DUBAI,  – A Latvian cultural troupe surprised the audience – which included His Excellency Egils Levits, President of Latvia and his wife, as well as VIPs from the UAE – by singing an Arabic song during a cultural performance to celebrate Expo 2020 Dubai’s Latvia National Day at Al Wasl Plaza on Saturday (27 November).
 
The song, ‘Beit Zayed’ (House of Zayed), was performed with great gusto and clear diction by Intars Busulis, along with sisters and co-singers Asnate Rancane and Aurelija Rancane, dressed in Latvian national costumes. The song was in praise of the UAE, ahead of the nation’s Golden Jubilee celebrations on 2 December.
 
The performance was so well received that His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, went to the stage to congratulate the singers.
 
Intars Busulis, a popular Latvian singer and musician, later said the performers had rehearsed the song just three times with the help of an Arab friend in Latvia.
 
Intars Busulis said: “The UAE Embassy in Latvia provided us with the necessary help and support. I feel very happy that we came here and presented this song wearing our national costumes out of love for the UAE and its leadership.”
 
Co-singer Ansate Rancane added: “What a great honour to come to this place and sing in Arabic. The audience loved us very much, judging from the reactions. I almost cried out of joy. For me, the most important thing in music and singing is to spread joy, love and friendship. This is a really big moment for us, because our message of appreciation for putting together this beautiful global event was heard.”
 
Aurelija Rancane said: “The audience reaction was amazing. Everyone stood up and applauded, and we felt true friendship between the two countries. I am proud that we presented a message that highlighted the love of the Latvians to the people of the UAE, and our appreciation of the country’s exceptional leadership.”