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UAE: A new initiative is calling on artistes to record their own version of the national anthem
From singers to songwriters, creatives across the country are stepping forward to submit their own versions of the national anthem
- PUBLISHED: Thu 2 Apr 2026, 2:31 PM
A new UAE-wide initiative is inviting artistes to submit their own version of the national anthem, turning a familiar national symbol into a shared creative expression.
Launched by MusicNation, the campaign calls on vocalists, instrumentalists, producers, DJs, and performers of all genres to reinterpret the UAE anthem in their own style and submit their versions through the platform.
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At a time when many creatives are navigating uncertainty, the initiative aims to offer a space where artistic expression can be channelled into something collective and meaningful, a tribute to the nation through music.
“Music has always been a powerful way to bring people together, especially in moments that call for reflection and unity,” said Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, founder and chairwoman of MusicNation. “Through this initiative, we wanted to create a movement that engages artistes and provides an opportunity for them to give back. This is about honouring the UAE and this nation’s musical community through the people who shape it.”
Participants are encouraged to approach the anthem with full creative freedom, whether through orchestral, acoustic, electronic or cross-cultural interpretations, allowing each artiste to reflect their own identity and sound.
Submissions are open until Friday, April 3 at 6pm, after which selected entries will be chosen based on their originality, creativity and artistic interpretation of the anthem.
Selected submissions will be merged into a single, professionally produced track, celebrating the UAE’s diverse voices and artistic styles and reflecting the richness and resilience of the country’s creative landscape. The final accompanying video will be produced by Beautiful Destinations Academy, powered by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Early response suggests the idea is already resonating.
Several artistes and aspiring performers have expressed interest in taking part, seeing it as both as an opportunity to showcase their sound and contribute to something larger.
Seth Dzidzorm Kuetsidzo, a Ghanaian artist based in the UAE, said music has always been his way of connecting with people and addressing wider issues.
“I am a versatile recording artiste, backing vocalist, songwriter and performer,” he said. “It has always been my motive to use music as a tool to reach the masses and address social issues.”
He added that joining the initiative felt like a natural step.
“I am here to add my voice to this project and I hope for future collaborations whenever my services are needed.”
For Dubai-based singer Faizaan Saeed, the campaign is also about giving back to a country he has called home for over a decade.
“I’ve been living in Dubai for 15 years, so being part of something like this feels meaningful,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity to showcase talent and do something for the UAE.”
Adding to the growing interest, Dubai-based guitarist Layla Hassan said the initiative offers a rare chance to reinterpret a familiar piece in a personal way.
“As a guitarist, I’m drawn to the idea of rebuilding the anthem through strings,” she said. “It’s not just about playing music, it’s about telling a story through sound.”
She added that the project allows artistes to connect their own journey with a shared national identity.
“Everyone experiences the UAE differently, so bringing those perspectives into one piece is what makes this exciting,” she said.
Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.