Exciting Announcement: Coldplay’s Upcoming Shows in Abu Dhabi

One of the world’s most renowned bands, Coldplay, has officially confirmed three enormous concerts in the United Arab Emirates, scheduled for January 2025. The iconic English band will take center stage at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, January 11, Sunday, January 12, and Tuesday, January 14, 2025. These highly-anticipated performances will take place at the national football stadium, which accommodates 45,000 fans, rather than the Etihad Arena, to cater to the overwhelming demand from their devoted fans across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

Tickets for these events have been selling out rapidly, with countless fans finding themselves in long online queues for a chance to witness this legendary band live.

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If you were fortunate enough to secure a ticket and plan on traveling from Dubai to attend the concert, it’s essential to allow extra time for your journey. The distance is slightly greater than your usual trips, and the roads are expected to be busier than normal.

For tourists visiting Dubai in January who have managed to snag a ticket for the show, we’re here to guide you on the best ways to reach Abu Dhabi for the Coldplay concert. Below, you’ll find helpful information on transportation options, parking at Zayed Sports City Stadium, and the most convenient bus routes connecting the two cities.

Travelling to Zayed Sports City Stadium for Coldplay

By Bus

There are three intercity RTA bus services available for those looking to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but the E100 and E101 routes are the most recommended for attending the Coldplay performances. The E100 departs from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, while the E101 leaves from Ibn Battuta Bus Station, with both services arriving at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. These bus stations are easily accessible via the Dubai Metro.

The E100 takes approximately two hours to reach its destination, with departures occurring every 20 to 25 minutes, while the E101 offers a faster journey of about one and a half hours, departing every 20 minutes. On weekends, the E100 service starts operating at 4:20 AM and runs until 11:20 PM, while the E101 runs from midnight to 11:00 PM. For the Tuesday show, the E100 will start at 4:20 AM and continue until 11:25 PM, while the E101 will operate between 4:30 AM and 12:30 AM. A one-way ticket costs just Dhs25, which will be deducted from your nol card upon tapping in.

Although shuttle buses are expected for the concerts, their confirmation is still pending. If shuttle services are unavailable or overly crowded, alternative buses will be provided to get you close to the stadium. Once you’ve arrived in Abu Dhabi, catch the 94 bus from Sultan Bin Zayed Street/Abu Dhabi Bus Station to Saif Ghobash Street/Zayed Sports Stadium. This leg of the trip takes about 30 minutes and costs only Dhs3, with departures roughly every five minutes.

By Taxi

If you’re a visitor or unfamiliar with taxi services in the UAE, you might not know about the most popular taxi-hailing apps available. Careem is widely used for booking rides, but there are several other convenient options to get you to the stadium. A ride via Hala Taxi should cost between Dhs220 and Dhs280, depending on traffic conditions.

By Car

As Coldplay brings their spectacular stadium tour to the UAE, it’s important to prepare for potentially heavy traffic on concert days. Allow extra time for your journey to ensure a smooth arrival. The travel time from Dubai to Zayed Sports City Stadium varies based on your starting point, but you can expect a trip lasting between one hour and ten minutes to one hour and forty minutes.

To reach the stadium, follow the E11 road, known as Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road in Abu Dhabi. Once you enter Abu Dhabi, keep an eye out for Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street for a couple of kilometers. Turn left onto Abdullah Bin Misfer Al Suwaidi Street when you see the signs for the National Archives, then take the second exit at the roundabout. Finally, make a right turn a few hundred meters later, and you’ll arrive at the stadium.

Where to Park at Zayed Sports City Stadium for Coldplay Show

For those driving to the concert, Zayed Sports City Stadium boasts more than 7,000 parking spots available on-site. However, spaces are expected to fill up quickly due to the high demand for these performances, so we recommend arriving early to secure a good parking spot.

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And get ready to have the time of your life!