As Salam al Amiri is the national anthem of the state of Qatar. It was written by Sheikh Mubarak bin Saïf al Thani. It was performed for the first time on Saturday 7 December 1996 during the reception of GCC leaders on the occasion of the 17th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit held in Doha. English translation Swearing by God who erected the sky Swearing by God who spread the light Qatar will always be free Sublimed by the souls of the sincere Proceed thou on the manners of the ascendants And advance on Prophet's guidance In my heart, Qatar is an epic of glory and dignity Qatar is land of the early men Who protect us in time of distress, Doves they can be at times of peace, Warriors they are at times of sacrifice