Saudi Arabia enlisted Oscar-winning legend Hans Zimmer to recompose its national anthem, a significant cultural gesture in its transformation in Saudi Arabia. In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s head of its General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, underlined a union between Zimmer’s cinematic skill and Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage in a national theme.
The choice isn’t one of mere music; it’s a message. By using one of Hollywood’s most talented composers, the monarchy is sending a message regarding its intention to rebrand its face in international society. Zimmer, whose work can be heard in such titles as The Lion King, Dune, and The Dark Knight, will modernize the anthem but preserve its Arab fanfare heritage.
Saudi Arabia’s current national anthem, “Aash Al-Malik” (“Long Live the King”), has a history that stretches over a long period of time. It was composed in 1947 by Egyptian musician Abdul Rahman Al-Khateeb at the request of King Abdulaziz and lacked lyrics. It wasn’t until 1984 that King Fahd commissioned poet Ibrahim Al Khafaji to compose the official lyrics sung today. The anthem has been a powerful national symbol for decades and is a sign of loyalty and pride.
However, with Saudi reform under Vision 2030, a move towards modernization is being initiated in most sectors, including Saudi Arabia’s music, portraying Saudi Arabia at a global level.
Turki Alalshikh’s statement confirmed Zimmer agreed to “the general outlines” of work, i.e., taking over creatively in terms of assembling an orchestra for the national anthem. Zimmer will reorchestrate the composition using a mix of traditional and new instruments, such that even with modernization, its character will not change.
Zimmer is no stranger to fusing cultures with sound. In The Lion King, he blended Western instrumentation with African beat, and in Dune, added in Middle Eastern soundscapes. With a knack for acknowledging heritage but bringing compositions to a cinematic level, Zimmer is an ideal candidate for this challenge.
Beyond the Hymn: Culture Rebirth
Zimmer’s partnership with Saudi Arabia extends even to the national anthem. Zimmer is in negotiations to produce an original Saudi-themed musical, “Arabia,” a grand production about Saudi heritage and history. Zimmer will also produce a soundtrack for a feature about the Battle of Yarmuk, an important battle in Muslim history.
These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a ambitious blueprint under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to become less dependent on oil and splash out in tourism, leisure, and the arts. Removing cinema bans and hosting global sporting events, Saudi Arabia is rebranding in earnest in a new era for Saudi Arabia.
The Bigger Picture: Transition in a Country
This musical reinterpretation is one of many Saudi cultural shifts. Saudi Arabia, over the past few years, has seen a radical overhaul, including:
The reopening of theaters in a 35-year restriction
Increasing women’s rights, like permitting them to drive and travel on their own.
Welcoming non-Muslim guests for the first time in 2018
Launching mega-projects, including the future $500 billion city, NEOM
Despite these reformative efforts, critics have condemned the government for taking such actions with an intention to boost worldwide perception and not necessarily address deeper concerns about human rights. Issues such as curtailed free speech, political dissent suppression, and high execution rates have continued to irk critics.
