'Sing for the Nation' returns with national tour to celebrate Eid Al Etihad

Following the success of its inaugural edition, 'Sing for the Nation' returns this season on a larger scale, as the UAE National Orchestra takes the concert on a tour across four cities.

The tour promises to be one of the major national musical celebrations in the lead-up to Eid Al Etihad.

Beginning in Abu Dhabi on November 7, the tour will travel to Al Ain and Fujairah before concluding in Ras Al Khaimah on December 1.

Each performance will pay tribute to the United Arab Emirates, its leadership and its people, bringing audiences together through the patriotic songs that have accompanied the nation's journey since the Union and become part of the collective memory of generations of Emiratis and all those who call the UAE home.

In Al Ain, the tour moves into the open air. On Friday, November 20, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Orchestra performs at Al Jahili Fort.

Holding an evening of the nation’s songs at a monument that carries the heritage of the Emirates makes it a fitting setting: audiences will sing the story of the Union in a place that is itself part of the nation’s history.

'Sing for the Nation' is more than a concert to attend; it is a celebration in which the audience becomes part of the performance.

Throughout the evening, the UAE National Orchestra invites audiences to sing along, bringing their voices together with the Orchestra and Choir in a shared performance of patriotic songs.

The first edition of 'Sing for the Nation', held at Dubai Opera in May 2026, attracted more than 1,400 attendees from more than 50 nationalities and saw remarkable audience participation.

The enthusiastic response and success of the inaugural performance inspired the Orchestra to bring the concert back this season, expanding its reach to audiences across the Emirates.

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairperson of the Board of the UAE National Orchestra, said: "Love for our nation is a bond we all share, and music gives that bond a voice that brings us together. As the UAE prepares to celebrate Eid Al Etihad, Sing for the Nation returns with a national tour that honours our country, its leadership and its people, and celebrates the journey of the Union and the values of unity, loyalty and pride that it represents."

"The success of the first edition of Sing for the Nation reaffirmed the significance of this programme and the connection it has established with audiences. Seeing the audience join the Orchestra and Choir in song was a defining part of that experience, and one we wanted to bring to communities across the UAE," said Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi, Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra.

"We are particularly proud to welcome Emirati students to the stage, where their participation in song and Nabati poetry adds a new dimension to the programme and reflects our commitment to keeping these musical and cultural traditions alive for future generations," she added.

The programme features a selection of songs that hold a special place in the nation's collective memory, including 'Allah Ya Dar Zayed', 'Sawfa Nahmi Al Ittihad' and 'Zanaha Zayed'.

Their melodies and lyrics have accompanied generations of Emiratis, reflecting the story of the Union and the nation's journey of development and achievement.

The programme also features 'Rijal Wallah Rijal', the UAE National Orchestra’s musical tribute based on the poem by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, honouring those who dedicate their lives to protecting the nation.

Other works include 'Ana Jundi', 'Al Suqoor Al Mukhliseen' and 'Khaseem Al Dar', alongside compositions by some of the UAE's most prominent poets and composers.

The orchestral arrangements bring a new musical dimension to these beloved songs while preserving their original spirit.

Young voices join the national celebration

In celebration of the Year of Family, this season’s tour welcomes talented students participating through the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge’s (ADEK) Nabati Poetry initiative, introduced this academic year as part of its National Identity priority.

Developed in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the initiative’s pilot phase immerses students in Grades 1–5 across Abu Dhabi’s private and Charter schools in Emirati poetic heritage through extracurricular activities, including music.

Their participation reflects the importance of passing love for the nation and its cultural heritage from one generation to the next, giving them a platform to perform with their National Orchestra.

The students will perform patriotic songs and poems featured in the school initiative alongside the UAE National Orchestra and Choir, extending their learning to the national stage and giving them the opportunity to take to the stage and become part of this national celebration.

Passed down through generations, Nabati poetry has served as a means of expressing the values, history and deep connection to the land shared by the people of the UAE.

Abu Dhabi: Saturday, November 7, 8:00 PM, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi

Al Ain: Friday, November 20, 8:00 PM, Al Jahili Fort (outdoor)

Fujairah: Saturday, November 28, 8:00 PM, Fujairah Cultural Center 

Ras Al Khaimah: Tuesday, December 1, 7:00 PM, Ras Al Khaimah Cultural Center