Coldplay in Abu Dhabi guide: how to get to the concert, set times and free buses from Dubai

British chart toppers start their four-night run of Abu Dhabi concerts on Thursday

Chris Martin and Will Champion of British band Coldplay, who are performing in Abu Dhabi on four nights. EPA

The 2025 UAE concert that everyone has been buzzing about is finally here, as Coldplay kick off their Music of the Spheres tour on Thursday in Abu Dhabi.

The four-night run of concerts at Zayed Sports City Stadium is the British band's only stop in the Middle East. A total of 160,000 fans are expected to attend the concerts, arriving from near and far.

With that many people heading to the venue, there are comprehensive plans in place to make the event run smoothly. If you are one of the lucky ones with tickets, here is everything you need to know, from how to get to the concert to what you can take with you.

How to get the 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 and no parking will be available there for the concert dates.

Instead, park-and-ride shuttle buses will be running. From Dubai, fans can leave their cars at Sustainability parking at Expo City and catch a free shuttle bus from 12.50pm. The last return bus to Expo City will leave 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 locations across Abu Dhabi, including Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha and Nation Towers. The first bus is scheduled to depart at 1.57pm. Concert goers can access buses using QR codes on their ticket. More details and maps of bus departure points are on the Live Nation website.

How to get to the concert by taxi

Coldplay fans arriving by taxi or private car can be dropped off at Zayed Sports City. Photo: Live Nation

Concert-goers arriving by taxi or private car can be dropped off at Zayed Sports City. While no parking will be available, designated pick-up and drop-off points will be signposted. There will also be a taxi pick-up point close to the stadium. This updates previous information that taxis would drop passengers off at a more remote location requiring shuttle bus transportation.

Ride-hailing company Careem has also unveiled offers for concert-goers. These include an eight-hour Concert Ride that allows fans to book a car for a flat rate of Dh650 for up to eight hours and covering up to 340km. This means fans can take a Careem from Dubai, enjoy the gig and have their Careem Captain waiting to take them home again. The company is also offering a 25 per cent discount on two trips between emirates, and on up to four trips across Abu Dhabi.

What time do gates open at Zayed Sports City Stadium?

Coldplay are performing to sell-out crowds in Abu Dhabi on January 9, 11, 12 and 14. Fanzones outside the stadium will be open from 3pm each day, and general entry into the venue is from 5pm. Tickets will detail which entrance to 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 do I 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, near entrance D. Fans need to bring valid photo ID, the confirmation number and the credit card used to buy the tickets. They can then enter the stadium any time after 5pm. The last collection for Infinity tickets is at 8.30pm.

Can I bring 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. The bottles must not be metal or glass. Concertgoers can also only bring in small bags – no larger than A4 size, and selfie sticks are among the prohibited items.

Gigs will be cashless, so fans need alternative methods of payment to buy anything.

Are there any age limits?

Yes, children under five are not permitted at the event for safety reasons. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult, defined as 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, unused and unspoilt food will be delivered to local charities, where possible. Fans are also encouraged to use the correct recycling bins.

Fans with sensory needs including autism, post-traumatic stress disorder can collect a sensory bag equipped with tools designed to make the concert more enjoyable. There will also be a sensory room where anyone who feels overwhelmed can retreat to during the concert.

I haven't received my Coldplay tickets – should I worry?

Tickets are sent to concert-goers 72 hours before the event they are attending. If they do not arrive, fans should contact Ticketmaster. Concert-goers should download and save the tickets to their mobile phones via Ticketmaster so they can be scanned for entry. No tickets are on sale at the venue as all the shows are all sold out.