There are reports coming out of Saudi Arabia that Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer is in talks to create or recreate the country’s national anthem. According to a report in the Saudi newspaper Al Arabiya, Zimmer met with the country’s head of General Entertainment Authority, Turki Al al-Sheikh, to discuss various projects, including potentially working on the Saudi national anthem by “using different instruments.”
The current Saudi anthem, “The Chant of the Saudi Nation,” was written in 1947 by Egyptian composer Abd al-Rahman al-Khatib at the request of the country’s founding monarch, King Abdulaziz. Al-Sheikh also discussed with Zimmer the possibility of a new original composition called “Arabia” and a potential concert. Additionally, Zimmer is reportedly in talks to work on the soundtrack for an upcoming Saudi film about the historical Battle of Yarmuk.
Zimmer, known for his acclaimed scores for films like “Inception,” “The Dark Knight Trilogy,” “Dunkirk,” “Interstellar,” “Gladiator,” and the “Dune” films, has won two Oscars, a BAFTA, and four Grammys. This collaboration could bring a unique and powerful musical touch to Saudi Arabia’s national anthem and other projects in the country’s entertainment industry.