Watch: Indian students’ classical rendition of UAE's national anthem goes viral across Emirates

A soulful rendition of the UAE national anthem, Ishy Bilady, has taken social media by storm, as a group of 13 Indian students showcased a unique cultural fusion that has resonated deeply across the Emirates.

The performance, organised by the Dubai-based performing arts centre Malhaar, features students aged 8 to 16 performing the anthem entirely on traditional Indian classical instruments. Set against a minimalistic white backdrop, the children—dressed in ivory traditional attire adorned with scarves in the colours of the UAE flag—brought the anthem to life using the sitar, tabla, harmonium, flute, and dholak.

Watch the performance here:

The video has garnered millions of views across platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, striking a chord during a time of heightened regional tension. Unlike many modern covers, the production avoided all electronic effects, relying solely on the acoustic resonance of the instruments to bridge the two cultures.

Inspiration amid regional uncertainty

Jogiraj Sikidar, Founder and Director of Malhaar, shared that the project was inspired by a simple billboard he saw on a Dubai highway that read, “In the UAE, we are all Emirati.” > “I have been in the UAE for 20 years, and while many call it their second home, I call it my first,” Sikidar told The National.

“We wanted to capture the essence of the emotional bond Indian expatriates carry in their hearts every day,” he added.

The tribute has received unprecedented praise from both Indian and Emirati officials. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, shared the video on his Instagram story with a simple “Thank you,” while India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, described it as an “outstanding rendition” that exemplifies the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.