It seems like everyone in the UAE has been swept up in a wave of excitement over Coldplay in the past week, and we at Time Out Dubai are no exception. The iconic band has sold out four concert dates in January at the impressive Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans who are eager to witness these monumental performances. As we eagerly await the release of Coldplay’s highly anticipated 10th studio album, Moon Music, scheduled for Friday, October 4, lead singer Chris Martin has made a notable announcement regarding the band’s future.
In a revealing interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Martin confirmed that Coldplay plans to gradually wind down their activities following the release of their 12th album. For those fortunate enough to secure tickets for the January shows in Abu Dhabi, this may be one of the last opportunities to see this legendary band perform live in the UAE.
The upcoming concerts in Abu Dhabi are part of Coldplay’s extensive global tour, Music Of The Spheres, which celebrates their 9th studio album. Interestingly, Coldplay previously graced Dubai with a completely free concert at the Al Wasl Dome during the same tour back in 2022, a moment that fans still cherish.
Why Coldplay Played a Free Show in Dubai in 2022
The Al Wasl Dome, a stunning architectural marvel at the heart of the Expo City site, was specifically constructed for the Expo 2020 event and has a capacity of up to 10,000 attendees. Following the Expo, the venue was transformed into the city’s most significant space for mega-events, including major gatherings like COP28, UNTOLD Dubai, and Ramadan iftars.
The unique theatre-in-the-round design of the Al Wasl Dome allowed the audience to completely surround the stage, creating an intimate atmosphere for concertgoers. Just after the conclusion of the COVID-delayed Expo world’s fair, this remarkable venue played host to one of the world’s biggest bands on February 15, 2022.
Coldplay has implemented a commendable policy of reducing carbon emissions by half for their Music Of The Spheres tour, achieving an impressive 59 percent decrease in emissions compared to their previous stadium tours in 2016 and 2017. Coincidentally, Dubai is also on a mission to cut emissions, with Expo City’s theme focusing on sustainability. The city has declared both 2023 and 2024 as “Years of Sustainability,” ramping up efforts to make Dubai a greener place.
The synergy between Coldplay and Dubai is evident, especially since the band loves incorporating visually stunning elements and captivating lights into their performances. The Al Wasl Dome, featuring the world’s largest interactive immersive dome, was the perfect venue for such a spectacular show.
The concert was entirely free for Expo visitors and was live-streamed around the globe, showcasing the band’s electrifying performance. This event was part of the venue’s Infinite Nights series, which also featured free concerts by artists like Alicia Keys and prominent Arabic music stars.
If you’re among the many who missed out on tickets for the Abu Dhabi shows, there’s still a chance for cheaper Infinity tickets to go on sale in November. However, availability is not guaranteed, so it’s wise to keep an eye out. Alternatively, consider planning your next vacation around Coldplay’s world tour, as they have plenty of upcoming dates in popular destinations accessible from Dubai.
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