![Composer Hans Zimmer and Turki Al al-Sheikh, chairman of the General EntertainmentAuthority (GEA), in Riyadh on 24 January 2025 [Turki_alalshikh/X]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GiFvfrGXAAAGOyX-e1737902665308.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Saudi Arabia is collaborating with renowned composer Hans Zimmer to create a new interpretation of the Kingdom’s national anthem. Turki Al al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced the partnership on X, referring to the German composer as “one of the greatest musicians of our time.”
التقيت اليوم بشخص يعتبر من أعظم الموسيقيين في عصرنا الحاضر…الأسطورة Hans Zimmer …تناقشنا كثيرا في العديد من المشاريع المستقبلية التي أتمنى أن ترى النور قريبا… ومنها إعادة توزيع النشيد الوطني السعودي بآلات مختلفة وأيضا عمل مقطوعة موسيقية بمسمى Arabia مستوحاة من بلدي الغالي… pic.twitter.com/KoI26t4iRl
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) January 20, 2025
Their discussions also covered projects such as Arabia, a composition inspired by Saudi heritage, and the soundtrack for the upcoming film The Battle of Yarmouk – based on an early Islamic battle between the army of the Byzantine Empire and the Arab Muslim forces of the Rashidun Caliphate under the general Khalid ibn Al-Waleed, which ended Roman rule in Syria after seven centuries.
Zimmer, known for his scores for The Lion King, The Last Samurai, Gladiator, and Dune, performed live in Riyadh on 24 January 2as part of Riyadh Season. Al al-Sheikh hinted at plans for a large-scale Zimmer concert in future editions of the festival.
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) January 24, 2025
Al al-Sheikh, often associated with heavyweight boxing events, has been instrumental in bringing major fights to Saudi Arabia. Under his leadership, the Kingdom has hosted significant bouts, including the undisputed heavyweight championship between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. His efforts have positioned Riyadh as a new epicentre for boxing, rivalling traditional hubs like Las Vegas.
Reflecting on his meeting with Zimmer, Al al-Sheikh noted the composer’s “great admiration” for Saudi Arabia and its people. In a video shared on X, Zimmer also expressed gratitude to Riyadh for allowing him to perform and a desire to return.
READ: Saudi minister inaugurates Khair Ummah Conference in Bangkok, calls for Islamic unity
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