The UAE is inviting everyone to come together and sing the national anthem at 11 a.m., celebrating unity and patriotism during the special occasion of Eid Al Etihad.
UAE encourages all to unite in song for the national anthem at 11 a.m. this Eid Al Etihad.
A Nationwide Celebration Through Song
On Tuesday, December 2, the UAE will mark a unique moment of unity as citizens, residents, and visitors alike are invited to participate in a collective celebration of their nation. At precisely 11 a.m., everyone who calls the UAE home is encouraged to join in singing the national anthem simultaneously, wherever they may be. This coordinated act of patriotism is not simply a formality—it is a symbolic expression of the shared pride, loyalty, and togetherness that defines the Emirati spirit. The event is designed to highlight the essence of Eid Al Etihad, the annual commemoration of the UAE National Day, when the country comes together to honour its heritage, achievements, and the enduring bonds among its people.
The nationwide anthem initiative transcends boundaries and backgrounds. Emiratis, expatriates, and visitors are all called to take part, whether they are at home with their families, walking through bustling streets, or gathered in public squares and landmarks across the seven emirates. The aim is to create a synchronized, countrywide celebration in which every voice, regardless of nationality or age, contributes to a collective moment of patriotism. By participating, everyone becomes part of a larger expression of national pride, connecting communities across cities and regions through the shared experience of song.
This initiative also carries a deeper cultural and emotional significance. The UAE National Anthem has long been a symbol of the country’s unity, resilience, and progress. Hearing its words sung in harmony by millions of people simultaneously reflects the commitment of individuals to the values that underpin the nation: solidarity, harmony, and a sense of belonging. It is a reminder that the UAE’s strength comes not only from its economic and infrastructural achievements but also from the enduring connections among its people. By raising their voices together, participants contribute to a living expression of this collective identity.
The timing of the event, at 11 a.m., allows for maximum participation while symbolically marking the midpoint of the day, a moment when people can pause their routines to acknowledge and celebrate their shared heritage. Authorities and organisers encourage everyone to prepare in advance, ensuring that whether individuals are indoors or outdoors, at work or at home, they can fully engage in this nationwide moment. The simplicity of standing and singing together is a powerful reminder that even in a rapidly modernising society, small acts of communal participation continue to hold deep meaning.
Ultimately, the simultaneous singing of the UAE National Anthem on National Day is more than a ceremonial gesture—it is a demonstration of unity, an invitation to celebrate shared values, and an opportunity for every person in the country to feel connected to the broader narrative of the UAE. It allows citizens and residents to collectively reflect on the nation’s journey, express gratitude for its achievements, and reaffirm their commitment to its future. In joining this chorus of voices across the seven emirates, each participant becomes part of a living tapestry that embodies the spirit, pride, and cohesion at the heart of Eid Al Etihad.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, took to the social media platform X on Monday to draw attention to a special national moment. In his post, he reminded residents and citizens across the country of the precise date and time for the synchronized nationwide singing of the UAE National Anthem, Ishy Bilady. Highlighting the significance of this collective act, he encouraged everyone to participate, whether at home, in public spaces, or workplaces, as a demonstration of unity, patriotism, and shared pride during the celebrations of Eid Al Etihad and UAE National Day.
UAE Residents Encouraged to Join in Nationwide Anthem Celebration
In a remarkable initiative aimed at celebrating the unity and shared pride of the nation, residents across the UAE have been formally invited to take part in a nationwide event marking Eid Al Etihad. On Monday, in addition to official announcements, all residents received SMS notifications encouraging them to join in a synchronized singing of the UAE National Anthem, Ishy Bilady. The message highlighted that this collective participation is not merely ceremonial but embodies “the spirit of unity and belonging at the heart of Eid Al Etihad,” emphasizing the deep connection that binds every community and individual to the country’s heritage and values.
The initiative represents more than just a moment of music; it is designed as a powerful gesture that reverberates throughout every corner of the country. Whether at home, walking through the bustling streets of Dubai or Abu Dhabi, or gathering in public spaces in any of the seven emirates, the act of singing together is meant to echo the shared identity, pride, and love that residents feel for the UAE. By coordinating this nationwide effort at the same time, the organisers hope to create a tangible sense of togetherness, allowing people from all walks of life, nationalities, and backgrounds to feel part of a singular, historic moment. In essence, the anthem serves as a unifying thread, weaving together the diverse tapestry of communities into a collective expression of patriotism.
In recognition of the UAE’s culturally diverse population, the organisers have made it easier for everyone to participate, regardless of their familiarity with Arabic. The anthem has been transliterated phonetically in both Arabic and English, enabling expatriates, visitors, and residents from various linguistic backgrounds to sing along confidently. This effort not only encourages inclusivity but also celebrates the richness and diversity of the UAE’s society. By providing a phonetic guide, organisers ensure that the anthem’s words can be pronounced accurately, allowing everyone to join harmoniously in a moment that represents national pride, collective identity, and mutual respect.
To further support participation, an official sing-along video has been produced. This video serves as both a visual and auditory guide, helping participants follow the rhythm and lyrics while providing a shared reference point. Residents are encouraged to use the video to practice or to sing along in real time at the designated hour, ensuring a synchronized experience across the nation. The video also underscores the celebratory spirit of Eid Al Etihad, reinforcing the idea that this is a moment for everyone to express their love and connection to the country.
In addition to simply singing, residents are invited to capture their participation and share it on social media. Whether recording a family gathering at home, a group of friends in a park, or colleagues at their workplace, individuals are encouraged to post their videos and photos to platforms such as X, Instagram, and Facebook. By using the official hashtags #EidAlEtihad and #VoicesOfUnity, participants can connect their personal moments with the larger, nationwide celebration. This social media component transforms the initiative into a shared digital memory, allowing residents not only to celebrate collectively in real time but also to look back on the event as a historic moment of national unity.
The organisers emphasise that this is not merely a symbolic gesture but also a meaningful demonstration of patriotism and cohesion. Singing the national anthem together highlights the values that underpin the UAE: solidarity, harmony, and pride in a shared national identity. By participating, residents show their commitment to the nation’s vision while acknowledging the bonds that hold the UAE’s communities together. In doing so, the event becomes a living expression of unity, resonating from homes, streets, and public spaces to the broader social fabric of the country.
Moreover, the initiative aims to create a lasting emotional impact, particularly for younger generations. By involving children, students, and youth groups in the sing-along, the UAE fosters a sense of belonging and national pride from an early age. This ensures that the significance of Eid Al Etihad is understood not only as a historical commemoration but also as an ongoing celebration of the values that continue to guide the country today. Parents are encouraged to participate alongside their children, making it an educational as well as emotional experience that strengthens family and community bonds.
The coordination of this initiative also reflects the UAE’s commitment to innovation and accessibility. By using SMS reminders, phonetic guides, digital videos, and social media integration, the organisers ensure that residents are fully supported in their participation. These measures make the event inclusive, practical, and engaging for everyone, regardless of location, age, or linguistic ability.
Ultimately, the nationwide sing-along is about more than music; it is a manifestation of the UAE’s ethos, showcasing how unity, pride, and shared experiences can transcend differences and connect communities. It reminds everyone that even in a diverse society, there is a common thread that unites people—a love for the nation, its heritage, and the ideals it represents. Through this collective act of singing, the UAE transforms a single moment into a shared celebration of identity, belonging, and national pride, leaving an enduring mark on the hearts and minds of all who take part.
