Saudi Arabia has enlisted Hans Zimmer to rearrange its national anthem as part of cultural reforms, aiming to modernize the kingdom’s image. The initiative is set against a backdrop of broader social and economic changes, alongside ongoing human rights concerns.
Saudi Arabia has enlisted Hans Zimmer, the Oscar-winning German composer known for his film soundtracks, to "rearrange" (meaning to reorchestrate) its national anthem, a senior official from the kingdom announced. The artist, recognized for his iconic works such as those for The Lion King, The Dark Knight trilogy, and Dune (2021), has agreed to work on the project, according to statements from Turki Al-Sheikh, president of the General Authority for Entertainment, on the X platform.
Al-Sheikh clarified that the project involves a rearrangement of the Saudi national anthem, "Aash Al-Malik" ("Long Live the King"), by introducing different instruments. This process is part of a broader series of initiatives aimed at enriching the country’s cultural scene. “We have explored many future projects that, I hope, will come to fruition soon (...), including the rearrangement of the Saudi national anthem with various instruments,” he added, specifying that Zimmer has also been involved in other ambitious projects such as the Saudi musical Arabia, a “very large concert,” and the soundtrack for the film The Battle of Yarmouk, a Saudi production currently in development.
Composed in 1947 by the Egyptian Abdel Rahman al-Khatib at the request of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the kingdom, the Saudi national anthem has not changed since its creation. The initiative to have it rearranged by an internationally renowned composer is part of a broader vision of cultural and economic reforms led by Saudi Arabia. The kingdom, which is home to Islam's holiest sites and is the world's leading oil exporter, seeks to diversify its economy, notably through flagship projects such as the futuristic city NEOM, a colossal $500 billion investment.
Since 2018, the country has implemented a series of social reforms, such as reopening cinemas, allowing women to drive, and welcoming non-Muslim tourists. These changes have been interpreted by some observers as a sign of modernization in the kingdom. However, human rights advocates point out that these advances coexist with crackdowns on fundamental freedoms, particularly regarding women’s rights and maintaining one of the highest execution rates in the world.
Thus, behind these grand image projects, the kingdom appears to be attempting to conceal certain realities that persist beneath the surface.
With AFP
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