A community choir based in Dubai has released a non-commercial video tribute dedicated to the United Arab Emirates, marking what its members describe as a collective expression of gratitude from a multicultural ensemble that has called the country home since 2017.
Dubai Camerata Singers performed “I Believe” — a piece originally popularized by Andrea Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins, with music by Eric Lévi and arranged for SATB choir by Carlo Serrano — as the centerpiece of “Shukran, UAE: A Tribute of Gratitude.” The production involved individual vocal recordings, coordinated rehearsals, and on-location filming before being assembled into the final tribute.
Creative Director and Choir Manager Fermel B. Fuentes said the project grew out of a longstanding sense of obligation to give back. “Since our inception in 2017, Dubai Camerata Singers has always been more than a choir — we are a community. This tribute is our humble way of giving back and saying thank you to the leaders of this country and to the UAE that has welcomed us, supported us, and allowed us to grow.”
He acknowledged that bringing the tribute together was not without difficulty. “There were many challenges, but through perseverance, faith, and teamwork, we kept going. This tribute was not just a performance — it was our way of saying thank you, from our hearts.”
Musical Director and Choir Master Arne S. Lubasan framed the choral format itself as a deliberate reflection of the UAE’s social fabric. “A choir represents many voices coming together as one — just like the diverse communities that call the UAE home. Our goal was to create something sincere and inclusive — a musical ‘thank you’ that anyone could feel connected to.” He added that the production was shaped by the current global climate: “During a time when much of the world feels uncertain, we wanted to reflect the feeling of safety, stability, and coexistence that we experience here in the UAE.”
The tribute’s audio was handled by Reg Terence S. Gentica, who also performs as a choir member. “My approach was to keep the sound clean, balanced, and emotionally honest. I avoided over-processing because sincerity of performance was the priority,” he said, noting that his dual role as both engineer and performer gave him an added dimension of understanding: “Being part of the choir myself made this project even more meaningful. I understood the emotion from the inside.”
Videographer and editor Ian Christian Angeles said the visual approach was rooted in personal connection rather than aesthetic spectacle. “The concept came from appreciation. I wanted the visuals to express how the UAE feels to many of us — not just how it looks.” On the filming conditions, he said: “The location felt like a blessing. It gave us a peaceful atmosphere that supported the sincerity of the message we wanted to convey.”
Several choir members described the experience in terms that extended beyond the performance itself. Senior Financial Auditor Sly Carlos Carbonell said the tribute carried meaning in the broader regional context: “Singing this tribute deepened my empathy and reminded me that compassion can rise above differences. It gave me hope for unity and peace.”
For teacher Diana Rose Collado, joining the choir had personal significance: “Being part of Dubai Camerata Singers has given me a sense of belonging within a diverse and passionate musical community. It reflects the welcoming spirit of the UAE itself.”
Customer Service Supervisor Rhovi-Kaye Allado-Nasis described the emotional weight behind each note: “Every note became a quiet thank you — for the chances we were given, for the dignity of work, and for the dreams we are able to build for our loved ones back home.”
The choir has also announced a forthcoming live performance, “Shukran, UAE: A Concert of Gratitude,” described as an intimate choral event drawing from musical traditions across multiple cultures. Dates and venue details have not yet been confirmed.
Alongside the concert announcement, the group disclosed that it has secured access to a professional recording and filming facility for future productions — a development Fuentes called significant for an ensemble that operates without commercial revenue. “As a community choir, every opportunity like this is a blessing. It reminds us that when people believe in your purpose, doors begin to open. This support allows us to continue improving our craft and sharing meaningful music with the community.”
