National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

The national anthem of United Arab Emirates is called: « Ishy Bilady ».

Continent: Asia

Bordering Countries:
🇴🇲 Oman
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

History of « Ishy Bilady »

« Ishy Bilady » (Long Live My Nation) is the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its unity, and the pride of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1971: The music for « Ishy Bilady » was composed by Mohammed Abdel Wahab, an Egyptian composer, in 1971, the year the UAE was founded.
  • 1996: The lyrics were written by Arif Al Sheikh Abdullah Al Hassan and were officially adopted in 1996, giving the anthem its current form.

Anecdotes

  • Founding Year: The music for the anthem was composed in 1971, the same year the United Arab Emirates was established as a federation of seven emirates. The anthem symbolizes the unity and aspirations of the newly formed nation.
  • Delayed Lyrics: For many years, the anthem was played without lyrics. It wasn’t until 1996 that Arif Al Sheikh Abdullah Al Hassan wrote the lyrics, which were then officially adopted, adding a vocal dimension to the anthem.
  • Cultural Significance: « Ishy Bilady » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Emirati people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Emiratis.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Arabic

عيشي بلادي، عاش اتحاد إماراتنا
عشت لشعب دينه الإسلام هديه القرآن
حصنتك بسم الله يا وطن
بلادي بلادي بلادي بلادي
حماك الإله شرور الزمان
أقسمنا أن نبني نعمل
نعمل نخلص نعمل نخلص
مهما عشنا نخلص نخلص
دام الأمان وعاش العلم يا إماراتنا
رمز العروبة
كلنا نفديكِ بالدما نرويكِ
نفديك بالأرواح يا وطن

Translated in English

Long live my nation, the unity of our Emirates lives
You have lived for a nation whose religion is Islam and guide is the Quran
I made you stronger in the name of God, oh homeland
My country, my country, my country, my country
God has protected you from the evils of time
We have sworn to build and work
Work sincerely, work sincerely
As long as we live, we will be sincere
The safety has lasted and the flag has lived, oh our Emirates
The symbol of Arabism
We all sacrifice for you, we supply you with our blood
We sacrifice for you with our souls, oh homeland

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