A musical tribute inspired by love for Sharjah, respect for its leadership and gratitude for the values the emirate represents is set to reach audiences through “Sharjah”, a special song by Dubai-based international Asian singer Sonia Majeed in honour of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. 

The song has been conceived as a heartfelt expression of the sentiments shared by members of the Asian community living in the UAE. At its heart are three simple but powerful emotions – love, gratitude and loyalty. Through music, the project seeks to celebrate not only the emirate of Sharjah, but also the cultural, educational and humanitarian values that have shaped its identity over the years. 

A Song Inspired by Sharjah’s Identity 

“Sharjah” is presented as more than a tribute song. Its concept brings together themes of heritage and culture, knowledge and education, compassion and humanity, while reflecting the deep sense of pride associated with the emirate. The official artwork describes the song as a celebration of “our pride, our heritage, our blessing”, capturing the emotional connection at the centre of the project. 

The song has been conceptualised by Mr. Syed Saleem Akhtar and Mr. Faraaz Ahmed Siddiqui, with lyrics by Imrana Majeed and music by Samran Warsi. Sonia Majeed lends her voice to the composition, bringing the tribute to life through a musical expression rooted in appreciation and cultural respect. 

The creative direction of the project also reflects Sharjah’s distinctive character. Traditional architecture, heritage imagery, the UAE flag, waterways, mosques and cultural landmarks come together in the official presentation of the song, symbolising an emirate where history and modernity continue to exist side by side. 

Celebrating a Cultural and Intellectual Hub 

Sharjah’s reputation as a centre for culture and knowledge has developed through sustained investment in education, literature, heritage and the arts. The emirate was designated UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998 and was named World Book Capital in 2019, reflecting its long-standing commitment to reading, publishing, education and cultural development. 

The emirate’s cultural landscape includes museums, libraries, heritage sites, literary programmes, theatres and international events that have helped place Sharjah on the global cultural map. This identity is closely associated with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, whose leadership has placed considerable emphasis on preserving heritage while building institutions for education and cultural development. 

It is this journey that “Sharjah” seeks to honour. Rather than focusing solely on the personality of the ruler, the song attempts to celebrate the broader values associated with the emirate – knowledge, heritage, compassion, education and respect for people. 

A Tribute From a Diverse Community 

The significance of the song also lies in the community from which its message emerges. The UAE is home to people from a wide range of nationalities and cultural backgrounds, with Asian communities forming an important part of the country’s social and economic fabric. 

For generations of Asian residents, the UAE has been a place to build careers, businesses and families. Beyond their professional contributions, these communities have also become part of the country’s rich cultural landscape, bringing their languages, traditions, music and celebrations into an increasingly interconnected society. 

For many, expressions of gratitude towards the UAE are personal. They are connected to experiences of opportunity, safety, dignity and belonging. “Sharjah” attempts to give those emotions a collective voice. 

Sonia Majeed’s Musical Expression 

For Sonia Majeed, the project represents a cultural expression rather than simply another musical release. Her presentation of “Sharjah” brings together her identity as an international Asian singer with the cultural environment of the UAE, creating a tribute that aims to connect communities through music. 

The choice of Sharjah as the focus of the composition is significant. The emirate has developed an international reputation for protecting its heritage while encouraging contemporary cultural expression. In that environment, music becomes a natural medium through which appreciation can be expressed across linguistic and cultural boundaries. 

The song’s message is therefore deliberately universal. Love for a place, gratitude towards its leadership, pride in heritage and respect for humanity are emotions that can be understood without translation. 

Taking the Message Beyond the UAE 

“Sharjah” is scheduled for release across major digital and online music platforms, allowing the tribute to reach audiences in the UAE and beyond. While the song is rooted in the sentiments of the Asian community in Dubai and Sharjah, its message is intended for a much wider audience. 

The project brings together music, heritage and cultural appreciation in an effort to tell a story about Sharjah through an artistic lens. It recognises an emirate known for its commitment to knowledge and culture, while acknowledging the role of its leadership in shaping that identity. 

At a time when the UAE’s multicultural society continues to bring together people from different parts of the world, “Sharjah” offers a reminder that cultural appreciation can take many forms. Sometimes it is expressed through words, sometimes through art and sometimes through a song. 

For Sonia Majeed and the creative team behind the project, “Sharjah” is ultimately a musical gesture of respect – a song carrying love, gratitude and loyalty, while celebrating the heritage, knowledge, compassion and humanity that have become closely associated with the emirate. 

Concept: Mr. Syed Saleem Akhtar and Mr. Faraaz Ahmed Siddiqui 

 Singer: Sonia Majeed 

 Writing: Imrana Majeed 

 Music: Samran Warsi