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The Rolling Stones live in Abu Dhabi 2014

When the Rolling Stones touched down in Abu Dhabi for the kickoff of their 14 On Fire tour on February 21, 2014, it was a moment fans didn’t see coming. Picture Mick Jagger sprinting across the Du Arena stage, Keith Richards shredding timeless riffs, and Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood holding the groove tight—all under the desert sky. With classics like Jumpin’ Jack Flash and Gimme Shelter, the Stones proved that no stage is too far, too hot, or too unexpected. Abu Dhabi witnessed rock ‘n’ roll history, reminding the world why the Rolling Stones still reign supreme.

February 21, 2014: Du Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arabian Emirates
Start Me Up/It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll/You Got Me Rocking/Tumbling Dice/Emotional Rescue/Angie/Doom And Gloom/Paint It Black/Honky Tonk Women/Band introduction/Slipping Away/Before They Make Me Run/ Midnight Rambler/Miss You/Gimme Shelter/Jumping Jack Flash/Sympathy For The Devil/Brown Sugar/ You Can’t Always Get What You Want*/Satisfaction
*With special guests the Al Khubairat Singers (choir)
*All photos from the IORR site

*Click for MORE ROLLING STONES FLASHBACK

The Stones in the Desert: Who Saw That Coming?

When the Rolling Stones announced they’d kick off their 14 On Fire tour in Abu Dhabi on February 21, 2014, the internet collectively blinked. “Wait… the Stones? In the desert?” Yep, that actually happened—and what a way to start the tour. The venue was the iconic Du Arena on Yas Island, a massive space built for moments exactly like this. Fans from all over the globe were buzzing, wondering how the legendary band would handle the heat, the sand, and, you know… the sheer absurdity of it all.

Mick, Keith & the Gang: Timeless Energy

If you thought 2014 Mick Jagger might slow down, think again. The guy was sprinting across the stage like it was still 1969, proving that age is truly just a number. Meanwhile, Keith Richards looked untouchable as ever, delivering riffs that could split the desert sky, while Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts kept the groove tight with the kind of chemistry only decades of rocking together can bring. Seriously, it was mesmerizing to watch—like witnessing a well-oiled, slightly dangerous machine that’s still got the magic spark.

Classics, Chaos and Desert Fire

The setlist was pure gold: Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Gimme Shelter, Sympathy for the Devil, and Brown Sugar sent the crowd into overdrive. Miss You gave everyone a chance to try their best Jagger moves (spoiler: most failed gloriously). Keith even grabbed the mic for Slipping Away and Before They Make Me Run, because rules are for other people. The audience was a mix of expats, curious locals, and die-hard fans who had flown thousands of miles just to feel that rock ‘n’ roll electricity. Despite Abu Dhabi’s humidity, the Stones lit up the stage in ways that made it feel like the desert itself was on fire.

So yes, a Rolling Stones concert in Abu Dhabi might have seemed strange on paper. But seeing them in person? Pure magic. They showed up, crushed the night, and reminded everyone why they’re still the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll legends. Age, location, or climate—none of it matters when the Stones are in town.

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