In a moment that lit up hopes for thousands of Coldplay fans in the UAE, a limited number of ‘Infinity Tickets’ went on sale at midday on Friday.
Priced at just €20 (approximately Dh76.31), the tickets offered fans one last chance to attend the band’s highly anticipated Music of the Spheres World Tour 2025.
However, the offer also brought back painful memories for many, as fans faced long virtual queues, reminiscent of earlier ticket sales debacles.
A Glimmer of Hope, Then Frustration
The ‘Infinity Tickets’—special seats randomly assigned throughout the stadium—were a steal compared to the original ticket prices, which ranged up to Dh995 for premium categories.
Despite their appeal, the tickets came with a significant challenge: sheer demand. Within an hour, they were completely sold out.
Dubai resident Isabel Ramos, a devoted Coldplay fan, logged onto the Ticketmaster website at precisely 12pm, only to find herself behind 14,930 other eager fans in the online queue.
“I almost got it,” she shared. “When the website told me it was my turn to pay, I was so excited. But just as quickly, I was notified that no tickets were left. It was heartbreaking.”
Ramos’ frustration was compounded by her previous experiences during the pre-sale and general ticket sales in September, when she spent hours in line, only to come away empty-handed. “At least this time, I didn’t have to wait for hours,” she said, finding solace in small mercies.
Others, like Dubai-based Filipino expat Joanna S., also tried their luck with strategic planning. Joanna opted for tickets to the Thursday, January 9, show, assuming it might be less competitive.
But even then, she found herself in 7,803rd place in the queue. “I guess I’ll just have to accept that I won’t be able to see Coldplay,” she lamented.
A Familiar Pattern
For many UAE fans, this frenzy felt like déjà vu. The initial pre-sale tickets on September 25 and 26, followed by the general sale on September 27, had already caused widespread stress.
Technical glitches, hours-long waits, and skyrocketing resale prices—some reaching Dh20,000 on unauthorized platforms like Viagogo—left fans disillusioned.
Neil P., a long-time fan of the British band, took a more philosophical approach to the ‘Infinity Ticket’ sale. “I was hopeful, but I wasn’t as devastated this time,” he admitted. “I joined the queue but with not much expectation or stress. It felt more like a lottery than a guarantee.”
The online queues on Friday echoed the chaos of the earlier sales, yet fans held on to slim hopes that this final opportunity might reward their persistence.
A Phenomenal Demand
Coldplay, originally scheduled to perform a single show in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, January 11, 2025, had to extend their schedule to accommodate overwhelming demand. Following the rapid sell-out of the first announced show, the band added three additional dates:
- Thursday, January 9, 2025
- Saturday, January 11, 2025
- Sunday, January 12, 2025
- Tuesday, January 14, 2025
All four performances will take place at the 44,600-capacity Zayed Sports City Stadium, promising fans in the UAE a spectacular experience as part of the band’s global tour.
The additional dates provided some relief for fans who had struggled to secure tickets during the initial sales. However, even with four shows, the demand far outstripped supply.
What Are ‘Infinity Tickets’?
Coldplay’s ‘Infinity Tickets’ program is a unique initiative that offers affordable access to their concerts.
Costing only €20, the tickets are available for every show on their world tour. The catch? The seats are randomly assigned, meaning ticket holders could end up in a VIP section or the back row.
The concept aims to make live music accessible to more fans, especially those who might be priced out of premium categories.
For some, it’s an exciting gamble; for others, it’s a reminder of the challenges of navigating Coldplay’s famously competitive ticketing system.
Fans’ Emotional Journey
For fans like Ramos, the journey to secure tickets has been a rollercoaster of emotions. “It’s not just about the money,” she explained. “It’s about the time, the effort, and the heartbreak of getting so close and then losing out.”
Coldplay’s popularity in the region has long been evident, with their unique sound and immersive live performances drawing fans from across the Middle East.
However, this popularity also means that tickets are in exceptionally high demand, creating fierce competition for even the cheapest seats.
Resale Market Chaos
Adding to the frustration is the thriving resale market. Premium tickets for the Abu Dhabi shows, originally priced at Dh995, have been listed on unauthorized websites for up to Dh20,000. Many fans have criticized these inflated prices, accusing scalpers of exploiting the band’s loyal following.
While Ticketmaster has taken steps to combat ticket fraud and scalping, including implementing digital tickets tied to the purchaser’s ID, the issue persists.
The Band’s Connection to the UAE
Coldplay’s return to Abu Dhabi marks their first performance in the region since 2016, when they played at the NYE celebrations in the capital.
Since then, their fan base in the UAE has only grown, driven by their chart-topping albums and their commitment to environmental sustainability in their tours.
The Music of the Spheres World Tour 2025 has been particularly celebrated for its eco-conscious initiatives, including the use of renewable energy to power shows and encouraging fans to travel sustainably to venues.
What Lies Ahead
For those lucky enough to secure tickets, Coldplay’s Abu Dhabi shows promise to be unforgettable. The band’s elaborate productions, featuring stunning visuals, pyrotechnics, and audience interaction, have made their tours legendary.
Fans who missed out, however, are left with mixed emotions. While some, like Neil P., have resigned themselves to the realities of Coldplay’s ticketing frenzy, others, like Ramos, hold out hope that additional tickets or last-minute releases might provide another chance.
“I’ll keep checking,” said Ramos. “You never know. Maybe I’ll get lucky next time.”
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour 2025 is set to be one of the most memorable events in the UAE’s live music scene.
As anticipation builds for the January shows, fans who secured tickets are preparing for an experience of a lifetime, while those who missed out are left to wonder: Will they ever get their chance to see Coldplay live?
Event Details:
Dates: January 9, 11, 12, and 14, 2025
Venue: Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Capacity: 44,600 per show
Ticket Info: Sold out; resale prices vary.