The four decades behind Saudi Arabia’s national anthem

Riyadh - The national anthem of Saudi Arabia, known for its iconic opening notes, did not suddenly appear in 1984. Its journey spans nearly four decades, beginning in 1946 under King Abdulaziz. Initially, musician Abdulrahman Al-Khatib composed the melody of the royal salute, establishing the musical foundation. A decade later, in 1958, poet Mohammed Talat wrote a patriotic piece for King Saud's visit to Taif, expressing loyalty and national pride but without the anthem's final form.

Throughout King Faisal's reign, the royal salute persisted with its melody and no official lyrics. The project to provide permanent words emerged under King Khalid's reign, but his sudden death halted its completion. It was under King Fahd that the project resumed, with poet Ibrahim Khafaji tasked with writing the lyrics that would fit the familiar melody.

Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal suggested Khafaji for the task. Khafaji's words, "Hasten to glory and supremacy," marked the anthem's final form. The musical elements were brought together by musician Tariq Abdulhakim, who played the melody on the trumpet, and composer Siraj Omar, who arranged the music to match the new lyrics. The completed anthem was officially adopted on July 1, 1984, marking the culmination of nearly four decades of musical and literary history.

Its four sections convey themes of glory, pride, the green flag, the Shahada, and loyalty to the homeland and the King.