Saudi Arabia celebrates its national day on September 23 every year with much enthusiasm and zeal. It was the day in 1932 when the Kingdom was officially united under the dynamic leadership of King Abdul-Aziz Al Saud (Ibn Saud).

There were huge celebrations this year including street parades and many other festivities that were indicating the progress this country has made, and how these developments enabled Saudi Arabia to enjoy a leading role in the Arab world.

Considering the national day, the national anthem has a vital connection with any nation’s life. Saudis heard their national anthem in 1984 for the first time. There are a few very interesting facts about Saudi Arabia’s national anthem.

1. Saudi National Anthem is an Egyptian Gift

The Saudi national anthem was a gift by the Egyptian King Farouk to the King Abdul-Aziz during his visit to Egypt in 1947. The person named Abdul Rehman Khateeb, the founder of the melody, played it on the trumpet himself in the welcoming ceremony of the Saudi King.

2. First Adoption of National Anthem

This national anthem was first officially adopted in 1950 without lyrics. When it was created and adopted it became the official royal salute.

The practice of playing it in the official ceremonies was adopted with the objective to salute the members of the royal family and diplomats.

3. Lyrics of National Anthem

It was in the 1980s when a very prestigious Saudi poet Ibrahim Khafaji was asked to write the lyrics of the national anthem. Ibrahim Khafaji was born in Makkah in 1926 and he had a splendid poetry career since he was very young.

King Khalid assigned him the task of adding the lyrics to the melody so that it becomes the official national anthem of the country. During the process, King Khalid passed away and so this project got a stop for some time.

After King Fahd came in to rule, he reassigned this task to Ibrahim Khafaji to finish it keeping in mind the kingdom’s heritage. The Saudi poet Ibrahim Khafaji took the task of writing the lyrics of the Suadi national anthem and completed it in six months.

4. Composition

Siraj Omar another well-known Saudi composer was the next person to whom the task was assigned. He was then asked to blend the lyrics with the melody so that a proper rhythm is created. After all the work is completed on it Saudis heard it for the first time in 1984. It was the first day of Eid Al Fitr when it was on aired on the national TV and radio.

5. It is known as Sarii among Saudis

The first word with which the national anthem starts is Sarii whose translation is “hasten”.  The national anthem reflects the legacy and pride of Saudi Arabia holds. The English lyrics of the national anthem are

• Hasten
• To glory and supremacy
• Glorify the Creator of the heavens
• And raise the green flag
• Which carry the guidance light
• Repeat: Allah hu Akbar
• My country,
• Live as the pride of all Muslims!
• Long live the king
• For the flag
• And homeland