The Pulse of Qatar: A New National Anthem Unveiled

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 final at Lusail Stadium showcased a stunning blend of sports and culture, with more than 88,000 attendees witnessing not just the athletic spectacle but also the premiere of a brand-new national anthem: ‘Nabd Qatar’ (The Pulse of Qatar). This vibrant event was set against the backdrop of Qatar National Day and aimed to weave the nation’s tradition into its forward-looking creative vision.

A Musical Journey Through Heritage

Crafted by the esteemed musician Omar Rahbany and produced by Rahbani 3.0, ‘Nabd Qatar’ is more than just an anthem; it’s an auditory exploration of Qatar’s rich history. The composition, performed by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, includes 68 musicians and integrates both Western symphonic elements and traditional Arabic sounds. Rahbany describes the music’s structure as a reflection of three pivotal eras: ‘Tradition’, ‘Classical’, and ‘Modernity’.

Soundscapes of the Desert

The composition intentionally evokes a vivid tapestry of desert life. Listeners can identify:

Ardha sword dance chants: Traditional lyrics penned by H.E. Mr. Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali.
Nature’s Rhythm: Sounds that capture the hum of sand dunes, the gentle wind, and falcon calls.
Motion: The rhythmic galloping of an Arabian horse and the fluttering of the national flag.

Omar Rahbany explained the meticulous nature of the musical creation, likening it to replicating a heartbeat: “Every detail was crafted with intention, including phonetic elements like ‘Wa-tan’ (homeland) and ‘Na-bd Qa-tar’ (Pulse of Qatar) to echo the rhythm of a heartbeat. It’s an honor to translate a nation’s story into melody and emotion.”

Collective Voices in Lyrics

While the music was expertly crafted, the essence of the lyrics was birthed from the people. Abdullah Khaled Abdulquddus wrote the words, gathering inspirations from the ‘Qatar ArtBeat’ campaign—a remarkable initiative that amassed contributions from the public, earning a Guinness World Record. This collaboration resulted in a song that truly reflects the collective voice of the nation, transforming heartfelt written tributes into a compelling musical narrative.

According to Dr. Nasser Sahim, Deputy Executive Director of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, the performance held great significance: “A work of this magnitude requires precision and unity. Our musicians approached it with a commitment to excellence in every note.”

A Message from Media City Qatar

The event at Lusail Stadium also symbolized a bold vision from Media City Qatar. Beyond its cultural achievements, the organization aims to establish Qatar as a leading hub for global media and creativity, currently home to over 300 licensed companies in various fields including gaming, digital innovation, and content creation.

H.E. Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar, emphasized the anthem’s role as an invitation to regional creatives: “Media City Qatar used this occasion to convey a clear message: the future of Arab media is being forged here. We encourage every creator in our region to see Qatar as a fertile ground for innovative ideas.”

For those who missed the live performance, ‘Nabd Qatar’ is now available for streaming on various platforms like Spotify, Anghami, and YouTube, allowing listeners worldwide to experience the modern heartbeat of the Gulf.

Conclusion

The premiere of ‘Nabd Qatar’ at the FIFA Arab Cup final was not just a musical event; it was a celebration of national pride and cultural unity, reflecting Qatar’s rich heritage while looking towards its future. This anthem stands as a testament to the collective spirit and creative aspirations of the people.