The day is finally here – Coldplay’s first Abu Dhabi performance is happening tonight at 7:45 PM! And if your concerts are on Saturday, January 11, Sunday, January 12, or Tuesday, January 14, don’t worry, your time is coming soon too. It’s been quite a road to get here – from the announcement of their world tour to the surprise of an Abu Dhabi show, and then the even bigger shock of FOUR shows being announced. Let’s not forget the hundreds of thousands of people across the UAE and even abroad waiting for their turn in the queue! It truly was a battle to get these tickets, but congratulations if you’ve made it this far. And considering you’ve come this far, I bet you’ll want to know all the rules and guidelines for the Coldplay concert at Zayed Sports City Stadium to avoid getting turned away, right? Believe it or not, even something as simple as a power bank could land you in a pickle (yup, those aren’t allowed). So, come with me, and let’s go through the list of all the items banned at the Coldplay concert, and I’ll even share some last-minute tips to make sure your concert experience runs smoothly!
Also read: Everything You Need To Know About Coldplay In Abu Dhabi – Rules, Ticket Transfer, Parking & More
Items Strictly Banned Inside The Venue
Bringing any banned items can get you turned away, so double-check your bags before heading out. Here’s what you need to leave at home:
| Glass of any form | Including perfume and aftershave bottles |
| Steep & aluminium bottles, cans and flasks | Reusable water flasks are permitted into the venue – the contents must emptied prior to entry |
| Any item that may reasonably be considered for use as a weapon or to cause harm | Including – but not limited to – firearms, weapons, bayonets, daggers, switch blades, knives, explosive substances, explosive devices, detonator parts, batons, projectiles, boomerangs, CS gas and pepper spray, batons, radioactive and corrosive materials. |
| Computers, laptops, tablets, power banks, jammers, scanners, radios, pagers | |
| Fireworks (pyrotechnics and smoke canisters) | Including inflammable materials and firecrackers |
| Flags, banners and signs with or without poles | Political and ideoligical items, messages, clothing and signage included within restrictions |
| Professional cameras, filming and audio equipment | Including professional cameras with lenses over 35mm, including telephoto lenses |
| Lasers/laser pens | |
| Crash helmets | |
| Studded belts and bracelets | |
| Lighters and matches | |
| Unmanned aerial vehicles/drones | |
| Alcohol and illegal substances | |
| Large bags and items | Any bag/backpacks must be 30x30x15 or under, anything larger than an A4 sheet of paper will not be allowed inside |
| Loudspeakers | |
| Umbrellas | |
| Selfie sticks | |
| Canisters of any type | |
| Payment card machines | |
| Hi-visiblity clothing or imitation uniform | |
| Any other item that may cause alarm or disturbance | |
| Medication | Any medication brought into the venue must be approved by the events medical team and be in its correct and original packaging |
| Food and beverage | Including coolers |
| Bicycles, scooters, segways, skateboards | |
| Animals | Certified assistance animals permitted for accessibility customers on case by case basis. |
| Chairs | |
| Ambush marketing tools | |
| Horns, whistles, vuvuzela | |
| Strollers | |
| Stuffed toys |
Why Are Items Like Power Banks & More Banned?
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour puts a great emphasis on sustainability. To reduce the carbon footprint, items like power banks, laptops, and tablets are restricted. Other prohibitions aim to enhance everyone’s experience – large flags, laser pens, and selfie sticks can obstruct views or distract the audience. So, in order for everyone to have a safe and memorable experience, the Coldplay and venue team have authoritatively determined which items are banned for the concert.
Final Last-Minute Tips for Coldplay’s Abu Dhabi Concert
Here’s everything you need to know for a smooth and enjoyable concert experience:
Tickets
- Mobile Tickets Only: Download via the Ticketmaster app at least 72 hours before the concert and save them to your phone wallet. No printouts or email copies accepted.
- QR Code Ready: Ensure your unique ticket QR code is accessible for scanning.
- Ticket Transfers: If transferring tickets, use the Ticketmaster app to ensure validity. Avoid third-party sellers to steer clear of counterfeit tickets.
Concert Timeline
- Fanzones Open: 3:00 PM
- General Entry: 5:00 PM
- Opening Acts: Shone (6:00 PM) and Elyanna (6:30 PM)
- Coldplay Performance: 7:45 PM
- Last Entry: 8:30 PM
- Venue Closes: 12:00 AM
Getting There
- Park-and-Ride: Free shuttles from Expo City Dubai (departure at 12:50 PM) and multiple Abu Dhabi locations (starting 1:57 PM). First-come, first-served.
- Taxis/Private Transport: Drop-off at Wahat Al Karama, then take a 7-minute shuttle to the stadium.
Venue Rules
- Age Restrictions: No children under 5. Under-14s need an adult and can’t access the standing area.
- Cashless Event: Carry a card or mobile payment option.
- Bag Policy: Only A4-sized bags or smaller allowed.
- Re-Entry: No re-admission after exiting.
- Lost Items: Check Information Points in the fanzones.
Food, Drinks & Accessibility
- Hydration: Bring empty reusable bottles (up to 750ml, non-metal/glass) for free water stations.
- Food Options: Food stalls will be available with vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
- Accessibility: Raised viewing platforms, sensory packs, and accessible facilities provided. Contact customerservice@ticketmaster.ae for assistance.
Just follow these simple rules and last-minute tips, and you’ll be well on your way to having an Incredible Coldplay concert in Abu Dhabi. Have an amazing first show, everyone! And stay tuned to Gulf Buzz to be in the loop for all things COLDPLAY, until the very last performance!
