The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) on Sunday announced its 22nd edition of IIFA Weekend and Awards has been postponed following UAE's President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's demise. The event will now be held from July 14, 15 and 16, in Abu Dhabi.

“With this sad news, the UAE nation is in a state of mourning and has declared a 40-day mourning period. In solidarity with the people and Government of the UAE and with the national mourning being observed, the 22nd edition of the IIFA Weekend & Awards to be held on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi from the 19th to 21st of May 2022 has been postponed,” a statement read.

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) further stated that the award ceremony will now be held from July 14 to July 16 this year. “IIFA expresses its apologies to all the fans and ticketholders and promises a bigger, more exciting celebration of the India-UAE friendship at the later date,” the statement further read.

The 2022 edition of IIFA will be hosted by Salman Khan, Riteish Deshmukh and Maniesh Paul. India observed a day of national mourning on Saturday as a mark of respect to Sheikh Khalifa.