Coldplay concert drives hospitality surge in Abu Dhabi

The highly anticipated Coldplay concert series in Abu Dhabi is sparking a major boost for the city’s travel and hospitality sector. Industry insiders report that hotel tariffs during the event days have surged by as much as 300%, as fans flock to attend the shows.

Scheduled for January 9, 11, 12, and 14 at Zayed Sports City Stadium, the concerts have also fueled a rise in demand for alternative accommodations, including homestays, vacation rentals, and boutique lodgings.

Rikant Pittie, Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, told media: “We’ve observed an extraordinary surge in hotel bookings for the [Coldplay] concert weekend, with rates soaring by up to 300%. This significant rise underscores the powerful role major events play in driving tourism demand and reinforces the UAE’s position as a premier global destination for exceptional experiences.”

Soaring hotel prices for the concert weekend

Hotel prices for the concert weekend have risen dramatically. Rooms previously priced at AED 492 are now listed at AED 801, with some exceeding AED 1,500. One leading luxury hotel has even raised its rates to AED 2,548 for the period.

In addition to Coldplay’s performances, other high-profile music events in January, such as Ludovico Einaudi’s concert in Abu Dhabi and the Green Day performance in Dubai, are drawing fans from across the region, further amplifying travel and hospitality demand. “January 2025 promises to be a spectacular month, attracting fans from across the region,” Pittie noted.

The surge isn’t limited to traditional hotels. Industry experts say the growing popularity of eco-friendly and alternative accommodations, such as vacation rentals and boutique lodgings, reflects a shift toward authentic and sustainable travel experiences. “For concertgoers, such accommodations offer the perfect blend of affordability, authenticity, and comfort,” Pittie added, encouraging fans to secure their bookings before prices rise further.

International demand for the Abu Dhabi concerts

EaseMyTrip data shows a substantial international audience for the Abu Dhabi concerts, with fans from India, Pakistan, and GCC countries making travel arrangements. Many Indian fans, unable to secure tickets for Coldplay’s upcoming Mumbai concert, are viewing Abu Dhabi as a more cost-effective option.

“The enthusiasm from Indian fans highlights the global appeal of the Abu Dhabi concert,” Pittie told media. “With lower travel costs and more affordable accommodations compared to Mumbai, Abu Dhabi has become a viable alternative.”

Experts note that major events like the Coldplay concerts and the recent Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continue to serve as key drivers of tourism in the UAE, bolstering both regional and international travel. For example, the Grand Prix recorded a 9% increase in flight bookings compared to the previous year, with regional bookings rising by 13% and international bookings up by 4%.

“Our historical data shows that travel to the UAE and Saudi Arabia consistently spikes ahead of major events,” Pittie concluded, emphasizing the sustained appeal of the region for global travelers.