Making the Next Headlines

During the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ final at Lusail Stadium, Media City Qatar revealed the new song ‘Nabd Qatar’ as the centerpiece of this year’s ‘Qatar SoundBeat’ campaign, in the presence of national leadership, government officials, visiting dignitaries, and football fans. The premiere took place during the match, uniting spectators from across the MENA region in a shared moment of national celebration on Qatar National Day.

Conceived and composed by regionally acclaimed musician Omar Rahbany, and produced by Rahbani 3.0, one of Media City Qatar’s licensed companies, the premiere unfolded with the song accompanied by a synchronized light show, transforming Lusail Stadium into a canvas of sound and light on one of the Arab world’s biggest stages. The song, performed by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, brings together the talent of 68 musicians and the sounds of 30 instruments in a rich orchestral arrangement.

‘Nabd Qatar’ draws inspiration from the nation’s defining sounds beginning with Ardha sword dance chants written by H.E. Mr. Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, and extending to the hum of desert dunes, the whisper of wind, the flight of a falcon, the echo of an Arabian horse’s gallop, the flutter of the flag, and the beat of a heart. The song is shaped through three eras of sound - ‘Tradition’, ‘Classical’ and ‘Modernity’ – that come together to tell the story of a nation that honors its roots while contributing to a broader future for Arab creativity.

The lyrics, drafted by Abdullah Khaled Abdulquddus, are rooted in thousands of public contributions gathered during Media City Qatar’s Guinness World Record-setting ‘Qatar ArtBeat’ campaign for Qatar National Day 2024, transforming the nation’s words into a musical tribute to unity and shared identity. The storytelling was further extended through an exclusive music video, directed by renowned filmmaker Karim Rahbani, which was released across Media City Qatar’s social media platforms to reach audiences in Qatar and beyond.

H.E. Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar, said: “‘Qatar SoundBeat’ turns our nation’s raw sounds into a single piece unveiled on the international stage of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ final before more than 88,000 spectators from across the Arab world. Media City Qatar used this moment to send a clear message to the region’s creative community: The future of Arab media is being shaped here. It calls every creator in our region to look to Qatar as a place where new ideas can grow. This is ‘Where Next is Made.’ As we mark Qatar National Day, we continue to support Qatar National Vision 2030 by building a media industry that honors our heritage and prepares us for a creative future.”

Omar Rahbany, composer of ‘Nabd Qatar’ and co-founder of Rahbani 3.0, added: “Media City Qatar entrusted us with creating a musical work that could carry the weight of the nation’s story. Bringing this composition to life required the collective effort of dozens of music technicians, instruments and disciplines, united to create something far greater than its parts. Every detail was crafted with intention, down to phonetic elements like ‘Wa-tan’ and ‘Na-bd Qa-tar’ to mirror the cadence of a heartbeat. The music video extends this, using Qatar’s landscapes and heritage as visual echoes of the sound. Giving form to a nation's story through melody, rhythm and emotion is among the highest honors an artist can receive."

Dr. Nasser Sahim, Deputy Executive Director of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, said:
“Performing ‘Nabd Qatar’ was an honor for the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. A work of this scale demands precision, unity and deep understanding, and our musicians approached it with a thoughtful commitment to excellence in every note. Bringing this composition to life alongside Media City Qatar reflects our commitment to contributing to the country’s creative vision and sharing Qatar’s story through music.”

Media City Qatar continues to strengthen a thriving media ecosystem in the country, now home to more than 300 licensed companies across media, content creation, gaming and digital innovation. Through initiatives like ‘Qatar SoundBeat,’ Media City Qatar contributes to a dynamic creative economy and global storytelling.

‘Nabd Qatar’ is available on the streaming platforms including YouTube, Spotify, and Anghami, ensuring audiences worldwide can experience the sound and sentiment of Qatar.