Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Yas Island took centre stage for one of India’s most-watched television franchises, as Season 16 of “Indian Idol” aired its special Abu Dhabi episodes, filmed at Warner Bros. World Yas Island.
Broadcast on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV in India on February 21 and 22, 2026, the episodes formed part of this season’s theme, “Yaadon Ki Playlist” (Playlist of Memories), a concept rooted in nostalgia, emotion and timeless music.
The special episodes featured the show’s celebrated judging panel, including rapper and producer Badshah and renowned music composer and singer, Vishal Dadlani, alongside guest judge Madhubanti Bagchi and host Aditya Narayan.
Filmed inside the immersive worlds of Warner Bros. World Yas Island, the production blended the scale of international television with the region’s largest theme park, offering audiences a vibrant visual backdrop to the performances and storytelling of the popular reality TV show.
Beyond the stage, the season’s Final 10 contestants also experienced Yas Island’s world-class attractions, with exclusive segments filmed across Ferrari World Yas Island, Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld and CLYMB.
The collaborative filming project underscores the strong cultural connection between the UAE and India, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for international productions.
Supported by advanced infrastructure and a well-established production ecosystem, Yas Island continues to attract global entertainment projects that bring international stories to life in the capital.
As millions tuned in across India and beyond, Yas Island was showcased through a new lens, further strengthening its presence on the global entertainment stage.
Liam Findlay, CEO, Miral Destinations said: “Yas Island’s hosting of ‘Indian Idol’ with Sony Pictures Networks India reflects the role our destination continues to play as a home for global entertainment. Building on high-impact collaborations with major international productions from India, including large-scale film projects, this initiative reinforces how Yas Island continues to attract globally recognised entertainment IPs drawn to our iconic locations, infrastructure and collaborative ecosystem.
“Seeing a show loved by millions bring its storytelling to our destination is a proud moment, and another example of how Yas Island is contributing to culture through world-class experiences.”
Akshay Agrawal, Head – Linear Ad Sales, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), said: “Our partnership with Yas Island has evolved meaningfully over the years, but taking ‘Indian Idol’ there for its first-ever international show was a defining moment for the franchise and for us. It was about re-imagining the scale of what ‘Indian Idol’ can deliver.
“Yas Island brought a sense of grandeur and global energy that elevated ‘Indian Idol’ from being India’s biggest music show to a truly international entertainment spectacle.”
