Years of Culture
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2026/01/29
The title As-Salam al-Amiri translates as “Peace to the Amir” or “The Amiri Salute.” This meaning reflects an expression of unity, respect and collective loyalty, centred on enduring national values.
The anthem’s elegant and dignified melody has the power to bring people together in shared moments of pride and recognition. The lyrics are concise and direct, describing the important principles that frame Qatar’s national identity: faith, loyalty and independence.
As-Salam al-Amiri was officially adopted as the Qatar national anthem in December 1996, coinciding with the accession of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. This period marked an important turning point in Qatar’s modern history, characterised by development, renewal and increasing engagement with the international community.
The introduction of a formal national anthem formed part of a broader effort to articulate Qatari identity. As Qatar’s diplomatic, cultural and sporting presence expanded globally, the anthem became an essential element of state protocol, offering a clear and unified musical identity. Prior to this, Qatar used ceremonial music on official occasions, but did not have one single, standardised national anthem.
The lyrics were written by poet, writer and diplomat Sheikh Mubarak bin Saif Al Thani, while the music was composed by award-winning Qatari musician Abdulaziz Nasser Obaidan. Notably, the anthem avoids references to individual leaders or specific historical events. Instead, it focuses on shared beliefs and collective values, allowing it to remain relevant across generations while reinforcing continuity and stability over time.
The lyrics of the Qatar national anthem are written in formal Arabic and are intentionally concise. They affirm faith, freedom and loyalty, principles that underpin Qatar’s collective ideals. Below are the original verses, paired with an English translation:
قَسَمًا بِمَنْ رَفَعَ السَّمَاء
Swearing by God who raised the sky
قَسَمًا بِمَنْ نَشَرَ الضِّيَاء
Swearing by God who spread the light
قَطَرٌ سَتَبْقَى حُرَّةً
Qatar will always be free
تَسْمُو بِرُوحِ الأَوْفِيَاء
Elevated by the spirit of the loyal
سِيرُوا عَلَى نَهْجِ الأُولَى
Proceed along the path of the forebears
سِيرُوا وَعَلَى ضِيَائِهَا
Walk guided by their light
فِي عَزْمِنَا يَوْمَ النِّدَا
With determination on the day of calling
قَطَرٌ دَائِمًا سَلَامٌ
Qatar is always peace
The opening lines invoke God as the ultimate witness, grounding the anthem in Islamic belief and reflecting the role of faith as a guiding force in Qatari society.
References to loyalty and guidance from earlier generations highlight the importance of heritage and continuity. Together, these verses underline collective responsibility, respect for the past and confidence in the future.
The Qatar national anthem plays an important role at local and international events. Through its musical simplicity and emotional depth, As-Salam al-Amiri is an enduring and practical expression of Qatar’s national identity.
The Qatar national anthem is performed at major state occasions, including Qatar National Day celebrations on 18th December, official receptions, military ceremonies and government events. On select ceremonial occasions, the anthem is performed in orchestral form, including refined interpretations by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
In recent years, As-Salam al-Amiri has been heard on some of the world’s most prominent stages. Notably, it was performed during the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, marking a historic moment as Qatar welcomed a global audience. The anthem was also played repeatedly throughout the tournament at match openings involving the national team, reinforcing national pride during an unprecedented international event.
More recently, the anthem featured at the AFC Asian Cup, hosted by Qatar, as well as at international sporting competitions where Qatari athletes represent the nation abroad. It is also performed during official events such as the inauguration of Doha’s Flag Plaza, diplomatic visits, state receptions and multilateral gatherings, where it accompanies formal protocol and signals Qatar’s presence with dignity and consistency.
As-Salam al-Amiri expresses values that are widely recognised within Qatari society, with faith, freedom and loyalty forming the core of its message. Faith is invoked as a guiding principle, reflecting the role of Islam in shaping moral outlooks and collective responsibility, while freedom is affirmed as an enduring condition linked to sovereignty and self-determination. Loyalty is presented as a shared commitment that connects past, present and future generations.
By avoiding references to specific historical events or individuals, the anthem maintains a timeless quality. Its clear language and restrained structure allow it to remain relevant across changing contexts, ensuring it continues to represent the state with dignity, unity and consistency.
On Qatar National Day, As-Salam al-Amiri takes on particular significance. As it opens official ceremonies and public celebrations, it provides a moment of collective recognition, linking the day’s festivities with shared civic values.
Throughout the year, the Qatar national anthem continues to play a steady role in the country’s civic and cultural life, across public spaces, schools and official venues. It accompanies key occasions, represents Qatar abroad and reinforces a sense of shared purpose at home. Through its measured tone, meaningful lyrics and beautiful melody, As-Salam al-Amiriremains a lasting expression of Qatar’s national identity.
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