ABU DHABI, UAE – Global music icon A.R. Rahman officially premiered his new musical tribute, “Jamal Al Etihad,” at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, November 29, launching the nation’s 54th UAE National Day celebrations with a high-profile concert and a dazzling fireworks display.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The two-time Oscar and Grammy-winning composer took center stage to debut the song, which is a collaborative effort with Abu Dhabi-headquartered healthcare group Burjeel Holdings. “Jamal Al Etihad,” which translates to “Beauty of the Union,” is conceptualized as a powerful, English-language tribute celebrating the core values of the UAE: unity, coexistence, resilience, and hope.
Premiere Highlights and Artistic Vision
The highly anticipated premiere took place at the Layali Al Wathba Theatre within the Sheikh Zayed Festival. Rahman performed the composition live alongside his team, with the evening’s artistic program further enriched by live bands and culturally inspired dance showcases. The blend of world-class music and traditional artistry provided a fitting prelude to the official National Day, or Eid Al Etihad, on December 2.
In an address regarding his creation, Rahman described the track as a “simple, joyful tribute to the UAE and the values that bring the country together.” He emphasized its global appeal, stating that the composition is designed to resonate with diverse audiences, encapsulating the spirit of unity among the UAE’s multifaceted population, including workers, entrepreneurs, royalty, and expatriates.
The inspiration for the song originated in 2023 when Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, sought to commission a musical gift for the nation.
A Spectacle of Light and Sound
The live performance was immediately followed by a spectacular three-minute fireworks display, illuminating the sky above the festival grounds at 10:00 PM. The synchronized pyrotechnic show further amplified the festive atmosphere, symbolizing the nation’s pride and the grandeur of the National Day lead-up.
Omran Al Khoori, a Board Member at Burjeel Holdings, underscored the significance of the timing and venue, noting that the Sheikh Zayed Festival provides the ideal platform for sharing a tribute “shaped by the UAE’s values and its spirit of unity” during a period of national reflection and celebration of the country’s progress.
The event, which was free for all festival visitors, successfully positioned “Jamal Al Etihad” as a central component of the UAE’s annual festive season, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to culture, heritage, and inclusive community spirit. The song is slated for a digital release on A.R. Rahman’s official platforms following its public debut.
