Indian students give UAE anthem a classical edge, Dubai Crown Prince takes note
Indian students perform the UAE national anthem using classical instruments, earning praise online and appreciation from Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan for their soulful, cross-cultural rendition.
A video of a group of 13 Indian students performing the UAE national anthem using classical instruments received admiration and warm reactions from viewers for their unique rendition.
The performance was shared by Dubai-based performing arts hub Malhaar on its official Instagram account, where it gained traction across social media platforms.
In the video, the children were seen dressed in white traditional Indian outfits, accessorised with scarves reflecting the colours of the UAE flag. They performed the anthem using a range of Indian classical instruments including the harmonium, tabla, tabla tarang, dholak, pakhawaj, sitar, sarod, flute, and jal tarang.
The rendition stood out for seamlessly blending Indian musical traditions with a composition that held deep national significance in the UAE. Throughout the performance, the students appeared cheerful and fully immersed, adding to the warmth of the moment.
Watch the video here:
Speaking about the inspiration behind the performance, Malhaar’s founder and director Jogiraj Sikidar said in a statement to Gulf News: “It was a stressful time for everyone. Yet we felt secure seeing how UAE authorities were taking care of residents. Around that time, I saw a hoarding on the highway that said, ‘In the UAE, all are Emiratis.’ That message touched me deeply and made me feel an even stronger sense of belonging,”
The performance also caught the attention of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, who shared the video on his Instagram story with a simple note of appreciation, thanking the students for their effort.
Take a look at the story here:
The video received an outpouring of appreciation online, with several viewers describing the performance as both soulful and creatively executed. Some users also expressed pride in seeing young students bring together two cultures through music, emphasising the emotional depth and harmony of the rendition.
Parents of some of the participants also shared their joy, mentioning how meaningful it was to see their children be part of such a unique cultural expression.
Others praised the initiative for promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange, saying it beautifully reflected the diverse and welcoming spirit of the UAE.