‘Coldplay helped me learn English’: Fan frenzy peaks in Abu Dhabi ahead of four concerts

Abu Dhabi: Fans of British rock band Coldplay from around the world have gathered in Abu Dhabi for an unprecedented four concerts as part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour, which begins tonight (January 9).

The fans have gone to great lengths to see the band perform at Zayed Sports City on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.

One such fan, Yago Ferreira, a Brazilian expat living in Abu Dhabi, even cancelled his long-planned annual vacation to attend the concert.

“I’ve been a fan since childhood. I postponed my travel to attend the January 14 concert because I don’t know when I’ll get another chance,” said the 31-year-old from Natal, Brazil. “I’m flying to Brazil on January 16 after the concert.”

Ferreira’s English teacher used to play Coldplay songs to help students, including him, learn the language.

“I thank my teacher for introducing me to this amazing band. I fell in love with their lyrics and the band.”

This will be his first time experiencing Coldplay perform live.

“I tried so hard to get tickets. I waited hours in the queue, but I couldn’t get them. Then, an angel of a friend, who had bought tickets, gave them to me as a gift because she knew I was a big fan,” he said.

For him, the concert is a golden opportunity to relive memories. “I’m counting down the minutes... I have high expectations because they are so good.”

The excitement is shared by many others. Karan Popli, an avid music fan, flew in from Mumbai for the event.

“I missed out on Coldplay’s 2016 concert in India because I fell ill just before the show,” Popli said.

However, securing tickets was far from simple.

“I initially tried to get tickets in Mumbai, my hometown, but didn’t have any luck. I reached out to friends in the US and UK who had attended Coldplay and the Eras Tour for advice on how to beat the system, but I still didn’t get lucky.”

Eventually, tips from a local friend helped him secure tickets for Thursday and January 14 shows.

“I’m thrilled to have the chance to see them live,” Popli said.

Residents of Dubai are also awaiting the concerts. Loveena Gracias will be attending Sunday’s show with her husband.

“Coldplay’s music feels like a warm hug and a fireworks show at the same time. A Coldplay concert isn’t just a performance – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Gracias, who waited for hours to secure her tickets.

“Their shows are filled with vibrant lights, glowing wristbands, and a sense of togetherness that’s hard to describe. The way they combine incredible live music with an atmosphere of pure joy and emotion makes you feel like you are part of something bigger. It’s not just about hearing the songs you love; it’s about feeling the energy of thousands of people singing along and sharing the moment. I couldn’t miss the chance to be part of that magic.”

Surbhi Bhatia, who will attend the concert with her 10-year-old daughter, took three days to secure tickets.

“From the moment I heard Coldplay would be performing in the UAE in 2025, I was ready to pay any price to attend. It took me three days to get my hands on tickets. The chaos, excitement, happiness, and anxiety I experienced were unlike anything I’ve ever felt before,” said Bhatia, who has memorised lyrics to songs like ‘Fix You’, ‘The Scientist’, ‘Clocks’ and ‘Yellow’.

“Although this will be my second Coldplay concert the excitement in unreal.”

The event is also drawing fans from the region. Ali Mohammed will be flying in from Saudi Arabia to attend the January 14 show.

“I’ve been a Coldplay fan for as long as I can remember, and their music has been the soundtrack to many moments in my life. When I heard they were coming to Abu Dhabi, I didn’t hesitate for a second,” Mohammed said.

He grabbed concert tickets after waiting online for hours.

“Flying in from Dammam is no big deal – I’ll go to any length to experience their magic. Coldplay’s energy and passion on stage are indescribable. It’s more than just a concert. I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” said Mohammed.