When Imagine Dragons played their concert in Abu Dhabi, the experience loudened everything in the arena like a desert storm. The atmosphere of excited fans in the arena, thudding lights, and chart-toppers made it a memorable occasion that few would forget, and it was certainly not an ordinary night. Imagine Dragons embarked on their first-ever UAE capital rock performance in front of a sold-out crowd in January 2023 that had people buzzing long after the last note.
This report will explore everything you need to know about that performance, ranging from the band’s background and tour itinerary to the set list and memorable moments, to the atmosphere surrounding the event. This report outlines many of the figures and facts from the event to provide a detailed picture of what happened in Etihad Arena.
Who Are Imagine Dragons?
Imagine Dragons burst onto the scene in Las Vegas in 2008, fusing rock, pop, and electronic styles into sweeping, catchy anthems. The band is fronted by lead singer Dan Reynolds with Wayne Sermon on guitar, Ben McKee on bass, and Daniel Platzman on drums. They became stars in 2012 when they released the album Night Visions, featuring smash singles like “Radioactive” and “It’s Time”. In particular, “Radioactive” alone garnered billions of streams and the Grammy for Best Rock Performance.
Over the years, they have released albums like Smoke + Mirrors (2015), Evolve (2017), Origins (2018), and Mercury, Acts 1 & 2 (2021-2022). They sing about dark subjects like mental illness, grief, and survival in their catchy melodies, all produced to arena-friendly quality. By 2023, they had sold over 75 million albums worldwide and ranked as the best-selling rock band of the past decade. Their shows are marked by high energy, confetti explosions, and a poignant, emotional flow and performance by Reynolds that almost feels like he’s taking to each individual audience member.
The Mercury World Tour Breakdown
In 2022, the Mercury World Tour was launched in support of Mercury – Acts 1 & 2, an album that explores heavy personal battles and hope. Act 1 addresses grief and loss, and Act 2 shifts toward healing and joy. The tour was held through over 100 dates in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East with attendance in the millions. Each show was designed around elaborate stage designs, which included LED screens, pyro, and interactive stages which complemented the emotional rollercoaster included in the albums.
Abu Dhabi was allocated as a stop on January 26, 2023, as a unique priority mission after the tour performed in Bahrain. Tickets were sold quickly through Ticketmaster, ranging from AED 295 for general admission upwards to AED 1,500 for VIP packages, which included meet and greet and luxury seating. The tour embraced themes around mental health, and Reynolds often shared stories on stage related to his own struggles with depression and anxiety. This concept changed the tone of the show from something that was more ingrained in a traditional rock show to an experience that was shared by everyone in the audience.
Etihad Arena: The Ideal Venue
Etihad Arena on Yas Island served as the concert venue; this state-of-the-art facility which opened in 2021, has a capacity of 18,000 seats! Located on the waterfront, it has great views and is easily accessible via the Yas Express shuttle or taxi (from the Abu Dhabi city centre). Its acoustics are excellent, its massive screens allow for a more intimate view, and its seating configurations are top-notch.
On the concert night, in rainy weather that is atypical for the area, fans filled every spot. The concert stage featured an extended main stage into the audience that allowed Reynolds to roam freely and engage intimately at proximity. The lighting rigs and smoke added to the theatrics, transforming the arena into a rocking concert venue. Yas Island features additional attractions with Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld in proximity for pre- or post-concert enjoyment.
The Concert Experience: What Went Down That Evening
The performance commenced at precisely 9 PM, starting without an opening act. Frank Reynolds arrived in a black blazer, green cargos, and kicks. He initiated the event with a lively rendition of “My Life,” followed by “Believer,” with confetti falling from above to immediately energize the audience. The band worked through a 90-minute show, alternating between classic hits and new songs to create a nice flow.
The crowd sang along with every word while illuminating their phones, mirroring the night sky. Reynolds kept the interchange short but meaningful, thanking people for supporting them – from all over the world – and specifying that everyone could celebrate their life. Each band member had their moment in the spotlight, Sermon’s guitar solos were reminiscent, McKee’s bass made you feel good, and Platzman’s drums held the rhythm with great energy. Outside it was rainy and windy, while inside the arena, it was bright and lively, which somehow made the performance feel much more semi-private and exhilarating.
Full Setlist Breakdown
The Abu Dhabi setlist drew from throughout their catalog, running at more than 17 songs for a reflective yet energetic ride. It was slightly different from other tour dates, embracing emotional intensity. Here’s the breakdown:
- My Life (Mercury – Act 2)
- Believer (Evolve)
- It’s Time (Night Visions)
- I’m So Sorry (Smoke + Mirrors)
- Thunder (Evolve)
- Birds (Origins)
- Follow You (Mercury – Act 1)
- Lonely (Mercury – Act 1)
- Natural (Origins)
- Next to Me (Evolve)
- I Bet My Life (Smoke + Mirrors)
- Whatever It Takes (Evolve)
- Sharks (Mercury – Act 2)
- Enemy (with JID, from Arcane soundtrack)
- Demons (Night Visions)
- Bones (Mercury – Act 2)
- Radioactive (Night Visions)
- Walking the Wire (Evolve)
Encores included a reprise of “My Life.” Tracks like “Thunder” got huge cheers, partly because its video was filmed in Dubai, which hit close to home for UAE fans.
Standout Highlights and Moments
Some moments of pure show-stopping. “Thunder” reduced the house to rubble with pounding drums and visuals that synchronized gorgeously with the tempest raging outside. Reynolds went barefoot for an acoustic interlude in “Demons,” recounting bare bones accounts of addiction and recovery, which brought the crowd into hushed silence before they exploded into applause. Pyrotechnics illuminated “Radioactive,” the finale, with pounding drums that sounded like a heartbeat.
Visually, too, there were standouts; LED backdrops changed from starry night to explosive fire, their mood matching that of each song. Confetti and smoke added pops of style without overpowering the sound. One special moment: Reynolds invited fans to drop phones for a few tracks, creating a genuine connection in this digital age. Overall, the show mixed high-energy rock with quiet reflections, all of which had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Crowd and Atmosphere: The Real Magic
The packed audience was a blend of locals, foreigners, and tourists, all in agreement about the music. Cheers reached peaks during choruses, and arms waved as voices merged into one huge sing-along. Teens, adults, and even kids jumped to the rhythms, creating a family-oriented but energetic rock atmosphere. Security moved everything smoothly, and the configuration of the arena meant good seats all around.
The philosophical vibe Reynolds pushed, focusing on self-love and overcoming hardships, resonated deeply. Fans left energized, many posting glowing reviews online about the emotional high. Despite the rain, no one seemed bothered; it just added to the memorable night.
Why This Concert Still Resonates
Imagine Dragons’ show in Abu Dhabi proved that rock concerts can thrive in the Middle East by combining worldwide, familiar hits with a regional flair. The performance also illustrated the evolution of a band that has gone from an indie band to arena memories, without forgoing meaningful lyrics. Even years later, the anecdotes and videos of that night have kept circulating, motivating a younger generation.
Events like this will build Abu Dhabi into a more viable concert market for artists with significant global followings, so it attracts A-list performers and interested fans. If the band were to return and hit the road again, one might be able to look forward to even more entertainment and enjoyment. Moreover, the concert served as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and uplift spirits, regardless of whether they were in the crowd. It was indeed a significant event for all those in attendance, which will stay with everyone.
