Saudi Arabia Has Asked Hans Zimmer to Create New Version of National Anthem
Saudi Arabia has approached Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to work on a new version of its national anthem, a senior official announced. The kingdom is stepping up its image makeover as it seeks to diversify its economy away from oil and attract more foreign investment.
According to reports, Zimmer, known for his work on The Lion King, Dune, and the Dark Knight trilogy, has agreed to the “broad outlines” of the project. The new national anthem will feature different instruments and is part of a series of cultural and musical projects initiated by the General Entertainment Authority, led by its chairman, Turki Alalshikh.
Zimmer also discussed working on a Saudi-inspired musical, a “very large concert” and the soundtrack for The Battle of Yarmuk, a forthcoming film. Alalshikh said that the parties have agreed on the broad outlines of these projects and are hopeful of reaching a final agreement.
The current Saudi national anthem, Aash Al-Malik (Long Live the King), was written in 1947 by Egyptian composer Abdul Rahman Al-Khateeb at the request of King Abdulaziz. The anthem is in the style of Arab fanfare and is in need of a modern update.
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to revamp its image come as the country seeks to distance itself from its oil-based economy and focus on other sectors. The kingdom has already made significant moves to diversify its economy, including the reopening of cinemas, allowing women to drive, and admitting the first non-Muslim tourists in 2018. Other projects include large-scale developments such as resorts and NEOM, a futuristic city in the desert costing $500 billion.
However, some have criticized Saudi Arabia’s efforts to upgrade its image, arguing that it is an attempt to gloss over unchanged hardline policies, including limited rights for women, restrictions on free speech, and some of the world’s highest execution figures.