Yas Waterworld on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, is throwing open its gates for another Kabayan Night — a Filipino-themed evening set for September 27, 2026, headlined by chart-topping Filipino singer-songwriter Dionela. It's a rare chance to catch one of the Philippines' biggest current artists inside a waterpark.
Tickets start at Dhs125, which covers far more than the concert. The evening runs from 4:30pm to 10pm, and guests get the full run of the park's 70-plus rides and slides, including the brand-new 'Lost City' expansion. Thrill-seekers can test themselves on Matamir — the tallest waterslide in the UAE — or try the zero-gravity drops of Sahel Matamir. If that sounds like too much effort, the new Sarab area offers a roomy pool for lounging between sets.
Around the rides, expect live singers and DJs, a parade with street dancers, roving performers, themed photo spots and a line-up of authentic Filipino street food. It's built as a community celebration as much as an event — 'kabayan' roughly means 'countryman', and the night is aimed squarely at the large Filipino community in the UAE, though anyone is welcome. Transport is also covered: free shuttle buses run on selected routes across the Emirates, so getting there won't add to the bill.
For a sense of value, Dhs125 buys a sunset-to-night waterpark session plus a live headline show — a lot cheaper than a standard concert ticket in the capital, and you get to cool off while you wait for the music to start.
This one matters for a few types of traveller. If you're based in the UAE, it's an easy, affordable evening out with friends or family, with the shuttle removing the usual Yas Island logistics. If you're visiting Abu Dhabi in late September, it's a fun, family-friendly way to experience Yas Waterworld after the daytime heat fades, with extra entertainment thrown in. And if you love Filipino food or music, it's a genuine taste of home culture in the Gulf.
One thing to flag: late September in Abu Dhabi is still hot, with daytime highs well into the 30s°C. The 4:30pm start is smart timing — you'll get cooler evening temperatures for the bulk of the event, but pack sunscreen and drink plenty of water for the first hour or two.
If you're making a weekend of it, Yas Island is Abu Dhabi's entertainment hub: Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and CLYMB are all next door, and the island's hotels often bundle park access. And if your dates miss Kabayan Night, the source article also rounds out other Abu Dhabi options that week — a wine and tapas deal at The Warehouse in Park Rotana, and a Mad Cat Comedy show at Easy Tiger on September 22 — proof the city keeps busy even as summer winds down.
Tickets for Kabayan Night can be booked in advance; at Dhs125 they're likely to move, especially among the Filipino community, so locking yours in early is sensible.
Story via What's On Dubai.
