Excitement Builds for Coldplay’s Abu Dhabi Concerts

Coldplay is set to light up the UAE capital this week, and the anticipation is palpable. With an estimated 160,000 fans expected to attend the concerts, this series of performances will mark the largest open-air concerts in the history of the United Arab Emirates. With a repertoire spanning over ten albums and a breathtaking show designed to engage all your senses, it’s no wonder that hundreds of thousands sought to grab tickets.

This article serves as your comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the shows—ranging from the anticipated setlist to transportation arrangements and beyond. Special transportation services have been organized for these sold-out events, so if you’re a regular visitor to Abu Dhabi, you’ll need to adjust your plans slightly to reach the Zayed Sports City Stadium.

Getting to the Coldplay Concerts in Abu Dhabi

For those traveling from Dubai, Coldplay ticket holders can utilize a complimentary park-and-ride shuttle service available on each of the four concert days. The shuttle will depart from Expo City Dubai starting at 12:50 PM, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you’re already in Abu Dhabi, additional shuttles will be available from Al Shahama, Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha, and Nation Towers, beginning at 1:57 PM. After each concert, return shuttles will transport attendees back to their departure locations. It’s important to note that the Dubai Metro will likely be closed by the time the shows conclude, so plan accordingly. If opting for a taxi, you’ll be dropped off at Wahat Al Karama, which is roughly a seven-minute shuttle ride to the stadium. Please be aware that parking will not be available at the stadium, so those driving should park at one of the designated shuttle bus stops either in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Coldplay Fanzone in Abu Dhabi

In anticipation of the concerts, a special fanzone will be set up outside Zayed Sports City Stadium for fans to gather and celebrate. The fanzone will open at 3 PM on each concert day, providing a vibrant atmosphere before the main event.

Concert Schedule: Doors and Performances

Doors will open for fans at 5 PM on each concert date. Make sure to arrive early, as the doors will close promptly at 8:30 PM, and you won’t want to miss a moment of the excitement.

The music will kick off with opening acts starting at 6 PM. French-Zimbabwean hip-hop artist Shone will take the stage for a 15-minute performance, followed by Palestinian-Chilean artist Elyanna, who will perform from 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM. Elyanna is particularly special as she has collaborated with Coldplay on a track from their latest album, promising an unforgettable experience.

Coldplay Takes the Stage

Coldplay’s main set is scheduled to begin at 7:45 PM, featuring an engaging video package before the band takes the stage. The band’s Music of the Spheres tour follows a unique four-act structure: Planets, Moons, Stars, and Home. Fans can expect a setlist similar to previous legs of the tour, including:

• Higher Power from Music of the Spheres
• Adventure of a Lifetime from A Head Full of Dreams
• Paradise from Mylo Xyloto
• The Scientist from A Rush of Blood to the Head
• Viva la Vida from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
• Hymn for the Weekend from A Head Full of Dreams
• God Put a Smile Upon Your Face from A Rush of Blood to the Head
• Yellow from Parachutes
• ALL MY LOVE from Moon Music
• Human Heart from Music of the Spheres
• People of the Pride from Music of the Spheres
• Clocks from A Rush of Blood to the Head
• Infinity Sign from Music of the Spheres
• Something Just Like This (cover of a song by The Chainsmokers)
• My Universe from Music of the Spheres
• A Sky Full of Stars from Ghost Stories
• Sparks from Parachutes
• The Jumbotron Song, featuring audience members on the big screen
• Fix You from X&Y
• GOOD FEELiNGS from Moon Music
• feelslikeimfallinginlove from Moon Music

Additionally, Coldplay will perform a special song with Elyanna called We Pray, as she has joined them on stage at previous events, including Glastonbury.

Moongoggles: A Unique Concert Experience

Attendees will have the opportunity to receive Coldplay moongoggles at the concert. These unique glasses, which resemble 3D glasses, will add a colorful filter of hearts to your view, enhancing the visual spectacle of the fireworks and light displays.

What to Bring and What Not to Bring

As you prepare for the concert, be sure to check the list of prohibited items. Attendees will not be allowed to bring:

• Glass items, including perfume and aftershave bottles
• Steel and aluminum bottles, cans, and flasks
• Any item that may be used as a weapon
• Computers, laptops, tablets, power banks, jammers, scanners, radios, and pagers
• Fireworks
• Flags, banners, and signs with or without poles
• Professional camera, filming, and audio equipment
• Lasers or laser pens
• Crash helmets
• Studded belts and bracelets
• Lighters and matches
• Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles
• Alcohol and illegal substances
• Large bags and items
• Loudspeakers
• Umbrellas
• Selfie sticks
• Canisters of any type
• Payment card machines
• High-visibility clothing or imitation uniforms
• Any other item that may cause alarm or disturbance
• Food and beverages
• Bicycles, scooters, segways, and skateboards
• Animals
• Chairs
• Ambush marketing tools
• Horns, whistles, or vuvuzelas
• Strollers
• Stuffed toys

If you need to carry medication, it must be pre-approved by the event’s medical team and kept in its original packaging. You can bring a reusable water flask, but it must be emptied before entry. Please note that bags larger than an A4 sheet of paper are not permitted.

Payment for Food and Drinks

To streamline service at the Coldplay concerts, all food and drink purchases will be cashless. Attendees should bring a credit or debit card or have mobile payment options ready. In line with community support, any unused food from the event will be donated to local charities. Free water stations will be available throughout the venue, and fans are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles (up to 750ml), as long as they are not made of metal or glass. The venue will offer various dietary options, including vegetarian and vegan choices.

Understanding the Seating Plan

The seating plan for the Coldplay concert will be divided into various sections throughout the stadium. The general standing area will be positioned on what is typically the home field of the UAE national football team. It’s crucial for ticket holders to be aware of their designated seating section and to enter through the correct turnstile to avoid missing any part of the show. For the safety of younger fans, age restrictions will be enforced: no one under the age of five will be allowed, under-14s will not be permitted in the standing area, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21.

Accessing Your Coldplay Tickets

If you’ve been patiently waiting for your Coldplay tickets and are concerned about not having a physical copy, there’s no need to worry. Tickets for the concerts in Abu Dhabi are entirely digital and will only be accessible through your Ticketmaster account 72 hours before the show. Physical printing or email delivery of tickets is not available, so ensure you have the Ticketmaster app ready on concert day. Each ticket will contain a unique QR code, and entry will only be permitted through the designated gate indicated on your ticket. To avoid any delays, it’s recommended to download and open your ticket ahead of time, as internet connectivity may be limited at the venue. Be cautious of unauthorized resellers to prevent counterfeit tickets, though you can transfer tickets to friends or family through the Ticketmaster app.

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