Coldplay in Abu Dhabi 2025 concert guide: How to get there, set times and free buses from Dubai

British chart toppers will take to the stage at 7.45pm and free shuttle buses are available from Dubai and across the capital

Chris Martin and Will Champion of British band Coldplay, which will perform in Abu Dhabi on four nights. EPA

The 2025 UAE concert that everyone has been buzzing about is around the corner as Coldplay kicks off their Music of the Spheres tour on Thursday in Abu Dhabi.

As the only stop in the Middle East for the British band, the four-night run of concerts at Zayed Sports City Stadium will see fans fly in from near and far with up to 160,000 people attending the concerts.

With that many people heading to the venue, there's a lot of logistical plans being put in place to help the event run smoothly. If you're one of the lucky ones with tickets, here's everything you need to know ahead of the shows, from how to get there to what you can take with you.

Free shuttle buses from Dubai and Abu Dhabi

In line with Coldplay's commitment to reducing carbon emissions, fans are being asked not to drive to the venue. To encourage this, no parking will be available at the venue for any of the concert dates.

Instead, park and ride shuttle buses will be in operation. From Dubai, fans can park at Sustainability parking at Expo City and catch a free shuttle bus from 12.50pm. The last return bus to Expo City will depart the stadium at 1am. There will be a similar service from Shahama. Seats on both of these services are limited and must be pre-booked via Ticketmaster. Only fans with valid Coldplay tickets will be able to board the bus. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis and concert goers are advised to arrive early.

Buses will also depart from several locations across Abu Dhabi, including Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha and Nation Towers. The first of these buses is scheduled to depart at 1.57pm. Concert goers can access buses using QR codes on their ticket. More details and maps of departure points for buses are available on the Live Nation website.

Getting to the gig by taxi

For fans travelling by taxi, there's a dedicated taxi pickup and drop-off area being set-up at Wahat Al Karama, about a 10-minute drive from the venue. From here, complimentary shuttle buses will operate to and from the stadium.

What time do gates open at Zayed Sports City Stadium?

Coldplay will perform in Abu Dhabi on January 9, 11, 12 and 14 and each event is sold out.

Fanzones outside the stadium will be open from 3pm each day, and general entry into the venue will be from 5pm. Tickets will detail which entrance fans should use. Support acts will be onstage from 6pm starting with Shone and followed by Elyanna at 6.30pm.

Coldplay will take to the stage at 7.45pm for their performance, which is likely to include hits Paradise, Viva la Vida, Yellow and Fix You. Last entry to the venue is strictly 8.30pm and the fanzone will close at midnight.

Where to collect Infinity tickets?

Those who purchased discounted Infinity tickets will be able to collect them at the venue's box office. Tickets can only be picked up in person on the night of the show – not in advance – at Box Office B, located near entrance D. Fans will need to bring valid photo ID, the confirmation number and the credit card used to purchase the tickets. Fans can then enter the stadium any time after 5pm and the last collection for Infinity tickets is at 8.30pm.

Can I bring my own drinks and snacks into the concert?

No, only food and drinks on sale at the venue will be allowed inside the stadium. There will be a variety of food available, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Empty water bottles up to 750ml are encouraged, and can be brought into the venue where free water stations will be in place. These cannot be metal or glass. Concertgoers can also only bring small bags – no larger than an A4 size inside, and selfie-sticks are among the list of prohibited items.

Gigs will be fully cashless, so fans should have alternative methods of payment if they want to purchase anything.

Are there any age limits for the concert?

Yes, children under five are not permitted at the event for safety reasons. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, considered anyone aged 21 or over, and are not allowed in the standing area of the concert.

Anything else fans should know?

In keeping with Coldplay's sustainability ethos, all unused and unspoilt food will be delivered to local charities, where possible. Fans are also encouraged to ensure they use the correct recycling bins for trash where available.

Fans with sensory needs such as autism, post-traumatic stress disorder and others can collect a sensory bag equipped with tools designed to make the concert more enjoyable. There will also be a sensory room at the concert where anyone who feels overwhelmed can retreat to during the gig. The location of this room in Abu Dhabi will be available on KultureCity's Instagram page nearer to the date.

I've not received my Coldplay tickets – should I worry?

Attendees will receive their tickets 72 hours before the event they are attending so concert goers heading to the show on Thursday can expect their tickets to be available from 8pm on Monday. Those attending later gigs will receive their tickets 72 hours ahead of the event date.

Fans should download and save the tickets to their mobile phones via Ticketmaster. These tickets, which can be scanned, are for entry to the show. No tickets are available for purchase at the venue as the shows are all sold out.