Abu Dhabi offers top double gig whammy

Who would've thought a weekend in the rain in Abu Dhabi could be so much fun?

The UAE capital hosted two impressively organised events last Friday and Saturday at the Emirates Palace, and no amount of bad weather could dampen the spirits of the thousands of music lovers who turned up to watch Andrea Bocelli and Coldplay in action. Here's what happened.

Andrea Bocelli, March 27: Marking the end of a very successful week for the 6th Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival, Italian operatic pop tenor and classical music singer Andrea Bocelli gave a memorable performance in front of 11,000 people.

The 50-year-old was accompanied by The Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, one of the oldest orchestras in Russia under the leadership of Conductor Marcello Rota.

The show started with a momentous orchestral performance, before Bocelli appeared on stage, kicking off his set with La Donna è Mobile from Verdi's Rigoletto.

Throughout the night, the star was joined by baritone Gianfranco Montresor, as well as soprano Paola Sanguinetti. Songs performed during the two hours included Di Quella Pira from Il Trovatore by Verdi and Granada by Augustin Lara.

The best was left for the last with Bocelli belting out two favourites: Con Te Partiro (Time to Say Goodbye), followed by Nessun Dorma from Puccini's Turandot.

Despite the night's strong winds and chilly weather, Bocelli sounded as great as ever and kudos goes to those who set up the stage's sound.

Coldplay, March 28: The next day, the venue had transformed from an 11,000-seated event to a 15,000 standing arena for one of the most entertaining – and wettest – concerts the UAE capital had ever seen.

Following weeks of the event being completely sold out, Brit heavyweights Coldplay finally performed and they didn't disappoint.

Bursting on to the stage to deafening screams, Chris Martin and co. launched into Violet Hill, before skies burst open, leading to 30 minutes of torrential rain.

Martin was surprised at the weather, joking about it, and pausing to sing verses from Singin' in the Rain and Raindrops Keep Falling.

The band gave a musically and visually stunning show. Was it worth the money? Oh yes, it was.