Organisers of an Eminem concert on Friday night have responded to complaints about delays, saying the show began late to "ensure the health and safety" of ticket-holders.
Fans of the US rapper took to social media to tell of "bad organisation" after it reportedly took people up to two hours to gain access to the Du Arena.
"Some Eminem fans experienced a delayed entrance to this evening’s concert at Du Arena, which was to ensure the health and safety of fans entering the venue," Flash Entertainment said in a statement, thanking concert-goers for their patience and co-operation.
Some fans said they were disappointed after spending so much money on tickets, only to miss part of the show due to delayed entry. Others said they were denied entry entirely.
"We could not get in. Spent Dh900 for a concert and it was the most disorganised venue I have ever seen. Never again," a resident said on Facebook group Abu Dhabi Q&A. Standard tickets began at Dh395 and tens of thousands of people attended the concert.
Some fans tweeted to say the entrances were badly marshalled and that they saw people climbing over the railings to enter the venue.
Flash said delays were caused by people without tickets who had joined queues in an attempt to gain access to the show.
It said security immediately dealt with people who tried to jump the fences.
"Entry was longer than usual due to security checks at both fan entrances and to ensure slow entry of fans into the arena.
"Eminem delayed his performance so that fans with tickets could get inside the venue. We hope you were still able to enjoy the concert," Flash said on Twitter.
Regardless of the delays, most fans walked away from the concert having enjoyed the performance.
