Coldplay concert in Abu Dhabi: First day, first show review of a spectacular gig

Abu Dhabi:

There’s a good chance that you’ll walk out of a Coldplay concert expecting world peace and love for all. Chris Martin, with his messiah-like tone, implores you to love each other unconditionally. And for those few magical hours, as you sway under the kaleidoscopic glow of LED wristbands and sing your heart out to anthems like Fix You and Viva La Vida, it feels entirely possible.

Despite taking the stage a few minutes later than the scheduled 7:45 PM start, the iconic British band Coldplay had a crowd of 45,000 fans on their feet, waving their glow-up wristbands in the air.

The band opened the night with their iconic hit Higher, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Coldplay did more than just entertain; they inspired. During his two-hour set, Chris Martin reminded his fans about the harsh realities of today. From remembering the homes destroyed by the devastating LA fires to honoring the lives lost in global conflicts, there was compassion in each of their beats.

But don't think it was some solemn affair. Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres’ tour was a joyous spectacle, a sensory feast of stunning visuals, fireworks, and music that propelled you on your feet. The crowd, a sea of diverse faces united by the music, danced, sang, and swayed as if the world’s weight had momentarily lifted.

But what truly won hearts, however, was Martin’s endearing attempt at speaking Arabic, incorporating popular greetings like “Shukran" and "Habibi". He also expressed his excitement about performing in Abu Dhabi for the first time in 2025.

“Here’s to everyone who came from Abu Dhabi, India, Dubai, Europe, Pakistan, Africa ...” Martin said, acknowledging the multi-cultural audience.

His heartfelt interactions with the audience—a wave here, a thank-you there—created a sense of intimacy rare in mega-concerts. One particularly touching moment came when he invited an ardent fan from Pakistan on stage. She had traveled over 10,000 kilometers to watch the concert in Abu Dhabi, a fact proudly displayed on her poster. Chris not only called her up but made her feel like the most important person on the planet. When she requested a selfie to capture the moment, he gently admonished her, saying, “You are the most famous woman in the stadium right now, let’s enjoy this moment together instead.”

He also spoke about how he had left LA when fires were engulfing the city, and hoped their song would bring peace all around the world.

Also, let's face it: concerts can sometimes feel contrived, with scripted moments and rehearsed interactions, but Chris Martin shattered that notion during this gig.

In a seemingly spontaneous and heartfelt gesture, he helped a couple reveal the gender of their baby to thousands of cheering fans. Pausing mid-performance, Martin had the woman make the announcement of a baby girl aloud, turning the moment into a deeply personal and joyous celebration.

It was a reminder of Coldplay’s ability to make even the largest arenas feel intimate, proving that genuine connection can thrive in the most unexpected ways.

And then there were the songs—each one a gem polished to perfection. It wasn’t just Coldplay’s timeless hits like Yellow or Fix You that stole the show. Each song was paired with breathtaking visuals—pyrotechnics, fireworks, and giant balloons—that transformed the performance into a multisensory spectacle.

By the end of two dazzling hours, it was clear why Coldplay remains one of the most sought-after bands in the world.

The first night of the Music of the Spheres concert series in Abu Dhabi may have unfolded under a starless sky, but the true galaxy of stars lit up the stadium grounds.

With 45,000 fans in attendance, Coldplay spun their magic, proving once again why they are regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of our time. And we wanted world peace!