If you’re a die-hard Coldplay fan (or just looking for a great time), the band’s Music of the Spheres World Tour is bringing them back to Abu Dhabi! Here’s everything you need to know to plan the ultimate trip to see Coldplay in Zayed Sports City in January. With their hits like Paradise, Clocks, and Fix You, it’s sure to be A Sky Full of Stars. Let’s dive into the details!
When is Coldplay performing?
Coldplay is set to perform four dates at Zayed Sports City Stadium on 9, 11, 12, and 14 January 2025.
Elyanna, the Palestinian-Chilean sensation, will open all of the shows, continuing the synergy between her and the band after their Arabesque performance at Glastonbury. Together, they will release We Pray in Arabic with artists Tini, Little Simz, and Burna Boy. This is not the first time Coldplay will collaborate with Palestinian artists, having worked with Le Trio Joubran in 2021 to release Everyday Life.
Coldplay tickets: 101
How to book?
You want the good news or the bad news? If you haven’t already bought tickets through Live Nation Middle East’s website or through the Ticketmaster app then you’re pretty much out of luck as these concerts have now legendary status for how quickly they sold out. A word of caution – If you’re caught Yellow-handed with an unauthorised reseller’s ticket, you won’t be allowed in. For those with tickets remember that tickets are mobile-only so be sure to have your phone charged and your account ready.
Missed out and need a Plan B? Keep scrolling for a few suggestions
Are there any limitations on tickets?
Yes. There are age limits which include:
- No under 5s are permitted at the event at all. So book that babysitter in advance.
- 14 and under cannot be in the standing area
- 16s and under must be accompanied by a 21+ adult
How much were tickets?
Tickets started at AED 195 with Delux packages going for almost 10 times the amount.
- Deluxe: AED1,495 / SAR1,526
- Premium: AED995 / SAR1,016
- Ruby: AED695 / SAR709
- Gold: AED595 / SAR607
- Silver: AED495 / SAR505
- General Admission Standing: AED395 / SAR403
- Bronze: AED295 /SAR301
- Standard: AED195 / SAR199
Can you resell your tickets?
No. Coldplay tickets are non-transferable, and buying from unauthorised platforms like Viagogo or Dubizzle will render your tickets invalid.
Almost within minutes of the initial sale, tickets scalpers were listing tickets online for many times their face value. This is extremely high-risk and a completely unauthorised approach.
What is the Coldplay Enhanced Experience?
Nosy about what the VIP’s will be getting? These special Enhanced Experience packages?bundles offer more than just a seat—they give you exclusive perks that will make you feel like a true VIP. Coldplay enhanced experience prices start from AED 1,390, and include:
- Floris Early Entry Experience (AED 1,380) – Includes General Admission Standing ticket (14+) with early entry. Plus a Coldplay gift item and wristband.
- Supersolis Experience (AED 1,468) – Includes a Category 2 ticket, Coldplay gift and wristband.
- Kubik Experience (AED 2,282) – Includes a Coldplay-themed gift, wristband, and Category 1 ticket.
- Kaotica Lounge Experience (AED 3,250) – Includes early entry, Coldplay-themed merchandise and photo opportunities. Plus, access to the Kaotica Lounge for complimentary food and beverages.
- Ultimate Spheres Experience (AED 3,980) – Includes a behind-the-scenes tour, photo opportunity on stage, Coldplay merchandise, and early entry.
Coldplay Abu Dhabi capacity
Zayed Sports City Stadium can hold up to 44,600 fans. With four nights planned, Coldplay is gearing up to play for nearly 160,000 fans in Abu Dhabi alone. This will be the biggest show the UAE has ever seen from a single artist. Adventure of a Lifetime? Definitely.
Seating plan – know where you’re sitting
How to get to and from Zayed Sports City?
- Uber and Careem are great choices for quick drop off. A taxi from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) costs about AED 55-70.
- Shuttle Buses might be arranged, though details aren’t confirmed yet.
- Bus 161 is an option for public transport users.
- From Dubai – a 60 – 90-minute taxi ride will bring you straight to the venue for around AED 250 – AED 300.
- From India – hoteliers have already noticed a surge of interest from Coldplay fans from India who missed out on grabbing tickets to their local concerts.
- Self-drive – stadium car parks are notoriously stressful during concerts and you don’t want to be caught missing out on the opening tracks as you sit bumper to bumper. Try and avoid if possible or at least go as early as possible to avoid the last minute jams.
- Keep in mind that traffic around the venue is likely to be more than normal, so plan ahead and leave plenty of time.
Getting around Abu Dhabi
Taxis are readily available while ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber offer convenient options. Abu Dhabi’s public bus system is also reliable, but for concert day, remember that everything around Zayed Sports City Stadium will be busy.
Is alcohol available at the concert?
As far as we’re aware there is no alcohol available inside the stadium. However the closest bar on site is Sportsmans Arms. There may potentially be licensed bars in fan zones at the concert, but that is to be confirmed, so watch this space for updates.
Other nearby bar options include:
Victors Bar at the Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel
Relax@12 – at Aloft
The Warehouse Wine & Tapas Bar
Cooper’s Bar and Restaurant, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
18 Degrees Bar at Andaz Capital Gate
Rayana Latin Tapas Bar at Andaz Capital Gate
Thirty 1st Bar & Lounge at Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, an IHG Hotel
C.Mondo at Centro Capital Centre
Didn’t get tickets? Here’s an Abu Dhabi Plan B
Coldplay tickets in Abu Dhabi are hot property, and not everyone may get their hands on them. But don’t worry, if you find yourself without a ticket, there are plenty of options that will still let you soak in the Coldplay fever. Abu Dhabi will be buzzing with Coldplay energy, so you can still be part of the magic!
- Join a listening party
Many bars and restaurants across the city are likely to host Coldplay listening parties on the night of the concert. Places like Yas Marina and The Corniche often have live events coinciding with big concerts, so expect some serious Coldplay vibes even if you’re not inside the stadium. Think drinks, screens, and, of course, the ultimate singalong!
- Vibe in the car park
If you’re feeling adventurous (and thrifty), gather some friends and head over to Zayed Sports City Stadium’s car park. You won’t get the views, but you’ll definitely hear the music pumping through the night. Bring a picnic, set up some chairs, and enjoy a little DIY Paradise, tailgate-style.
- It’s not what you know…
Coldplay concerts have major Sponsors, so why not Google the sponsors and see if they’re offering any exclusive access? Or check your LinkedIN, didn’t you work with Sami seven years ago?- I heard they knows someone who is dating someone who can get tickets. Jokes aside – Sponsors often host special events, ticket giveaways, or pop-up experiences throughout Abu Dhabi leading up to the show. It’s worth checking social media for any last-minute surprises. Plus tune in to local radio stations who are bound to be doing some ticket giveaways
- Go undercover
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Why not look into temporary event jobs like becoming a security guard or usher? It wouldn’t be the first time passionate fans took the job to get inside the venue. Remember the security guard who went viral at Taylor Swift’s concert? You will have to work, but you’ll also have a cool story to tell.
Flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Zayed International Airport (AUH) is serviced by major airlines from around the world. Direct flights from Europe, Asia, and other parts of the GCC are frequent. Booking flights as early as possible can help reduce the fare.
Where to stay?
Abu Dhabi offers plenty of accommodation options. For convenience, some of the options closest to the Stadium include:
The Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel
Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan
Aloft Abu Dhabi
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Abu Dhabi
Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
Centro Capital Centre
Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre Hotel
Pearl Rotana Capital Centre
Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana
Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, an IHG Hotel
Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi by Hyatt
Abu Dhabi dos: What to do while you’re here
If you’re in town for the concert, you’ll want to make the most of your stay. Luckily, Abu Dhabi has a lot more to offer than just the Coldplay concert. Some of the most popular include:
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A marvel of architecture and culture.
- Yas Island: Visit Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, or Yas Marina Circuit.
- Corniche Beach: Relax and enjoy Abu Dhabi’s beautiful coastline.
- Emirates Palace: Grab a coffee and snap some photos at this iconic hotel.
Check out more options in our five Abu Dhabi must-dos while you’re in the capital.
Regional tourism: collaborating for growth
This Coldplay concert highlights the GCC’s focus on a collaborative yet competitive approach to tourism. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other Middle Eastern hubs are investing in mega-events like this to attract global travellers, proving that competition doesn’t mean rivalry. It’s about growing the regional appeal together. With more artists like Coldplay stopping by, the GCC’s tourism future looks bright.
Looking back – Coldplay in the UAE: A timeline
This isn’t the first time Coldplay has come to the UAE. Here’s a look back at their previous performances.
- Emirates Palace, 2009, for around 20,000 fans as the sky poured rain, lightning and thunder.
- New Year’s Eve, 2011, at the purpose-built ‘Volvo Ocean Race Destination Village at the Corniche.
- New Year’s Eve, 2016, for over 25,000 fans in Abu Dhabi, it was their first large-scale technological production, including interactive wristbands for fans.
- Al Wasl Dome, 2022, at the Expo 2020 Dubai, performing a one-of-a-kind show that combined sustainability with safety measures due to the pandemic.
Magic (Official Video) all 5 min 12 seconds of it
So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to Coldplay’s 2025 Abu Dhabi concert. Whether you’re flying in, staying local, or hoping for a last-minute miracle, be prepared for an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling a Higher Power.
