Coldplay in Abu Dhabi: Ten tips for the best possible concert experience

Here are the lessons to learn from night one of Coldplay’s Zayed Sports City Stadium shows

Members of the Coldplay performing at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Coldplay's four-show run of sold-out concerts at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City Stadium began with an unforgettable experience in front of tens of thousands of fans – including several from The National.

After a great experience, and in addition to our handy guide, here are a few lessons we learnt on the ground during the band's first concert of 2025 that can be used on Saturday, Sunday or Tuesday.

1. Get there early (and maybe leave early too)

With tens of thousands of fans flocking to the stadium, aim to arrive at about 4:30pm, which will give you ample time to get situated and avoid the late rush.

2. Take the shuttles

Parking is difficult and traffic to and from the stadium is busy during peak times, so don’t take a car. Parking is limited near the stadium.

3. Be ready to walk

When you arrive, you will be relatively far from the actual entrance, so expect for it to take about 30 minutes to reach the venue – and anticipate that you’ll probably hit your 10,000 step count for the day. Wear comfortable shoes.

4. Don’t forget to get the light-up wristband and glasses

After you scan your tickets, you will be given a light-up wristband and glasses that will allow you to see hidden animations at certain parts of the show. Be sure to get both. Put your sustainable wristband on immediately and keep it on, but keep your glasses in a safe spot until the band instructs you to put it on during the show.

5. Elyanna comes out at 6:15pm, don’t miss it

Shone will probably begin playing at about 5:30pm and will put on a great show. Following that, Elyanna will perform an intricately-choreographed set starting at around 6:15pm. It will run for roughly 45 minutes. The Palestinian-Chilean singer has come into her own over the last year and her performance is a must-see.

6. Coldplay come out at 7:45pm, here’s where to stand

If your tickets have dedicated seats, this doesn’t apply to you. But if your ticket is general admission, then be sure to get there early to choose your spot.

While there are no bad locations in the stadium – the draw of a concert such as this is the energy of the massive crowd – the band will appear in the middle stage at a certain part of the show, so be there if you want to get close to Chris Martin and company and couldn’t make it to the front.

7. Bring a jacket, but bring as little as possible

January weather in Abu Dhabi gets chilly, especially at night, so bring a jacket or jumper, especially if you’re in the stands. If you’re general admission this will be less of a concern, as the crowded area generates a lot of body heat to offset the cold.

8. Look for exclusive merchandise in the fan zone

There are a good number of T-shirts, jumpers and other merchandise, with shirts starting at Dh170. Get there early and avoid sell outs and long queues.

The band is selling an exclusive T-shirt and tour poster just for Abu Dhabi, featuring the city’s skyline in a unique graphic. If you miss out on merchandise in the venue, they are also available online.

9. Try food

There are a number of food and beverage outlets both in the fan zone and inside the venue itself, including Costa Coffee and more. If you’re looking for a proper meal, try West to West Kitchen in the fan zone, with delicious West African and Caribbean food. The jerk chicken is recommended.

10. Wait out the rush to leave afterwards at nearby establishments

While the city has ensured that the emirate’s fleet of taxis will be focused on the concert each night, queues will be long.

Similarly, for those driving to Dubai or other emirates, traffic delays are likely. Nearby restaurants in walking distance, such as those at the Millennium Al Rawdah hotel, provide the opportunity to have a coffee while you wait for the crowds to pass.

The best way ensure you're home before midnight is to beat the rush to the taxi queue by leaving 30 minutes early – but of course this would mean missing some of Coldplay's set.