Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer is working on a new interpretation of the Saudi national anthem. Turki Al Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, said talks had also been held with Zimmer over a concert and an original composition called Arabia, inspired by the kingdom’s culture and heritage.
In a post shared on X, Al Sheikh called Zimmer “one of the greatest musicians of the modern age” and said they discussed several projects that could see the light of day soon. Zimmer was also offered the chance to create the soundtrack for coming Saudi film, The Battle of Yarmouk.
Al Sheikh also commented on plans for a potential large-scale concert by Zimmer that will take place during a future Riyadh Season, the winter festival that features musical acts, boxing matches and pavilions that showcase the culture and craft of different countries. Al Sheikh concluded the post by saying that Zimmer is a great admirer of Saudi Arabia and its people, and that he promised him he would visit the country again with his family.
Zimmer is a 12-time Oscar nominee and two-time winner, taking home the golden statuette for his work on The Lion King and Dune. Earlier this month, Zimmer performed at Dubai Opera alongside the Limitless Orchestra.
Speaking to The National ahead of a Dubai concert last year, Zimmer commented that he's very interested in the blending of cultures, and how that's fuelled the development of film as an art form, especially in the Middle East.
“If we look back, so many of the contributors to early film were refugees from Nazi Germany, or European immigrants more broadly. Cultures collided, and that brought something special,” Zimmer said.
“Now, we have a multitude of voices contributing to film from across the world – from the Middle East as well. Now we’re suddenly all allowed to be part of this wild culture, and that’s really a great thing. I love that I’m in a world of dreamers.”
