Fireworks, screaming fans: How Coldplay wowed Abu Dhabi in first sold-out show

Thousands of people were left mesmerised under a a sky full of stars on January 9, 2025, as they watched one of their favourite bands perform live on stage.

This time, Coldplay returned to the UAE to perform for the first time since their unforgettable show at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Khaleej Times brought to its readers live updates from the event, covering everything from last-minute changes and entry guidelines to electrifying fan moments and Coldplay’s much-anticipated setlist.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Here's a play-by-play account of what went down at Zayed Sports City stadium:

---

10.35pm: Tonight, in photos

As attendees exit the stadium, let's relive some of the most iconic moments tonight through pictures.

From the first few fans rushing into the stadium to confetti raining across the arena, take a look at these highlights:

---

10.15pm: Coldplay exits stage, stunning fireworks

The Brit rock band concludes the night with a breathtaking fireworks display, embodying their legacy: Believe in love.

The crowd falls silent, soaking in the moment that defines decades of musical legacy.

---

10pm: Planets glow in stadium

Huge 'planets' are now suspended across the stadium, lighting up different areas as they glow from within.

---

9.52pm: Infectious energy in fan interactions

As if the band's vast discography wasn't enough, Chris Martin is now interacting with fans and making up hilarious lyrics as he talks to them.

From helping a couple reveal their child's gender (spoiler alert: it's a girl!) to joking around with a woman wearing pink, Martin's energy is infectious and leaving people in splits.

Watch, as Chris Martin sings a hilariously modified version of his hit Yellow:

---

9.41pm: Fireworks light up sky

Fireworks lit up the sky and confetti rained as the popular song was being performed, watch a clip of the spectacular fireworks, below:

---

9.30pm: The sky is full of stars

Coldplay begins performing Sky Full of Stars to a roaring crowd. However, they suddenly stop midway, teasing fans that they have been told they are "past curfew".

They quickly begin again, urging fans to put away their phones and wave their hands instead. "No recording, put your phone in your pocket and your hands in the sky", Chris Martin said.

---

9.25pm: A night that's something just like this

As events took an exciting turn, Coldplay came to the stage, donning 'alien' masks.

They immediately began performing Something Just Like This, one of their most popular songs produced in collaboration with The Chainsmokers – an American electronic duo.

---

9.21pm: Middle East meets West

Elyanna steps back on stage with Coldplay, as We Pray begins. The crowd sways, totally hooked on this Middle East-meets-West moment.

---

9.15pm: Arena lights up in green

Coldplay performs another one of their greatest hits, Clocks. The stadium, which is now dark, turns green with lasers and wristbands lighting up.

---

9.05pm: First segment ends

As the first segment comes to a close, the crowd's spirits continue to be high.

The LED wristbands are lighting up in a way to create hearts all around the stadium, here's a look:

---

9.02pm: Not just a singer

Chris Martin plays the piano once again on stage as he sings All the Love.

---

9pm: 'And it was all yellow'

An ethereal wave of yellow light sweeps the stadium, uniting fans in a moment of pure joy, as Coldplay performs one of their biggest hits Yellow.

---

8.53pm: Unseen photos

Fear you're missing out? Don't worry, here's an inside look at what it's like while Chris Martin sets the stage on fire!

---

8.45pm: Dream comes true for fan who travelled '10,000km'

As Chris Martin read out signs in the stadium, one stood out to him – 'I've travelled 10,000km'. In a dream come true for the fan, Chris Martin then calls her on stage and asks her where she flew in from. "Pakistan," she answers.

Martin also asks the fan what song she would like to hear, and she answers 'Everglow'. In a heartfelt moment, he dedicates the song to those in West Bank, Gaza, Iran and Pakistan.

---

8.40pm: Stage on fire!

The band set fire to the stage, as they performed Hymn for the Weekend. The said fire, however, was also being emitted from the stage itself in an iconic visual treat for fans.

Watch the video, below:

---

8.35pm: Chris Martin speaks Arabic

Coldplay is well known for their high-quality shows but they're stepping it up for their UAE fans with a conversation in Arabic. "Assalamu alaikum, wa masa al khair. Shukran jazeelan," the Brit said, which translates to 'Hello, and good evening. Thank you'.

He added that they are happy to be here in Abu Dhabi, in Arabic, as well.

We hear the accent isn't very good, but we love to see the effort!

---

8.30pm: Unforgettable experience

Coldplay delivers an unforgettable sensory experience, with their spectacular sound quality. The vocals are top-notch, with Chris Martin’s voice resonating powerfully, every lyric crisp and clear. The high-definition audio setup has ensured not a single note is missed.

The visual spectacle is equally impressive, featuring dynamic LED displays that lit up the stage and audience in perfect harmony, as the giant balloons added a playful touch!

Watch Martin perform The Scientist:

---

8.24pm: 'Shukran, habibi'

Performing in the UAE capital, the lead singer of Coldplay, Chris Martin, thanked his fans in a unique yet traditional fashion.

"Shukran, habibi", the star said as fans cheered excitedly.

---

8.15pm: Sky full of balloons

The spectacular night is off to a great start, with Coldplay taking to the stage and performing their hit 'Alive Again'.

Just post their first song, hundreds of balloons were released into the sky, creating a magical moment for fans at the venue.

---

8.10pm: Coldplay is here!

At exactly 8.10pm, the stadium erupted into cheers as Coldplay took the stage, their silhouettes illuminated by vibrant, pulsating lights.

The synchronised wristbands took over the crowd and turned it into a kaleidoscope of colours, creating a breathtaking sea of light. Watch the video, below:

The energy is contagious, with everyone on their feet, clapping and swaying to the rhythm.

---

8.07pm: Sustainability at forefront

A brief video was screened to remind attendees of the fact that sustainability is one of the core messages of the concert, and how their ticket purchase contributes to much more than just this experience.

Watch the video of the reminder, below:

---

8.05pm: New look?

Attendees on X have been posting pictures from the Abu Dhabi concert as the band is set to make an appearance soon. Take a look at this cool visual from inside the stadium as LED screens light up for cheering fans.

---

8pm: Adventure of a lifetime?

While the exact setlist for the Abu Dhabi performances has not been officially released, here's what you can expect based on recent shows from Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour:

---

7.55pm: Seats full as stadium packed

If you thought that it couldn't get any more busy at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, you're wrong.

Check out these pictures showing an absolutely packed stadium ahead of the Coldplay's arrival on stage.

---

7.41pm: Counting down!

With many counting down to Coldplay's first appearance on stage, fans that are outside the venue begin rushing in.

Panic seems to be setting in for some who can't wait for the band's epic entry, tonight.

---

7.32pm: It's almost time!

Excitement continues to build in the stadium, as Coldplay is set to enter soon. The arena is now packed and pumped for the main event of the night.

Take a look at the crowds as they gather towards the front:

---

7.25pm: Fans still enter

Some fans are still arriving at the stadium, as shuttle buses continue to ferry concertgoers to the site.

Watch as many walk into the stadium, after a long commute:

---

7.17pm: 'Shukran, Coldplay'

"Shukran, Coldplay. Thank you guys for your energy," says Elyanna as she sings the last song for the night.

A day ago, in a post that garnered over 40,000 likes, Elyanna said she "still couldn't believe" she was opening for the band's Music of the Spheres tour. Take a look at her post here:

The singer has been making headlines since last year thanks to her collaboration with the British band for their hit number 'We pray'. Read all about her rise to fame here.

---

7.15pm: Can't wait? Neither can we!

The atmosphere inside Zayed Sports City Stadium is nothing short of magical. The stage setup is a visual treat, with massive LED screens and props hinting at the spectacle to come with Coldplay.

The crowd is filling up fast, with excitement building by the minute.

Stay tuned as we bring you more of the latest updates from inside the venue.

---

7.02pm: Bollywood in Arabic?

Bollywood enthusiasts were in for a treat when Chilean-Palestinian singer Elyanna belted out a popular Hindi song from the film Bajirao Mastani.

Singing the song in Arabic, Elyanna stunned fans as she performed Deewani Mastani which features Bollywood star Deepika Padukone.

Watch Elyanna's one-of-a-kind performance below:

---

6.55pm: Fans fuel up

Food trucks outside are buzzing with activity as hungry fans line up for dinner before the main event. Many are taking the opportunity to grab a bite after the long wait outside the venue.

From burgers to pizzas and manakish, there's ample to pick from, including vegan and vegetarian dishes.

---

6.47pm: Elyanna mesmerises crowd with stunning performance

The Palestinian artist seems to leave no stone unturned when it comes to performing on stage. From spectacular dance performances to brilliant vocals, fans are nothing short of mesmerised as she performs on stage.

Don't take our word for it: watch her give it her all in the video below!

---

6.40pm: Distance does not matter to these fans

After tickets were sold out to all four shows in the UAE, it became apparent that several fans who snapped them up were, in fact, based abroad. One such fan, Oman-based Lait (who declined to be photographed), drove to Dubai just for the concert and intends to return there after the show. "It was a 4-hour long, pleasant drive to Dubai. That's where we are staying for the night."

KT also found a couple of Korean fans, who have been looking for a chance to catch the popular band live on stage for a while now. "We wanted to see them in Korea but didn't get a chance to, so we're only too glad it's finally happening in Abu Dhabi," says Nada (left). She is visiting with her friend Hanin, who flew in from Egypt for the concert.

---

6.30pm: Crowd roars with Elyanna's performance

The evening’s energy soared with the second performance by Chilean-Palestinian singer Elyanna. Her soulful voice and captivating stage presence has the crowd swaying and singing along.

Fusing Middle Eastern and Latin influences, the performance has added a unique middle eastern vibe to the night, setting the perfect tone for Coldplay’s grand entrance in Abu Dhabi.

• Coldplay in Abu Dhabi: Your complete guide to setlists, entry rules and last-minute updates