A show to remember: Coldplay light up Abu Dhabi on New Year’s Eve – in pictures

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  Bells sounded around the arena at 10.15pm, as the group ran on to kick off the show with A Head Full of Dreams, the title track on the band’s latest album. Navin Khianey for The National

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  Yellow remains the band’s calling card after being released 15 years ago and a fine showcase for Martin’s crystalline falsetto. Navin Khianey for The National

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  Coldplay paid tribute to the late George Michael — who passed away on Christmas Day — with a sprightly cover of his 1987 hit Faith. Navin Khianey for The National

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  While the 2011 New Year’s celebration declaration from the band was a major let down, due to not getting the timing right, the band were not taking any chances. The countdown began from thirty seconds and ended with another cracking display of fireworks. Navin Khianey for The National

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  Coldplay took the show home with an endorphin releasing encore of A Sky Full of Stars and Up and Up. Navin Khianey for The National

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  By the time the EDM stylings of Every Tear Drop is a Waterfall arrived, the crowd were dancing along. Navin Khianey for The National

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  They left the stage with the Du Arena crowd showered in confetti and playing with giant balloons like happy children. Navin Khianey for The National

Back in the capital five years after their New Year’s Eve show on the Corniche, the Chris Martin led four-piece provided a fun and colourful end to 2016 at the du Arena.