By dubailife 
Hans Zimmer to Revamp Saudi National Anthem as Part of Kingdom’s Cultural Overhaul
Saudi Arabia has enlisted Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to reimagine its national anthem, marking another bold step in the kingdom’s ongoing transformation. Zimmer, known for his iconic scores in films like The Lion King, Dune, and The Dark Knight trilogy, has expressed interest in the project, according to Turki Alalshikh, chair of the General Entertainment Authority.
A Modern Take on Tradition
Alalshikh announced on social media platform X that Zimmer has agreed to the “broad outlines” of the project, which involves rearranging Saudi Arabia’s national anthem, Aash Al-Malik (Long Live the King), using modern instruments. Originally composed in 1947 by Egyptian composer Abdul Rahman Al-Khateeb, the anthem reflects the “Arab fanfare” style popular in that era.
Ambitious Cultural Collaborations
Beyond the anthem, Zimmer is also collaborating with Saudi Arabia on several ambitious cultural projects.
These include:
- A Saudi-inspired musical titled Arabia.
- A large-scale concert celebrating the kingdom’s heritage.
- The soundtrack for The Battle of Yarmuk, an upcoming historical film.
Alalshikh expressed optimism about these collaborations, saying, “We agreed on the broad outlines of all these projects and I hope we will reach a final agreement on them.”
Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a comprehensive strategy to diversify the kingdom’s oil-dependent economy by investing in culture, tourism, and entertainment. High-profile projects like the $500 billion futuristic city NEOM, luxury resorts, and a growing entertainment sector—including international boxing events and concerts—are reshaping Saudi Arabia’s global image.
The kingdom has also made significant social changes, such as reopening cinemas, allowing women to drive, and welcoming non-Muslim tourists for the first time in 2018.
Balancing Modernization with Criticism
While Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernize have garnered international attention, critics argue that these changes mask ongoing issues. Activists point to limited freedoms, restrictions on speech, and one of the highest execution rates globally as significant concerns.
A New Era for Saudi Arabia
The collaboration with Hans Zimmer symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s intent to blend tradition with modernity as it aims to position itself as a global cultural hub. As these projects take shape, they could redefine how the world perceives the kingdom, while sparking important conversations about balancing progress with human rights.
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Source : The Guardian –