‘Sing for the Nation’ unites generations at Dubai Opera

The UAE National Orchestra brought Dubai Opera to its feet during Sing for the Nation, an evening that saw audiences singing together across generations in a shared celebration of music, culture, and national identity.

Throughout the performance, audiences joined the Orchestra and choir in singing many of the UAE’s most recognisable patriotic songs, creating an atmosphere of collective participation and connection inside the concert hall.

The concert reached a defining moment with a surprise appearance by renowned Emirati singer and musician Hussain Al Jassmi, who joined the Orchestra on stage for a special live performance of “Al Sogoor Al Mukhliseen.”

His appearance was met with an overwhelmingly positive audience response, with audiences rising to their feet, singing along, and filling Dubai Opera with a sense of celebration and emotion that became one of the defining moments of the evening.

The evening saw audiences singing together across generations in a shared celebration of music, culture, and national identity.

With a career spanning over three decades, Al Jassmi is one of the most recognised voices in the Arab world, his performance alongside the UAE National Orchestra added a new dimension to the concert.

The concert programme featured a selection of well-known works spanning from the 1970s to today, including Dar Zayed, Sawf Nahmi Al Etihad, and Khaseem Al Dar, bringing together music that has long been part of the UAE’s cultural fabric.

A key moment in the programme was the performance of Rijaal Wallah Rijaal, the Orchestra’s musical tribute based on the poem written by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, honouring those who safeguard the nation.

Sheikha Alia Bint Khalid Al Qassimi, Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra, said, “”Sing For The Nation” was a heartfelt tribute to the UAE, its leadership, and its people, as we mark the 50th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces.

“Hussain Al Jassmi’s surprise appearance alongside the Orchestra added a special dimension to the concert, making the experience even more emotional for audiences. One of the most powerful moments of the evening was hearing the audience sing alongside the Orchestra with one voice, reflecting a strong sense of pride, belonging, and unity.

“Through these performances, the UAE National Orchestra seeks to present patriotic songs through new orchestral arrangements using music as a way to bring people together and express the values of resilience, solidarity, and national identity that define the UAE.”

Commenting on his participation, Hussain Al Jassmi said, “I am proud to be here tonight with the UAE National Orchestra for ‘Sing for the Nation’ an exceptional night of resilience, pride, and love for the UAE. This concert reflects a nation that truly believes in the power of arts and culture, and I am honoured to stand alongside this remarkable cultural institution.”

Recently, in a separate development, as part of the “Proud of UAE” campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen social cohesion and reinforce national identity, the Community Development Authority organised a national community march titled “Generation Shapers Proud of UAE” at Umm Suqeim Park.

The event, attended by Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, saw broad participation from mothers, Emirati women, and members of the community.

The initiative celebrated the role of Emirati women as nurturers of generations and essential partners in building a cohesive society, while further strengthening the values of national identity, belonging, and community solidarity.

The initiative reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s call to participate in the “Proud of UAE” campaign, which aims to strengthen social cohesion and deepen the values of national pride and belonging across the community.

The event featured a range of activities designed to enhance community engagement, with the voluntary participation of Emirati start-ups and small businesses. UAE flags and commemorative gifts were distributed to attendees, while mothers and their children took part in entertainment and awareness competitions, creating a festive atmosphere that reflected national pride and belonging.

WAM