Additional shows announced as ticket demand skyrockets, turning the event into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans across the world.
The buzz surrounding Coldplay’s upcoming concerts in Abu Dhabi has been electric, capturing the attention of fans across the UAE and beyond. Initially set for a one-night performance on January 11, 2025, in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, the overwhelming demand saw the event’s organisers quickly announce three additional shows, turning Coldplay’s visit into a four-night extravaganza.
For fans in India, where securing tickets for the band’s concerts has been an uphill battle, this development offers a glimmer of hope. Due to high ticket prices and overwhelming demand in India, many fans have opted to fly to the UAE for the concert, making it not just an opportunity to see Coldplay live but also a chance to embark on a vacation.
Indian Fans Flock to the UAE
One such fan is Arjun Laksh, a 35-year-old IT professional from Bangalore, who had originally planned a trip to the UAE in December. His plans quickly changed after hearing the news about Coldplay’s additional concerts in January. “I have postponed my trip to January because of the concert. I’ve been a Coldplay fan for over a decade, but I’ve never had the chance to see them live,” he said, beaming with excitement. Arjun has already secured two tickets and hopes to purchase more for friends.
Like Arjun, many other fans from India have found solace in the Abu Dhabi concerts after failing to secure tickets for the India shows, where resale prices have surged to astronomical levels. Siddharth Kamath from Bangalore, another devoted Coldplay fan, spent hours online trying to secure tickets. “My wife and I logged in on two devices, and we also asked our friends to try for us. After two hours, my wife finally got the tickets, and it felt surreal,” he recalled.
Despite their initial disappointment at missing out on tickets in India, Siddharth and his wife are thrilled to attend their first Coldplay concert in Abu Dhabi on January 14. “We spent Dh655 per person, which seems reasonable compared to what we would’ve paid in India. We’re also turning the concert into a vacation, which makes the experience even more exciting,” he added.
The Queue for Tickets
The demand for Coldplay tickets was so intense that some fans spent hours in virtual queues, hoping to secure a spot. Shraddha Patil, another fan from India, spent three hours online before successfully purchasing tickets for January 12. “I logged in at 12pm UAE time and my turn finally came at 3pm. I was number 84,000 in the queue for the January 11 show,” she explained.
Like many others, Shraddha had tried to get tickets for Coldplay’s India shows but found it impossible. Resellers in India snapped up most of the tickets, with prices skyrocketing to Rs40,000 (Dh1,800) and even reaching Rs12 lakhs (Dh52,000). “It’s actually more affordable for us to travel to the UAE and attend the concert there,” Shraddha shared.
Turning the Concert into a Holiday
For many fans, the concert is more than just a musical event—it’s an opportunity to explore the UAE and beyond. Priyanka Saikya, a media professional, has already begun planning a trip with her friends for Coldplay’s January 9 show. “I’ve asked my friends in the Emirates to help secure five tickets. With four shows scheduled, I’m confident we’ll be able to attend,” she said. Priyanka and her group also plan to visit Saudi Arabia after the concert, turning the event into a cultural and musical adventure.
A Global Gathering
Coldplay’s fanbase stretches far beyond the borders of any one country, and the band’s upcoming concerts in Abu Dhabi are a testament to their global appeal. With fans traveling from India and other parts of the world to attend, the events are shaping up to be not only a celebration of music but also a gathering of passionate followers from diverse cultures.
As the excitement builds and the days count down to January, the Coldplay concerts in Abu Dhabi promise to deliver unforgettable experiences for those lucky enough to attend. From lifelong fans manifesting their dream of seeing the band live to first-time concert-goers planning elaborate trips, Coldplay’s visit to the UAE will be a once-in-a-lifetime moment for many.
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