Yas Island, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India, has officially taken center stage as Indian Idol Season 16 aired its special Abu Dhabi episodes, filmed at Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region’s largest indoor theme park. The episodes created a major on-screen moment connecting two vibrant entertainment cultures.
Star power and global scale
The special episodes featured judges Badshah and Vishal Dadlani, with guest judge Madhubanti Bagchi, and were hosted by Aditya Narayan. Filmed at Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the production combined the scale of the television franchise with the theme park setting, providing a distinctive backdrop for the performances.
Beyond the stage: Experiencing Yas Island
Beyond the stage, the season’s Final 10 contestants visited key attractions across Yas Island, including Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and CLYMB Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Segments filmed at these locations were incorporated into the two special episodes, adding experiential elements beyond the competition format.
Strengthening cultural ties
The collaboration highlights the cultural ties between the UAE and India and reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a destination for international productions. Supported by established infrastructure and production capabilities, Yas Island continues to host global entertainment projects.
For Indian audiences in the UAE and across the region, the episodes connected a popular television franchise with a well-known destination, expanding Yas Island’s visibility among viewers in India and beyond.
Leadership perspectives
Liam Findlay, CEO, Miral Destinations said: “Yas Island’s hosting of Indian Idol 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 recognized 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 reimagining 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. For our brand partners, this created a rare opportunity to be part of a cultural moment that transcended geographies and connected with audiences at a deeper emotional level. Together, we didn’t just shoot content, we expanded the canvas of Indian Idol and reinforced its place on the global entertainment stage.”
