Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has brought a new wave of thought, a futuristic way of living, and is redefining the very pillars of his kingdom. In line with his visionary approach, it seems only natural to reimagine the kingdom’s national anthem. To undertake this monumental task, none other than, the best in the business, two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer has been enlisted to create a new interpretation of the anthem.
Turki Al Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, shared the announcement on X, revealing that Zimmer will also compose an original piece titled Arabia. This composition will pay tribute to Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage. Al Sheikh described Zimmer as one of the greatest musicians of the modern age, a well-earned accolade for the 67-year-old maestro who has won four Grammy Awards and was named among the Top 100 Living Geniuses by The Daily Telegraph in 2007.
With Zimmer on board and Saudi Arabia emerging as a global cultural hub, fueled by modern projects like Utamo, massive stadiums, and state-of-the-art arenas, this partnership is set to inspire numerous groundbreaking initiatives. Zimmer, celebrated for his scores in iconic films such as The Lion King, Interstellar, Gladiator, and Dune, will also craft the soundtrack for the upcoming Saudi film The Battle of Yarmouk.
Al Sheikh further hinted at plans for a grand concert featuring Zimmer during an upcoming Riyadh Season, the kingdom’s winter festival showcasing music, sports, and cultural craftsmanship from around the world. With these transformative efforts spearheaded by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, the kingdom is poised to become a pulsating center of global culture and creativity.
