IIFA weekend in Dubai from June 14

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) has announced that this year's IIFA weekend would be held in Dubai, UAE from June 14.

The four-day event will witness the IIFA awards presentation on June 16.

IIFA awards honarary brand ambassador for the past seven years and Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan told mediapersons here today that, "There are more Indians in Dubai than Arabs. The generosity, love and behaviour of the people is overwhelming. The IIFA provides the film industry with an opportunity to eat, drink meet and spend time together and I am looking forward to the Dubai celebrations this year."

"When we go out of our country, we are proud to be Indian and we want everyone to know the good things about our country," he added.

Amitabh Bachchan addressing the audience at Idea IIFA Awards 2006 campaign in Mumbai.

The IIFA weekend and the Idea IIFA awards will be held under the patronage of Dubai Civil Aviation President and Emirates Group Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

On the occasion, Mr Maktoum said, "The film industry considers Dubai as its second home. And I consider myself as a family member waiting to welcome my other family members."

The IIFA awards over the years have attracted movie big wigs like Hollywood actors Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie, Bo Derek and Las Ketchup, Along with film actors, producers, directors and a host of other film fraternity members from Bollywood.

This year, IIFA will be screening 40 Indian films, including some South Indian movies.