Coldplay in UAE: Hotel room demand soars 300% near Zayed Sports City, Dubai Expo City

Abu Dhabi: Planning to catch Coldplay’s Abu Dhabi concerts on January 9, 11, 12, or the 14th? Good news—hotel options are still available, even though demand has jumped by up to 300 per cent near the venues and shuttle bus pickup points.

Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, said hotel prices for the concert weekend (January 10-12) had increased dramatically, with some properties raising rates by up to 300 per cent.

“Rooms previously priced at Dh 492 are now listed at Dh 801, while others have climbed to over Dh 1,500,” he explained.

With regular rooms fully booked, the remaining options are deluxe suites and superior rooms at five-star hotels in Yas Island, according to data from travel aggregator Booking.com. These come at a premium, with prices starting at Dh1,200 and reaching up to Dh6,918 per person, reflecting a 78 per cent surge in prices during the event.

Concertgoers planning to stay near Dubai Expo, the designated pickup point at Expo City, can consider Rove Expo City. Room rates are Dh1,198 per night for a stay from January 11 to 12. These elevated prices remain in effect until January 14, the final day of the concert. Afterwards, rates at Rove Expo City drop to Dh319, reflecting a 115 per cent surge during the event period.

According to travel analysts, music tourism can fuel economic growth in the UAE. Up to 160,000 people are expected to attend Coldplay’s four concerts in Abu Dhabi.

“The Coldplay concert is set to drive a significant boost in travel and hospitality demand,” said Pittie. He added, “These high-profile concerts are not just about entertainment but are major economic drivers that have led to a staggering 70 per cent increase in flight rates and nearly fivefold hike in hotel prices.”

“We have witnessed an extraordinary surge in demand, with hotel bookings for the concert weekend skyrocketing by up to 300 per cent,” Pittie stated.

Beyond the music, Pittie said these events catalyse economic activity, invigorating sectors like hospitality, dining, and local attractions while fostering a global convergence of cultures.

According to market projections, revenue in the UAE’s music events market is expected to reach approximately $140.40 million in 2024, and the industry is forecasted to reach $13.8 Billion by 2032, signalling robust growth opportunities.

“It is clear that both sports and music tourism are booming, and event travellers have high aspirations, presenting a huge opportunity for businesses to tap into this growing segment of travellers,” said Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International, owner and operator of Priority Pass.

Fans planning to attend should act fast to secure their accommodations before availability runs out or prices climb further. The most expensive days to book are January 11 and 12 (weekend check-ins). The most affordable day to book is January 14, which stands out as the least expensive, with January 9 being moderately priced.

While availability remains ample across 3-star to 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, prices near the stadium reflect the heightened demand, offering options starting at Dh 400 for budget stays and Dh 1,080 for 4-star properties.