Watch: Indian students play UAE national anthem on musical instruments in emotional tribute, clip wins hearts online

A video going viral on the internet has stolen hearts online for the immense patriotism and love it displays for the United Arab Emirates and gratitude for its devotion towards its residents.

13 Indian students belonging to expat families in the emirate gathered to perform the country's national anthem Ishy Bilady (Long Live My Country), in a moment that brought tears to many eyes. The clip, created by Dubai-based performing arts centre Malhaar, featured schoolchildren using Indian instruments such as the tabla, sitar, harmonium and others to create a musical rendition of the national anthem. The centre labelled it as an "offering of harmony, friendship and shared cultural respect."The idea that originated as a simple creative thought transformed into a national moment, gaining recognition from institutional pages and authorities including the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The video quickly gained traction, even being shared by India's Ambassador to the UAE and the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi. "I've received calls from CEOs, homemakers, teachers and principals, it has really resonated with them, said Jogiraj Sikidar, Founder and Director of the centre.

What inspired the idea?

As per Sikidar, a line by the UAE President and ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan served as the inspiration behind the production. “Soon after the war started, I was driving and noticed a hoarding that said, ‘In the UAE, we are all Emirati’, and that really stayed with me. I have been in the UAE for 20 years, and while many call it their second home, I call it my first. I feel deeply rooted in this country; it has given me so much,” he said.Soon, the idea for the video was born and executed along with a third-generation UAE friend who brought the project to life. They kept the clothes all-white with the only colours representing the country's flag. "We did not use any electronic instruments or visual or audio effects — just acoustic instruments played by the children," shared Sikidar.

Social media reactions

Numerous people on the internet commended the video, appreciating the spirit of nationalism within the children who so dedicatedly performed the instrumental melody. "Soul-stirring! Indian kids blending tabla & sitar into "Ishy Bilady" pure harmony! India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Emirates: joint Desert Cyclone exercises, counter-terror intel sharing & strategic defence partnership for shared peace & security. Family forged in sand & steel-together, unbreakable!" wrote a user on X (formerly Twitter). "God bless UAE... Thank you for this wonderful performance...

It shows how much we love UAE" added another. "Art and music are so important in this world, especially in the current situation. Music makes you calmer, rational, and at peace. Music brings souls together, making this world a better place to live. Congratulations to these children," one wrote. The national anthem of UAE was officially adopted in December 1971 following the formation of the country. While the lyrics were written by Dr. Aref Al Sheikh Abdullah Al Hassan in 1986, the music was composed by Egyptian composer Mohammed Abdel Wahab in 1971.