Hans Zimmer in talks to redefine Saudi Arabia’s national anthem, lead ambitious cultural projects

Zimmer is also said to be in negotiations to compose the soundtrack for an upcoming Saudi film centered on the historic Battle of Yarmuk.

Hans Zimmer in talks to redefine Saudi Arabia’s national anthem

Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar has made a grand return to Indian theaters on February 7, and if you’ve seen the film, chances are you’re deeply in love with its breath-taking soundtrack—especially Cornfield Chase.
The man behind that unforgettable score is Hans Zimmer. Over the course of his illustrious career, Zimmer has composed music for hundreds of films, won Academy Awards, and even contributed a song to a Bollywood movie. Now, he’s reportedly in talks with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) for a series of ambitious cultural projects, including a potential reimagining of the Saudi national anthem.

According to AFP, Saudi Arabia has invited the Oscar-winning composer to create a fresh arrangement of its anthem as part of its broader efforts to reshape its global image. Turki Al Alshaikh, chairman of the GEA, shared insights from their discussions with Zimmer, emphasising the vision of blending various musical elements to give the anthem a renewed sound.

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A post shared by TURKI ALALSHIKH تركي آل الشيخ (@turkialalshik)

Saudi Arabia’s national anthem, The Chant of the Saudi Nation, was composed in 1947 by Egyptian musician Abd al-Rahman al-Khatib. The piece was created at the request of King Abdulaziz, the nation’s founding monarch.

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As reported by Al Arabiya, Al-Sheikh also explored the idea of Hans Zimmer creating a new original composition titled Arabia and even discussed the possibility of a live concert.

Zimmer is also said to be in negotiations to compose the soundtrack for an upcoming Saudi film centered on the historic Battle of Yarmuk.

Also Read | Arijit Singh invites fan on stage to play guitar at Gurugram concert: ‘Once-in-a-lifetime moment’

Who is Hans Zimmer?

Hans Zimmer, born in Frankfurt in 1957, is a legendary film composer known for blending electronic and orchestral music. With over 150 film scores, including The Lion King, Gladiator, Inception, and Interstellar, his work has redefined modern film music. Winner of multiple Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Grammys, Zimmer’s powerful scores don’t just accompany films—they define them. Beyond movies, he has also composed for video games, stage productions, and live concerts, cementing his legacy as a global musical icon.

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