Coldplay in Abu Dhabi: Your Ultimate Guide to the Biggest Concerts in UAE History
Coldplay is arriving in the Abu Dhabi this week, and excitement is reaching new heights. An estimated 160,000 fans are expected to attend, marking the largest open-air concerts in UAE history.
With more than 10 albums of hits and an impressive, multi-sensory show, it’s clear why tickets were in such high demand.
This article is your comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the shows, including the setlist and transportation arrangements.
Special transport has been organized for these sold-out shows, so even regular visitors to Abu Dhabi may need to adjust their plans slightly to reach Zayed Sports City Stadium
Travel Tips for Coldplay Fans: How to Reach the Abu Dhabi Concerts
Coldplay ticket holders can use a special free park-and-ride shuttle bus service from Dubai on each of the four concert days. The shuttle will depart from Expo City Dubai starting at 12:50 PM and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
For fans already in Abu Dhabi, there are also first-come, first-served shuttle buses departing from Al Shahama, Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha, and Nation Towers starting at 1:57 PM. Return shuttle buses to each departure point will be available after every show.
If you’re planning to use the Dubai Metro to get to Expo City, please note that it will likely be closed by the time you return from the concert. Alternatively, if you’re taking a taxi, it will drop you off at Wahat Al Karama in Abu Dhabi—about seven minutes away from Zayed Sports City Stadium—where you can catch a shuttle bus to the stadium.
Parking will not be available at the stadium, so if you plan on driving, you’ll need to park at one of the designated shuttle bus stops in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
Coldplay fanzone in Abu Dhabi
Ahead of the shows, a special fanzone will be set up for fans to gather on each of the four concert days. Attendees can meet at the fanzone outside Zayed Sports City Stadium starting at 3 PM.
What Time Do Doors Open for Coldplay in Abu Dhabi?
Fans can enter the stadium from 5 PM on each of the four concert dates. Doors will close at 8:30 PM, so be sure to arrive early to avoid missing out.
Coldplay Concert Opening Acts: Timings and Details
Fans can enter the stadium from 5 PM. The opening acts will begin with French-Zimbabwean hip-hop artist Shone at 6 PM, followed by Palestinian-Chilean artist Elyanna from 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM. Elyanna, known for blending Arab music with modern pop, has collaborated with Coldplay on their latest album, so you might see her later in the show.
Coldplay’s Abu Dhabi Concert: Performance Time and Setlist Details
Coldplay’s set will start at 7:45 PM, opening with a video package before Chris Martin and the band take the stage. The Music of the Spheres tour features a four-act structure: Planets, Moons, Stars, and Home.
Fans can expect a setlist similar to other legs of the tour, including hits and fan favorites.
Prepare for an epic night with Coldplay’s setlist, featuring:
- Higher Power (Music of the Spheres)
- Adventure of a Lifetime (A Head Full of Dreams)
- Paradise (Mylo Xyloto)
- The Scientist (A Rush of Blood to the Head)
- Viva la Vida (Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends)
- Hymn for the Weekend (A Head Full of Dreams)
- God Put a Smile Upon Your Face (A Rush of Blood to the Head)
- Yellow (Parachutes)
- ALL MY LOVE (Moon Music)
- Human Heart (Music of the Spheres)
- People of the Pride (Music of the Spheres)
- Clocks (A Rush of Blood to the Head)
- Infinity Sign (Music of the Spheres)
- Something Just Like This (The Chainsmokers cover)
- My Universe (Music of the Spheres)
- A Sky Full of Stars (Ghost Stories)
- Sparks (Parachutes)
- The Jumbotron Song (featuring audience members on the big screen)
- Fix You (X&Y)
- GOOD FEELiNGS (Moon Music)
- feelslikeimfallinginlove (Moon Music)
Expect an additional song between Hymn for the Weekend and God Put a Smile Upon Your Face with options like Everglow, Magic, Don’t Panic, and Up&Up. For the Abu Dhabi shows, look forward to opening act Elyanna joining Coldplay on stage for We Pray.
Coldplay Moongoggles Available at Abu Dhabi Concerts
Yes, Coldplay moongoggles will be available at the Abu Dhabi shows. These will be handed out to ticket holders before the concerts, adding an extra layer of immersion. The moongoggles, similar to 3D glasses, will add a filter of multi-colored hearts to your view, making the fireworks even more spectacular.
Coldplay Abu Dhabi Concert: Permitted and Prohibited Items
A wide range of items will not be permitted upon entry to Zayed Sports City Stadium for the four shows. Prohibited items include:
- Glass (including perfume and aftershave bottles)
- Steel and aluminum bottles, cans, and flasks
- Weapons or items that could be used as weapons
- Computers, laptops, tablets, power banks, jammers, scanners, radios, and pagers
- Fireworks
- Flags, banners, and signs with or without poles
- Professional camera, filming, and audio equipment
- Lasers/laser pens
- Crash helmets
- Studded belts and bracelets
- Lighters and matches
- Unmanned aerial vehicles/drones
- Alcohol and illegal substances
- Large bags and items
- Loudspeakers
- Umbrellas
- Selfie sticks
- Canisters of any type
- Payment card machines
- Hi-visibility clothing or imitation uniforms
- Any item that may cause alarm or disturbance
- Food and beverages
- Bicycles, scooters, segways, and skateboards
- Animals
- Chairs
- Ambush marketing tools
- Horns, whistles, or vuvuzelas
- Strollers
- Stuffed toys
If you are carrying medication, it must be approved by the event medical team in its original packaging. You can bring a reusable water flask, but it must be emptied before entry. Bags larger than an A4 piece of paper are not permitted.
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How to Access Coldplay Tickets for Abu Dhabi Concerts?
If you’ve waited in the Ticketmaster queue for hours and are worried about not having a physical ticket yet, don’t worry. Tickets for the Coldplay shows in Abu Dhabi are completely digital and accessible through your Ticketmaster account 72 hours before the show.
Fans won’t be able to print out or receive tickets via email, so ensure you have the Ticketmaster app ready on the big day. Each ticket has a unique QR code, and entry will only be granted through the designated gate listed on the ticket.
As the internet connection around the stadium may be slow on the day, make sure to download and open the ticket in a tab on your device before heading to the show. Fans are advised to avoid unauthorized resellers to prevent the risk of counterfeit tickets.
You can, however, transfer tickets via the Ticketmaster app to friends or family attending the concert with you.
Enjoy the show and make the most of this unforgettable experience!
