Expo’s global orchestra takes UAE National Day to the world

Expo 2020 Dubai is a firm believer in the unifying power of music, which is why we decided to celebrate the 47th UAE National Day by bringing musicians from every corner of the planet to the Dubai desert for a unique rendition of the Emirati national anthem.

The orchestral performance of Ishy Bilady, which translates as ‘Long Live My Country’, came from an international ensemble, representing musicians from each of the 190 nations that have already signalled their intention to participate in our region’s first World Expo.

Seven Emirati musicians also took part in the Dubai desert performance, representing each of the emirates as well as symbolising the unity of the UAE as it prepares to host the largest event ever staged in the Arab world.

Filmed by award-winning Emirati film director, Nayla Al Khaja, the performance captures the nation’s spirit of collaboration, as well as the traditional Emirati hospitality and culture that millions of visitors will experience when Expo welcomes the world to the UAE in less than two years.

The video’s release comes just days after it was announced that 190 countries have already confirmed their participation in Expo 2020, surpassing the 180-nation commitment set out in Dubai’s successful 2013 bid to host the World Expo.

In addition to UAE National Day, the rendition also coincides with the Year of Zayed, which marks 100 years since the birth of the visionary leader who united the seven emirates.

In line with Expo 2020’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, our global philharmonic offers a tuneful example of how we aim to bring the world together in perfect harmony in 2020.