Dubai: A community choir in the UAE has marked the nation’s 53rd National Day with a unique musical gesture that has now gone viral. A group of 132 singers, including 131 Malayalis, delivered a powerful rendition of the UAE national anthem “Eishi Biladi” in a Western four-part harmony arrangement — a rare format for the anthem.
The performance was created by the ‘Joyful Singers’ choir, a UAE-based community collective known for its multicultural musical collaborations. According to the group, the anthem was sung as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the UAE for providing support, opportunities, and a sense of belonging to expatriates.
The one-minute music album was recorded over four weeks, featuring four vocal divisions — soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Choir director David Anoush, who has lived in Dubai for over 10 years, said the initiative came from a desire to honour the UAE using the musical traditions the group is most familiar with.
The video was shot in the iconic Flag Garden in Dubai, surrounded by 11,000 UAE flags, and completed in two major production phases.
The project brought together singers aged 4 to 70, reflecting the inclusivity of the community. The four-part musical arrangement was developed by Kerala musician Nibin Jose in collaboration with David Chacko Victor, audio engineer from Accompaniment Tracks USA.
Founded in 2023 with just 27 members, the ‘Joyful Singers’ choir has now grown into a 144-member ensemble that performs two major concerts each year across the UAE. Their National Day anthem tribute has gained massive appreciation and has been trending on YouTube.
