TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)
"Being selected to write for my nation fills me with pride. I see it as a way to repay even a small measure of the favour this country has bestowed on me."
These were the heartfelt words of Emirati poet, Ali Al-Khawar, who composed the lyrics to "Bedouins Built a Nation", the official song for this year's 53rd Eid Al Etihad, which was celebrated on December 2.
The musical arrangement for the traditional Emirati song, titled "Badu Benaina Ommah" in Arabic, was composed by Mohammed Al Ahmad and performed by the Emirates Choir.
Al-Khawar, also known as the "Poet of the Nation" and the "Ambassador of Abu Dhabi", told Aletihad in an interview how one of his poems came to be a celebrated anthem.
"I'm a poet from the UAE who always tries to express his love and appreciation for this country through poems and songs," he said.
"I had written several poems [for the national Eid Al Etihad celebrations]. Two poems were chosen by the organising committee. My poem 'Bedouins Built a Nation' was chosen to be the official song of the event.
"The song was performed at the celebration in front of the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.
"The song received very positive feedback from the attendees. This feedback made my day.
"Praise be to Allah, we could produce such songs and other songs written by our colleagues at the event."
The 57-year-old poet waxes lyrical about "Badu Benaina Ommah", describing it as a unique composition that combines the "authenticity rooted in the values of Bedouinism, with progress and modernity, representing the vision of the UAE and its shining journey, similar to the star of Thuraya that illuminated the paths for our ancestors, and is still a guide and witness to our achievements and innovations".
Al-Khawar added that he also collaborated with Emirati singer Eidha Al Minhali on another song for the occasion, arranged by composer Marwan Al Mazroui, called "Kafou".
He worked on two more songs with composer Omar Al Azabi, titled "Sha'ab Mubtakir" and "Ammantak Bladak".
Al-Khawar, who holds a bachelor's degree in media and communication sciences specialising in public relations and advertising, began his poetry career at the age of 16. He gained renown for his emotional and patriotic poems and songs and went on to participate in numerous poetry festivals both in the UAE and abroad.
The award-winning artist has hosted notable poetry events and has published several audio and written poetry anthologies.
The song was released on November 25 and is available on all major music streaming services.