Is Hans Zimmer reimagining Saudi Arabia’s national anthem?

Hans Zimmer is reportedly working on a new interpretation of the Saudi national anthem. 

Several UAE media outlets have reported that the two-time Oscar winner German composer behind the memorable film soundtracks to The Lion King, Gladiator, Dune and most of Christopher Nolan’s movies, is in talks to compose an original composition called ‘Arabia’, inspired by the kingdom’s culture and heritage. 

Zimmer met with Saudi royal court advisor and chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalsheikh to discuss a number of “future projects” – including the reinterpretation of the country’s national anthem and score of an upcoming Saudi Arabian production on the historical Battle of Yarmouk.  

“Today I met someone who is considered one of the greatest musicians of our time,” Alalsheikh wrote on X. “We discussed many future projects that I hope will see the light of day soon… including redistributing the Saudi national anthem with different instruments.” 

“I also presented to (Zimmer) the stage we have reached for the film The Battle of Yarmouk, and the possibility of him of his participation in composing the soundtrack to it,” he added. “We agreed on the broad outlines of all these projects, and I hope we will reach a final agreement on them.” 

The Battle of the Yarmouk was a major abttle between the army of the Byzantine Empire and the Arab Muslim forces of the Rashidun Caliphate – a conflict that lasted six days in August 636. The result of the battle was a Muslim victory that ended Roman rule in Syria after seven centuries.

Zimmer’s possible musical ventures in Saudi Arabia seem to be a part of the country’s Vision 2023 programme, which aims to diversify its cultural capital.  

However, this programme has been criticized by human rights organisations who see it as a way for the country to restore its global image and distract from accusations of human rights violations.

Hans Zimmer is performing with a live orchestra in the capital Riyadh today, amid the five-month long Riyadh Season – a series of cultural, entertainment and sporting events held in the capital.

Additional sources • Middle East Monitor, The National, The New Arab