Everything You Need To Know About Coldplay In Abu Dhabi – Rules, Ticket Transfer, Parking & More

Keep your spirits high, everyone – Coldplay will touch down in Abu Dhabi in less than a week, and you’ll finally get to have your Sky Full of Stars moment! But before you get knee-deep in the fun of it all, the Coldplay team and Zayed Sports City Stadium have announced some important rules and guidelines that you need to be aware of prior to your concert. Nothing to worry about here – I promise I won’t let you scour the internet for this information alone. I’ve broken down all the essential details you need to know to ensure you have a smooth and incredible concert experience. So, if you want the answers to all your questions, keep reading to find out!

Getting Access To Your Tickets

Since these concerts are sold out, securing your tickets beforehand is crucial to getting into the venue:

• Download your mobile tickets via the Ticketmaster app 72 hours before the event and add it to the wallet on your phone.
• You will not be allowed to print physical copies of your tickets nor will you receive any email copies from Ticketmaster.
• Ensure your unique ticket QR code is ready to be scanned by ticket checkers – entry is only allowed through the gate specified on your ticket.
• If you bought a ticket from a trusted family or friend, you will be able to securely transfer tickets from their Ticketmaster app 72 hours before the event.
• Avoid unauthorised resellers. Counterfeit tickets will not be accepted, so stick to official sources (Ticketmaster).

The Concert Timeline

Coldplay will perform at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium on Thursday, January 9th, Saturday, January 11th, Sunday, January 12th, and Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 (I hope you would know these dates by now, though). Here’s your concert timeline for each night:

• Fanzones Open: 3:00 PM
• General Entry Begins: 5:00 PM
• Shone: 6:00 PM – 6:15 PM (French hip-hop sensation)
• Elyanna: 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM (Palestinian-Arab pop star)
• Coldplay: 7:45 PM (Do I even need words to describe them?)
• Last Entry Into The Venue: 8:30 PM
• Fanzones & Concert Venue Closes: 12:00 AM

Best Ways To Reach Zayed Sports City Stadium & Parking Rules

Forget about driving. Seriously, you’ll need to ditch your cars at home because there will be zero parking available at the stadium or anywhere nearby. But don’t worry, you won’t have to hitchhike. Free park-and-ride shuttle services will be available from Dubai to the stadium and Abu Dhabi to the stadium:

• From Dubai: Buses depart Expo City Dubai starting at 12:50 PM. (Journey takes 1.5 hours).
• From Abu Dhabi: Shuttle buses leave Al Shahama, Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha, and Nation Towers at 1:57 PM. (Journey takes between 15-30 minutes).
• Taxi: Utilise taxi apps like Careem, Uber, Zed, Bolt, Yango, Abu Dhabi Taxi, ITC Driver and others (prices will vary across apps).
• Private Transportation companies: If you are not interested in taking a public shuttle bus to the stadium, private transportation companies such as limos, party buses, private cars and vehicles are available for hire from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back.

Seats on buses from Expo City Dubai and Al Shahama are first-come, first-served, so book early via Ticketmaster. Return shuttles will operate right after the concert. Full bus schedules will be posted at www.livenation.me/coldplay. And for those taking taxis or using private transportation companies, you will have to be dropped off at Wahat Al Karama. From there you can get a free shuttle bus to the stadium which is just 7 minutes away.

Important Rules & Guidelines To Follow Inside The Venue

To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, keep these rules in mind:

• Age Restrictions:
  • No entry for children under 5 years old.
  • Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult (21+) and are not allowed in the pitch standing area.
• Cashless Event: All food, drinks, and merchandise purchases are cashless, so carry a working debit/credit card or use mobile payment options.
• Bag Policy: Bags sized A4 (30x30x15) or smaller will only be allowed inside.
• Lost Property: Lost something? Head to the Information Points in the fanzone to check for your items.
• Feeling Ill or Unwell: Your safety comes first! If you’re feeling under the weather, visit the medics at the First Aid points. These are located throughout the venue and are signposted with a red crescent.
• Entry: No re-admission will be allowed if you exit the venue

Items Strictly Prohibited To Take Inside The Venue

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 backpacks must be 30x30x15 or under
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

What About Food And Drinks & How To Pay?

Don’t forget personal food and drinks are strictly prohibited at the venue. However, you are allowed to bring empty reusable water bottles (up to 750ml, non-metal/glass) and utilise the venue’s free water hydration stations! And don’t worry, no one is letting you go hungry either. The venue will offer a range of delicious options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes – making sure there’s something for everyone!

Accessibility At The Venue

Coldplay’s team has gone the extra mile to ensure everyone can enjoy the show:

• Accessible Facilities: Apply in advance by emailing customerservice@ticketmaster.ae.
• Wheelchair Access: Raised viewing platforms are available on the pitch in front of seating block 4.
• Hearing Support: A designated D/Deaf Interpreter Area is located on the pitch.
• Sensory Packs: Provided by KultureCity at Entrance F before the show for guests with sensory needs.
• Accessible Toilets: Available throughout the venue for your convenience.

Let’s Make It A Night To Remember

Now that you’ve got all the details, the only thing left to do is plan your outfit, charge your phone, and get ready for a night to remember. See you at the concert! And stay tuned to Gulf Buzz, as we’ll keep you in the loop of all the latest updates.