Powered by Air India, the evening of glitz and glamour was hosted at The Ritz Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre on July 6, and was attended by Dubai's elite. This is a yearly event wherein the IIFA Awards are screened in Dubai a day before the same is screened on television. Commenting on the special screening, Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft International said, "IIFA is a global platform for Indian cinema and this exclusive screening is our way to acknowledge the support of our wide-ranging audience in the UAE and corporate sponsors in the region."

Prior to the IIFA screening, Indian designer Masaba Gupta and Dubai based designer Varoin Marwah showcased a special IIFA Glitterati fashion segment, wherein actress Kangana Ranaut walked the ramp for Gupta and starlet Geeta Basra did the same for Marwah. Gupta's collection was also showcased at IIFA Rocks in Singapore. The line showcased fusion-wear with strong Indian elements, wherein the colour palette and feel of the collection was inspired by the IIFA logo, which has the sun as its guiding light. Marwah, on the other hand, made his debut at the IIFA 2012 Dubai celebrations with a special collection which captured the New India as well as IIFA's glitz with 22 exclusive pieces. A wide variety of colours were used to create the collection, which included the use of black and gold to maintain the IIFA Glitterati theme.

Speaking about the IIFA Celebrations, actress Kangana Ranaut said, "IIFA has made great strides across the world, taking the Indian Film fraternity to different countries each year, widening the reach of Indian Cinema. I am proud to be a part of this phenomenon and am happy to support IIFA and be a part of these celebrations here in Dubai."

The associate sponsors for the event included City Exchange, City Cinemas, Incredible India and Gitanjali with co-sponsor, Danube Build Mart. Lama Tours was the official travel partner and Ritz Carlton-Dubai International Financial Centre was the hospitality partner for the event. Star Plus was the official broadcast partner for IIFA 2012. Gulf News was the official print partner and Radio 4 - 89.1 FM was the official radio partner. The support partners included The Country Club, Magik, Showtech, Studio 8, Al Wasi Printing Press , Diva Modeling Agency, MAC Cosmetics, Flaunte Salon and Entertainment Design Company.