Coldplay in Abu Dhabi 2025 | SABRE Risk
Summary
SABRE Risk commenced the planning for this event four months prior (in October 2024), working closely with stakeholders to align on expectations, and set forth the security requirements upon concluding the Threat-Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, and Counter-Terrorism Plan.
This is the first time that this particular venue has catered for an event of this nature, despite holding numerous sporting events, and VVIP visits, it has never hosted an event of this magnitude, which proved challenging from a planning and operational standpoint.
Live Nation Middle East and Far and Beyond did a superb job in installing purpose built egress stairs, and increasing the width of already existing stairs from the FOP to enable egress in a normal and emergency conditions, the improvements made to this venue were incredible, as were the temporary structures put in place.
A special thank you to Mark Logan and his team at Showsec, always a pleasure working with you and your team.
Concert Dates & Overview
January 9th, 11th, 12th and 14th 2025 at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Field of Play (FOP) Divert Lines
In collaboration with stakeholders, we had a plan for the first concert, however, we could clearly see that stage right was far denser than stage left, and people were stood on the mega stairs on stage right (which you will see on the below video).
During the proceeding day, we implemented a plan along with our colleagues at Gallowglass Health & Safety Middle East which included further diverts, and an increase of security manpower to implement the diverts, noting that we also needed to consider mandatory FOP deployments for both VVIP movements (early doors and pitch loading), and the bands movement from B stage, to C stage at the rear of the venue.
For the preceding three concerts the density proved to be much better on both stage right, and stage left, ensuring that the mega stairs were clear, and movement in and around stage right was far more comfortable for guests.
It is important to once again point out that the temporary infrastructure used at this venue was new to all of those working, it had not been done before.
Phase 1 Divert Lines
Red lines indicate a security guardforce line to enable ingress, and guide guests into the desired areas, they also support with wayfinding and slowing any running guests down.
Phase 2 Divert Lines
You shall see here that some of the security guardforce lines have now stood down, this is done when the areas on the stage left and right (thrust) are becoming heavily populated and density is at a desired level.
Phase 3 Divert Lines
You shall see here that all of the diverts are now stood down, with an increase of security presence at the main ingress/egress staircase, this now enables us to manage the stairs, and ensure persons are not stood on the stairs, and we can effectively egress both in normal, and emergency scenarios.
Improvements
Equally important as delivering an event, is improving based on experience, collaboration and communication is pivotal to a successful event. We all realized that from the first show, improvements needed to be made, a plan was put together, and we were able to improve guest experience, safety, and the bands and promoters’ expectations were met.
Ingress Time-Lapse
The below video was recorded on the final night, over two hours of video footage was taken, then condensed into this short 2-minute clip, which shall be used for educational purposes within our existing, and growing team.
Services Provided
In Photos
In The Media
And no, it was not me.... ??
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An incredible team effort by all involved.