Saudi Arabia has enlisted the renowned Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to create a refreshed rendition of its national anthem, as confirmed by a senior official within the nation.
This initiative arises as the traditional Arab monarchy aims to enhance its global reputation while attempting to diversify its oil-dependent economy.
Zimmer has received Academy Awards for his musical compositions in The Lion King in 1995 and Dune in 2022.
He is also credited with crafting scores for other iconic films such as Gladiator, Rain Man, and The Dark Knight Trilogy featuring Batman.
Turki Alalshikh, the chairperson of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, posted a picture on X of his meeting with Zimmer, stating: “We spoke extensively about many upcoming projects that I hope will materialize soon… including the reorchestration of the Saudi national anthem using various instruments.”
He further mentioned that they explored the idea of creating a musical piece titled Arabia inspired by his beloved country, along with the organization of a grand concert featuring a novel concept for the Riyadh season in the forthcoming years.
“I also introduced him to the stage we have reached with the film The Battle of Yarmouk (Khalid bin Al-Walid) and the potential for his involvement in composing the film’s score,” said Mr. Alalshikh.
He added that Zimmer had “expressed agreement on the broader concepts” of these endeavors, and they aim to “finalize an agreement on them soon.”
The national anthem of the kingdom, “Aash Al-Malik” (“Long Live The King”), was penned in 1947 by an Egyptian composer at the behest of the founding monarch of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz, as indicated by nationalanthems.info.
The reasons behind the Saudi authorities’ consideration to modify the anthem remain unclear at this time.
Read more:
UK footballers look to Saudi Arabia
Starmer defies critics of Saudi trip
Is the Saudi tennis takeover sportswashing?
Saudi Arabia, recognized as the largest oil exporter globally and home to Islam’s most sacred sites, has reinstated cinemas, permitted women to drive, and welcomed its first non-Muslim tourists as part of its efforts to enhance its image.
Mr. Alalshikh has played a significant role in various cultural and sporting endeavors in Saudi Arabia over recent years, including heavyweight boxing championship bouts and concerts featuring international artists within the nation.
The Kingdom is also set to host the 2034 World Cup.
Nevertheless, critics have accused the nation of cloaking its persistent hardline regulations under the guise of reform, notably regarding restricted rights for women, limitations on free expression, and high rates of executions.