Saudi Arabia has engaged Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to create a new rendition of its national anthem, as stated by a senior official, reflecting the kingdom’s efforts to enhance its image.
Zimmer, renowned for his film scores such as “The Lion King” (1994), “Dune,” and the “Dark Knight” trilogy, has consented to the general framework of the project, according to Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.
“We have had extensive discussions regarding various future initiatives that I hope will materialize soon, including the rearrangement of the Saudi national anthem using diverse instruments,” Alalshikh shared on X, where he oversees numerous Saudi projects.
Additionally, Zimmer explored the concept of a Saudi-inspired musical titled “Arabia,” a large-scale concert, and the soundtrack for “The Battle of Yarmuk,” an upcoming Saudi film, as mentioned by Alalshikh.
“We have reached an agreement on the general outlines of all these projects, and I am optimistic that we will finalize them soon,” he remarked.
The Saudi anthem, “Aash Al-Malik” (“Long Live The King”), was composed in 1947 by Egyptian musician Abdul Rahman Al-Khateeb at the behest of the founding monarch, King Abdulaziz, as noted by nationalanthems.info.
The existing version is characterized by the “Arab fanfare” style prevalent in the region during that time, according to the website.
As the world’s largest oil exporter and the location of Islam’s holiest sites, Saudi Arabia is undertaking a significant transformation to diversify its economy beyond oil.
Following the reopening of cinemas, the authorization for women to drive, and the acceptance of the first non-Muslim tourists in 2018, the transformation has accelerated with numerous mega-projects, including resorts and NEOM, a $500 billion futuristic city in the desert.
Alalshikh has played a pivotal role in various cultural and sporting events, including heavyweight boxing and concerts featuring international artists.
The reasons behind the authorities’ decision to revamp the anthem remain unclear.
