Dubai, UAE- EmiratesReporter.com spoke with Dr. Harmeek Singh, a prominent UAE-based businessman, philanthropist, and community leader whose journey in the Emirates spans nearly 25 years. Widely respected for his contributions to business and humanitarian causes, Dr. Singh recently made history as the First Sikh to dedicate his voice to the UAE National Anthem. In this Exclusive conversation, he shares his deep gratitude for the nation that shaped his personal and professional journey and explains why the tribute was far more than a song, it was a heartfelt thank you to a country he proudly calls home.
E.R- What inspired you to dedicate your voice to the UAE national anthem, and what did this tribute personally mean to you?
DR. HARMEEK SINGH- This tribute was born from gratitude and belonging. Nearly 25 years ago, I arrived in the UAE with a suitcase full of dreams and no certainty of what the future would hold. This nation gave me opportunities, friendships, purpose, and a platform to become the person I am today. As someone who has spent almost half his life here, I no longer see myself as an expatriate living in the UAE. I see myself as someone whose story has been written alongside the story of this nation. Singing the UAE National Anthem was my way of saying a simple but heartfelt thank you.
E.R- As a global business leader and the first Sikh to perform this tribute, how emotional and memorable was this experience for you?
DR. HARMEEK SINGH- It was one of the most emotional moments of my life. As a Sikh, I was taught that gratitude is not something you feel but it is something you express through action. This tribute was my expression of gratitude. Standing there, I wasn’t thinking about titles, achievements, or even being the first Sikh to sing the anthem. I was thinking about the countless memories this country has given me, the people I met, the businesses I built, the causes I supported, and the life I was blessed to create here. For those few minutes, 25 years flashed before my eyes.
E.R- The UAE is known for its culture of tolerance and unity. How has your journey in the UAE shaped your personal and professional life?
DR. HARMEEK SINGH- The UAE taught me one powerful lesson: people matter more than labels. I have lived here as a Sikh, an Indian, a businessman, a humanitarian, and a community leader. At every stage, I was welcomed not because of where I came from but because of what I could contribute. That is the true strength of the UAE. This country did not simply help me build businesses—it helped me build character, relationships, and a sense of responsibility towards society.
E.R- What are your thoughts on the UAE’s remarkable growth and the opportunities it continues to create?
DR. HARMEEK SINGH- The UAE is proof that vision can change history. The country gives people permission to dream. Whether you arrive with wealth or with nothing but ambition, the UAE gives you a fair chance to succeed.
E.R- Music has the power to unite people across cultures and communities. What emotions did you hope listeners would feel?
DR. HARMEEK SINGH- I hoped people would feel pride, gratitude, and togetherness. My hope was that every listener, whether Emirati or expatriate, would pause for a moment and remember what this country has given them and how fortunate we are to call it home.
E.R- What makes the UAE so special?
DR. HARMEEK SINGH- The UAE has achieved something very few nations have managed to achieve, it has made millions of people feel that they belong. People often come here for a job, but they stay because they discover a home.
E.R- What message would you like to give expatriates and young entrepreneurs?
DR. HARMEEK SINGH- Never take this country for granted. The UAE rewards hard work, integrity, resilience, and courage. Build businesses that create value. Build reputations that outlive profits. Build relationships before transactions. Most importantly, give back. “India gave me my roots. The UAE gave me my wings.” I may have been born in India, but after nearly 25 years, a part of my heart beats in the UAE.
This was never about singing a song. It was about thanking a nation that became home.
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