Global icons Coldplay are set to perform at Expo 2020 Dubai on 15 February, combining an incredible musical experience in support of Expo’s Programme for People and Planet and in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Coldplay prides itself on its commitment and responsibility to the environment and strives to keep its emissions when performing as low as possible.
As a city of the future built on sustainable principles, in collaboration with 192 nations from around the world, Expo 2020 Dubai is a fitting partner for Coldplay, as it seeks solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges, including preserving the planet for future generations.
The Al Wasl performance, part of Expo 2020’s Infinite Nights Series, unites the shared goals of Coldplay and the UAE and will lead by example, inspiring climate awareness and driving action to preserve our planet with a magical, unforgettable concert, free to Expo visitors and streamed online around the globe.
Coldplay said “As a band, we always try to put togetherness and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. It’s an honour to be invited to perform at Expo 2020 Dubai Infinite Nights for a special celebration of these two themes.”
His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister for Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate, said, “This initiative is a great illustration of how all sectors of society can make a meaningful contribution to a net zero world, and it aligns with the UAE’s inclusive approach to its ‘Net Zero by 2050’ strategic initiative. With 90 per cent of global economies now aiming for net zero, the UAE looks forward to collaborating with all willing partners in the run up to COP 27 in Egypt and COP 28 in the UAE, which will represent a crucial stock-taking moment for gauging climate progress in line with the Paris Agreement. I am delighted that Coldplay has chosen to use its considerable popularity to engage with its fanbase in promoting sustainable development and a brighter, lower-carbon future.”
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai is uniquely placed as the world’s largest global gathering of its time, demonstrating the best of humanity in pursuit of progress and opportunity for all. It represents what can be achieved when nations and organisations are united for people and planet.”
“I warmly welcome Coldplay’s mission to drive awareness and action and to show how we all have the power to make a difference. This is true whether as a government, a business or as an individual and in the 11 million visitors who have experienced Expo 2020 so far, we have witnessed a collective desire to drive towards a cleaner, safer and healthier world for all.”
In March 2022, the four-piece band – comprising vocalist and pianist Chris Martin; guitarist Jonny Buckland; bassist Guy Berryman; and drummer Will Champion – will embark on its ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour’. The tour has taken two years of planning, with Coldplay working with a range of environmental experts to incorporate initiatives that aim to lower carbon emissions by as much as 50 per cent compared to the band’s previous tours.
Coldplay’s Expo 2020 performance is the first, exciting step to a wider collaboration between the British band and the UAE, with the performance marking the start of a meaningful, longer-term relationship to drive action to create a cleaner, healthier world for all.
Coldplay said, “We would love to return to the UAE as part of our Music of the Spheres world tour. Our dream would be to partner with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to power our entire show with local renewable energy sources, and to develop other meaningful sustainability initiatives around the concert.”