e live in a beautiful world – From Don’t Panic by Coldplay

32; the age when musical paralysis sets in – an individual’s ability to absorb and appreciate new music starts to decline. Professor Rentfrow of Cambridge studied more than a quarter of a million samples to determine that musical tastes tend to slow down with age, culminating in the early 30s when one becomes less open to discovering new genres or artists.

In many ways, I can relate to this. The music I listen to today is largely what I enjoyed during my teenage years and early professional life. There are very few new songs that intrigue me and even fewer new artists I actively seek out. My son – who is still in his 20s – occasionally introduces me to interesting tunes. Mainstream artists like Taylor Swift and Drake do nothing for me.

Coldplay represents the very tail end of my musical taste evolution. I was in my late 20s or early 30s when they emerged, and one of their earliest hits, Yellow, remains one of my favourite songs. Over the years, Coldplay have established themselves not just as a musical powerhouse – producing one catchy tune after another – but also as masterful showmen. Their concerts are among the most sought-after events worldwide, not just for the music but for the entire spectacle. From South America to Australia, their shows attract millions who come for an experience that transcends a typical musical performance.

Coldplay have perfected the art of creating anthems – tracks that elevate the atmosphere when sung in unison by large crowds. Songs that deserve a mention include Viva La Vida and Hymn for the Weekend, both designed to be performed live, amplifying their emotional and sonic impact.

I first saw them perform live at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics in 2012, where they collaborated with Rihanna and Jay-Z. The overall glamour of the Olympics overshadowed the brilliance of the artists on display.

When I heard that Coldplay were coming to Abu Dhabi, I was intrigued. The UAE, where I live, is perhaps one of the most civilised places to attend live concerts. Ticket sales are well-organised, parking is structured, venues are clean, high-quality food is available and the crowd is generally respectful and sober. I have had the privilege of seeing major global acts, including The Rolling Stones, Sting, Santana, Eric Clapton and even Guns N’ Roses, in a comfortable and enjoyable setting.

However, Dubai’s event landscape is changing. With the influx of foreigners – particularly affluent visitors from Russia, China and the subcontinent – the demand for tickets has surged. Many of my acquaintances from India and Pakistan now realise that Dubai is just a short flight away, making it an accessible hub for major concerts.

When Coldplay announced four concerts in Abu Dhabi, all four sold out instantly. Finding myself number 80,000 on the waiting list, I assumed it was a marketing gimmick. But a month before the concert, I started looking for tickets and was shocked to find none available. The few that were on resale cost nearly as much as a small car. Just as I was about to give up, Sharjil, an old friend, miraculously secured seated tickets for the first show.

On January 9, we set off from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. A few weeks earlier, I had expressed scepticism about whether the concert was worth attending. A South African friend, a die-hard Coldplay fan, insisted, “Don’t go for the music; go for the experience. It’s not just a music show.” I didn’t fully grasp what she meant until the night of the concert.

Seven of us piled into my car and made the peaceful, uneventful drive to Abu Dhabi. As expected, traffic was heavy. We arrived just 10-15 minutes before Coldplay took the stage – perfect timing.

In a world increasingly divided by politics and conflict, music remains one of the few unifying forces – a glue that still holds us together.

Sharjil, however, was slightly disappointed to have missed the Arab-Chilean singer Elyanna, who had been receiving rave reviews and had collaborated with Coldplay on some tracks. She did, however, come on stage later to sing We Pray.

Upon entering, we were given plastic wristbands embedded with electronic components, the purpose of which was yet to be revealed.

As Coldplay took the stage, the energy in the stadium was electric. It was clear that I was witnessing one of the world’s most famous bands – one designed for grand, stadium-sized performances. As Chris Martin belted out hit after hit, the crowd’s euphoria escalated. The music was spectacular and the sound quality impeccable, but what truly astounded me was the production.

This was not just a concert – it was an extravaganza for the senses. The lights, fireworks, balloons, massive stadium screens, and, most impressively, the synchronised wristbands created an immersive atmosphere. These wristbands lit up in sync with the music, with colours changing based on the song. Different sections of the stadium illuminated in varying hues, forming breathtaking patterns across the arena. It was a stunning use of technology.

Coldplay are also known for their environmental consciousness. In the standing area, kinetic floors and exercise bikes encouraged fans to generate electricity, which was stored for future concerts. Additionally, for every ticket sold, a tree was planted – meaning that for the 40,000 attendees in the stadium, 40,000 trees would be planted worldwide.

Chris Martin, the consummate showman, moved energetically around the stage, showcasing remarkable physical stamina at 47. At one point, he invited an audience member onto the piano – a Pakistani woman who had flown in from Australia just for the concert. This moment underscored how global Coldplay’s appeal has become. Once, concerts of this scale were the domain of the West – held in the US or top European cities. But as wealth has shifted eastward, demand has grown, and music has become a powerful force of global connection. Coldplay’s four Abu Dhabi concerts were all sold out, after which they were set to perform in India – another market where tickets vanished instantly.

Towards the end of the concert, Martin made a heartfelt mention of the suffering in Gaza, earning the night’s loudest cheer

Just because I am losing, doesn’t mean I am lost – From Lost! by Coldplay

The walk back to the car was just as eventful. My son, the designated navigator, managed to get us lost – possibly a deliberate detour in pursuit of KFC. Once we finally reached KFC, the queue was too long, so we settled for a late-night meal at a roadside service station. By the time we made it back to Dubai, I realised I had walked more than 10,000 steps – an unexpected but satisfying workout.

As I drove through the ‘dark desert highway’ (my nod to the Eagles), I reflected on the experience. It had been a while since I attended a large stadium concert, and I realised these events are not just about the music. They are about the experience. They are about sharing moments and creating lasting memories – between old friends, between a father and son. Coldplay ensures that these memories are unforgettable, using technology, visuals and production to elevate their performances beyond mere concerts.

More than anything, this concert reaffirmed the immense power that music holds. Coldplay’s songs transcend borders, cultures, and religions. Martin was careful to emphasise unity, love and environmental consciousness. In a world increasingly divided by politics and conflict, music remains one of the few unifying forces – a glue that still holds us together.

Lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones, and I will try to fix you – From Fix You by Coldplay

The writer is a finance professional based in Dubai. He tweets @travelutionary1