United Arab Emirates
"Ishy Bilady" (Long Live My Nation)

Words by: Aref Al Sheikh Abdullah Al Hassan
Music by: Mohamad Abdel Wahab
Adopted: 1971 (music), 1996 (words)

Long one of my favourite anthems, the anthem of the UAE was without words (and a classic example of the style of anthem known as "Arab fanfare") until 1996, when words were written for it. The author of the music also composed the music for the national anthem of Tunisia and the royal anthem of Libya.

Special thanks to: Michael Bristow for providing me with the lyrics to the anthem.