In recognition of his contributions to the State, Zubir was conferred the "Sijil Kemuliaan" (Certificate of Honour) on 16 March 1963 and the "Bintang Bakti Masyarakat" (Public Service Star) in the same year. In 1971, he received the "Jasawan Seni" (cultural medallion) award from eight Malay cultural organisations, and the Asean Cultural and Communications Award in 1987. He also received a Certificate of Commendation from the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) for composing the AUPE song. In 1995, Zubir was posthumously given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS).