huda Kattan, the founder of the brand, recently posted a video on Tiktok, criticising Israel's actions against the people of Gaza. The video faced immediate backlash, with US-based groups, and social media commenters taking offence. According to CNN, Huda reportedly said in the video: 'All of the conspiracy theories coming out and a lot of evidence behind them — that Israel has been behind World War I, World War II, September 11, October 7 — they allowed all of this stuff to happen. Is this crazy?' 'Like, I had a feeling — I was like, 'Are they behind every world war?' Yes.' Khaleej Times is not able to independently confirm this statement as the video has since been taken down. Huda clarified that the video was removed by herself, not by her team, and not by TikTok, after many media outlets reported that the social media giant had pulled the video down. After widespread criticism, Huda took to TikTok once again, to clarify her stance of support for Palestine, which does not translate into a stance against Jews. "To silence you from speaking out, they do what they always do — they twist your words, label you an anti-semite." Huda spoke on her anguish of seeing suffering children in Gaza starve; people maimed and being bombed in tents "while just trying to survive the already excruciating, uninhabitable conditions they are living in." The beauty mogul called out the "spear campaign" in which her words were twisted and taken out of context. She clarified that she was in no way speaking about Jews, but about the Israel government. Huda said "fake stories" circulated, claiming that she did not recognise the Holocaust; however, this was entirely not true. Learning about the Holocaust in school actually led her to "promise herself to stand up" in other situations where humanity was at stake, she added. After organisations like the Anti-Defamation League posted statements calling out "Huda Kattan's recent promotion of antisemitic conspiracy theories", she clarified that equating criticism of Israel to hate against Jews was also a form of antisemitism in itself.


Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai hosts biggest celebration of Pakistan's Independence Day; over 60,000 join event
From cultural performances to patriotic songs, Pakistanis dressed in national and traditional attire gathered at Dubai Expo City on Sunday to celebrate the country's 78th Independence Day. The day-long festivities drew crowds ranging from infants just a few months old to elderly individuals in their 80s, filling the vast halls of Expo City. Young Pakistanis danced energetically to national, contemporary, and cultural tunes performed by a diverse lineup of singers from Pakistan. Meanwhile, dozens of food stalls attracted long queues, with families and children eagerly lining up to enjoy the delicious dishes served throughout the day. More than 60,000 people had registered for the day-long celebrations, making it the biggest Pakistan Independence Day celebrations around the world. 'Welcome to the biggest show in town. 60,000-plus and counting,' said Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan's Envoy to the UAE, during the celebrations. He added that this was the biggest Pakistan Independence Day celebration in the world. 'Over 60,000 people have already registered to participate in this mega event. Artists, performers, and singers from Pakistan, representing all four provinces along with Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, will showcase Pakistan's diverse cultural heritage through music, dance, cuisine, and traditional attire,' he added. Last year's event at Dubai World Trade Centre attracted 15,000 attendees, prompting the organisers to move to a much larger venue this year to accommodate the overwhelming public response. 'Good reason to celebrate' Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, delivered the speech on the occasion of Pakistan's 78th Independence Day and congratulated residents from the South Asian country who have contributed to the UAE's economic growth and prosperity. 'This is a celebration of strong national character, resilience, determination, achievement and hope for the future. Here in Dubai, this is also a celebration of deep friendship and brotherhood that exists between the UAE and Pakistan. Our strong relationship rests on a foundation of a shared belief, cultural heritage, love and respect for each other and a common vision for peace and prosperity. The UAE is proud to stand with Pakistan as a brother nation. Our bond is strengthened every day by contributions for the Pakistani community whose talent, hard work and creativity enrich the life of our country,' said Sheikh Nahyan. 'The relationship between Pakistan and UAE provides a blueprint for the kind of brotherly relationship necessary for social and economic prosperity in our world. I am pleased to strongly express my confidence in the bright future that lies ahead for both countries.' He said: 'In the UAE, differences are respected, dialogue is encouraged and shared values unite us. This harmony is one of our greatest achievements, and the Pakistani community is an important part of it. Your knowledge, optimism, friendliness, goodwill and concern for each person and community have benefited our country and strengthened our society. Today, here in Dubai, we have a good reason to celebrate your Independence Day.' Performances The day-long programme is set to continue until midnight on Sunday, featuring live performances by Pakistan's national superstar Sahir Ali Bagga, acclaimed Sufi rock singer Natasha Baig, and celebrated storyteller Yousuf Bashir Qureshi. In addition, Pakistan's superstar Humayoun Saeed also attended the celebrations. The event was organised by 'Emirates Loves Pakistan' — a platform dedicated to sharing inspiring content that highlights the success stories and contributions of the Pakistani community in the UAE, in collaboration with the Pakistan Association in Dubai, with support from Dubai Police. The objective of the programme was to facilitate the participation of the Pakistani community in the UAE in marking their national Independence Day. Pakistanis are the second-largest expat community in the UAE, housing over 1.7 million South Asian nationals. Pakistan was also the first country to recognise the UAE after it was founded in 1971. Both countries have seen the cultural, economic and political ties strengthening over the decades. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, extended special thanks to Emirates Loves Pakistan and PAD for their dedicated efforts in organising the event. He praised the contributions of the Pakistani community to the UAE's development and urged them to continue observing local laws, respecting the norms and policies of the host country. UAE-Pakistan relations Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971 under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE has maintained efforts to develop its relations with Pakistan across various sectors. In January 2025, the UAE and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan issued a joint statement confirming their intent to enhance consultation and coordination, strengthening their strategic partnership in economic, commercial, and cultural domains, as well as joint projects. In June 2025, a strategic partnership in governmental modernisation was initiated between the UAE and Pakistan, reflecting a mutual commitment to collaboration, the exchange of successful governmental practices, expertise, and the development of institutional capacities to support modernisation efforts. The UAE is recognised as a significant investor in Pakistan. Over the past two decades, UAE investments—through public and private sectors — have exceeded $10 billion, focusing on telecommunications, services, tourism, information technology, oil and gas, housing, banking, and real estate.


Khaleej Times
8 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Don't miss these upcoming concerts in UAE 2025: Dates, tickets and lineup
Get ready, UAE music fans! The second half of 2025 is packed with an incredible lineup of live concerts across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, featuring global superstars, rising stars, and beloved icons from a variety of genres. Whether you're into pop, R&B, Punjabi beats, rock, or Latin rhythms, there's something to ignite your passion for music. From intimate shows at Dubai Opera to grand spectacles at Coca-Cola Arena and Etihad Park, mark your calendars and grab your tickets early to experience the best live music action the UAE has to offer. Natalie Imbruglia – August 23, Dubai Opera The Australian-British singer behind the 1997 hit Torn returns to the stage with her soulful catalogue, including tracks from White Lilies Island and her latest album Firebird. Show starts 8pm; tickets from Dh295. Macy Gray – August 29, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai The Grammy-winning R&B star, famed for her soulful hit I Try, will perform classics from her multi-platinum debut and beyond. Show starts 8pm; tickets from Dh99. AP Dhillon – September 7, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai The Indian-Canadian sensation returns after a sold-out show in February 2024, delivering his unique mix of Punjabi tradition and global pop. Show starts 8pm; tickets from Dh345. Sunidhi Chauhan – September 13, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai The powerhouse playback singer brings her global tour to Dubai, performing hits from her 2,500-song repertoire in over 10 languages. Known for judging Indian Idol and The Voice India, she has shared stages with Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Ed Sheeran. Tickets from Dh175. Shubh – October 5, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai The Punjabi-Canadian rapper brings his The Supreme Tour to Dubai, performing hits like Still Rollin, Fell For You, and viral smash Cheques. The Billboard Canada cover star promises high-energy Punjabi beats. Tickets on sale August 8. SB19 – October 11, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai The Filipino pop sensations bring their Simula At Wakas world tour to Dubai, showcasing hits like Bazinga with slick choreography and infectious energy. Tickets from Dh199. Lil Baby – October 18, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai The Grammy-winning rap star brings his Wham world tour to Dubai, armed with chart-toppers from a record-breaking career that includes 75 billion streams and 90+ RIAA certifications. Tickets from Dh229. Enrique Iglesias – November 1, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi The Latin pop superstar returns to the UAE with a setlist of hits like Bailamos, Bailando, and Loco. Doors open 7pm; tickets from Dh325. Travis Scott – November 15, Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi The Circus Maximus world tour lands in Abu Dhabi with a haunted theme park-inspired spectacle and hits from Utopia plus fan favourites like Sicko Mode. Tickets via Live Nation Middle East. Karan Aujla – November 29, Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi Punjabi music powerhouse Karan Aujla brings his high-energy show featuring hits like Softly and 52 Bars. Show starts 8pm; tickets from Dh195. Benson Boone – December 4, Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi Rising American pop star known for Beautiful Things and In The Stars opens the four-day series with a dynamic stage presence. Exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders. Post Malone & Elyanna – December 5, Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi Post Malone returns with hits like Sunflower and Circles plus new country-influenced tracks from F-1 Trillion. Elyanna, fresh from supporting Coldplay, delivers a fusion of Arabic pop and modern RnB. Both perform separate sets. Exclusive access for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix attendees. Metallica – December 6, Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi Legendary metal band returns with their Grammy-winning album 72 Seasons on the ongoing M72 World Tour. Exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders. Katy Perry – December 7, Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi Pop icon brings The Lifetimes Tour to the Grand Prix finale, featuring dance-pop hits from her album 143. Exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders. Arijit Singh – December 19, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi The soulful 'king of playback singing' returns after rescheduling his show, performing hits like Tum Hi Ho, Kabira, and Channa Mereya. Doors open 6pm; tickets from Dh290. Sonu Nigam – December 27, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Bollywood legend Sonu Nigam performs a career-spanning set featuring classics such as Kal Ho Naa Ho. Tickets from Dh95; show starts 8pm. Maroon 5 – December 31, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai Celebrate New Year's Eve with Maroon 5 performing hits like Moves Like Jagger, She Will Be Loved, and This Love at an exclusive gala dinner. Tickets start from Dh6,500 for adults, with special rates for children.