Coldplay concert in Abu Dhabi: Last minute survival guide and tips
From dressing right to planning your shuttle bus ride ahead, we have you covered
Taxi & Private CarsDubai: The wait is almost over, and your date with the iconic band Coldplay is just around the corner. After weeks of anticipation and all the buzz surrounding ticket availability, the band is finally ready to set the stage ablaze with their Music of the Spheres World Tour at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Friday, with additional electrifying shows on January 11, 12, and 14.
For those fortunate (and quick-fingered) enough to secure tickets, congratulations—you’re in for an unforgettable night.
But if you tried to snag last-minute tickets on Ticket Master, like we did, you probably encountered the same crushing reality: Sold Out. Even trying for a single ticket in any category led to disappointment, although the waiting line to enter the buying queue was hardly a minute.
So, for the lucky fans who already hold their golden pass to one of the most anticipated concerts of the year, this survival guide is your ultimate companion.
Armed with these tips and insights, nothing will stand between you and an incredible experience under the Abu Dhabi stars. Let’s dive in ...
Timings and schedule
Timing is everything when attending a concert of this scale. To ensure you have a stress-free and enjoyable experience, keep these key timings in mind:
Fanzones Open: 3pm– Get there early to soak in the pre-show vibes and explore the venue.
General Entry: 5pm– Gates will open for general admission. Be ready with your ticket and a smile!
Last Entry: 8.30pm – Don’t cut it too close; you won’t want to miss a second of the concert.
Fanzones Close: 12am – The venue shuts down after the concert, so plan your exit accordingly.
Performance Lineup:
Coldplay has curated a stellar lineup of opening acts to set the mood for an unforgettable evening:
Shone (French modern hip-hop): 6pm – 6:15pm – A short but electrifying set to kick things off.
Elyanna (Palestinian singer-songwriter): 6:30pm – 7:15pm – Her soulful voice will warm up the crowd beautifully.
Coldplay: 7:45pm – The stars of the night take the stage for what promises to be a spectacular, immersive experience.
Tickets and entry:
Make sure your tickets are ready before you head to the venue:
All tickets must be downloaded via Ticketmaster and saved on your mobile device.
QR codes required for entry will be available 72 hours before the event. Save it to your phone and have it ready for a smooth check-in.
Entry is permitted only through the gate listed on your ticket, so double-check your details. Also remember, there will be no sales at the venue. Beware of unauthorised resellers to avoid counterfeit risks.
Getting to the venue: Transport and parking
Getting to the Zayed Sports City Stadium might seem daunting, but with a little planning, it can be a breeze.
No Parking Available: There’s no parking at or near the stadium, so fans are encouraged to use shuttle buses.
Shuttle Bus Services:
From Expo City Dubai: Buses depart starting at 12:50pm.
From Abu Dhabi Locations (Al Shahama, Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha, Nation Towers): Departures start at 1:57pm.
Return Shuttles: Available immediately after the concert.
Seats on shuttles (from Expo City Dubai and Al Shahama) are on a first-come, first-served basis and must be booked via Ticketmaster.
Taxi and private cars
Arrival:
Taxis & Private Cars: Upon arrival at Zayed Sports City, follow the clearly marked signs directing you to the designated "Pick Up and Drop Off" location.
Departure:
Private Car Pick Up: After the concert, return to the "Pick Up and Drop Off" area for private car pick-up.
Taxis: Follow the signs to the clearly marked taxi rank.
Getting to the venue: Transport and parking
Abu Dhabi in January offers the perfect cool weather for an outdoor concert, but the temperatures can dip in the evenings. To stay comfortable throughout the event, consider the following:
Layer Up: Wear a light jacket or hoodie that you can easily remove if you get too warm.
Comfortable footwear: Sneakers or closed-toe shoes are a must—expect to be on your feet dancing and moving!
Coldplay Merch or Band Colors: Add a fun touch to your outfit with Coldplay-themed gear or glow-in-the-dark accessories.
Prep for the ultimate phone marathon
Your phone will work overtime—QR code for tickets, snapping memories, recording 'Yellow,' and tagging Coldplay in your Insta stories. Make sure it’s charged to the max and bring a portable charger to stay powered up.
Age Restrictions
Keep these age guidelines in mind for a smooth entry:
Children under 5 years old are not allowed at the event.
Fans under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21+ and are not permitted in the pitch standing area.
Event Guidelines
To keep things safe and smooth, follow these guidelines:
Bag Policy: Only small bags (A4 size or smaller) are allowed inside the venue.
Cashless Payments: The event is completely cashless, so bring a credit/debit card or use mobile payment options.
Prohibited Items: Certain items like oversized bags, selfie-sticks and umbrellas are not allowed at the venue. Check the complete list on Live Nation.
Coldplay’s sustainability mission
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour isn’t just about music—it’s also about making a positive impact on the planet. Here’s how you can contribute:
Eco-Friendly Transport: Use the shuttle bus services to help reduce carbon emissions.
Free Water Stations: Stay hydrated by bringing your refillable water bottle (max 750ml; no glass or metal allowed).
Minimising waste: Any leftover food will be donated to local charities, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Food and beverage options
The Zayed Sports City Stadium will have a variety of food and beverage stalls to keep you fueled for the night. Arrive early to grab your favorites and avoid the lines closer to concert.
Final tips for a magical night
Arrive early to explore the venue and get into the concert spirit.
Dress comfortably and be prepared for cool January evenings.
Keep your phone charged for capturing those incredible moments—but don’t forget to soak it all in with your own eyes.
Get ready to lose yourself in the magic of Coldplay’s music under the starry Abu Dhabi skies. For details, visit Live Nation website.
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