A 12-time Oscar nominee and two-time winner, Zimmer has ‘Best Original Score’ for his work on The Lion King and Dune.

Marrakech – Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer is set to compose a new interpretation of Saudi Arabia’s national anthem. 

This collaboration project was recently announced by Turki Al Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, who also shared details of additional discussions with Zimmer.

This includes a planned concert and an original composition titled “Arabia,” inspired by the Middle Eastern kingdom’s rich culture and heritage.

In a post shared on X, Al Sheikh has high regards for Zimmer, calling him “one of the greatest musicians of the modern age,” and mentioned that several exciting projects are currently in the works. 

Among those is Zimmer’s involvement in composing the soundtrack for the upcoming Saudi film The Battle of Yarmouk.

Zimmer’s involvement is set to extend beyond the anthem. Al Sheikh also talked about plans for a large-scale concert during a future Riyadh Season — a winter festival featuring musical acts, sporting events, and cultural showcases from around the world. 

Zimmer has expressed admiration for Saudi Arabia and its people, with Al Sheikh noting that the composer promised to return with his family for a visit.

Zimmer’s accolades speak for themselves. Earlier this month, the world renowned composer performed at Dubai Opera with the Limitless Orchestra, further cementing his role in bridging cultures through music.

In a conversation with The National outlet ahead of his Dubai performance last year, Zimmer reflected on his interest in the blending of cultures and its influence on film. 

“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,” he reflected. 

Zimmer also talked about the ongoing fusion of global voices in film and art, particularly from the Middle East. 

“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.”

As Zimmer embarks on this exciting new collaboration with Saudi Arabia, it’s clear that his passion for cultural exchange and creative expression will continue to shape projects that resonate on a global scale.