Sultan Haitham’s visit to Saudi Arabia has been celebrated in song.
Released on Friday in the run-up to the arrival of Oman’s ruler in the kingdom, Saudi Arabian crooner Abdul Majeed Abdullah teamed up with Omani counterpart Salah Zadjali for Usood Al Areen, an ode to the strong relationship between both countries.
Composed and written by an Omani duo, songwriter Sayid Al Busaidi and poet Khamis Almuqeemi, and produced by Egypt's Walid Fayed, Usood Al Areen – which translates to The Lions of the Den – is carried by an ebullient tempo and melodies as both Abdullah and Zadjali trade verses detailing some of the rich cultural and historical bonds shared by both countries.
"Greets from the house of Haitham," the song begins. "To the house of gratitude, the house of (Saudi King) Salman, one of the great leaders."
The song goes on to extol the virtues of both leaders.
“In the era of Salman and Al Haitham, the lions of the den, the beacon of light of their highnesses became brighter, richer and everlasting.”
Usood Al Areen also defines some of the characteristics of both nations.
Oman is described as “the land of love and peace”, while Saudi Arabia is “the land of determination”. The song states “from Muscat to Riyadh, our hearts from both sides, its address is trust, brotherhood and good neighbourliness".
Al Busaidi tweeted his gratitude to the song's collaborators.
"Thank you Salah Zadjali and Abdul Majeed Abdullah for taking part in this work to honour His Majesty, Sultan Haitham's visit to his brother, the custodian of the two holy mosques King Salman.
“Also extending my appreciation to producer Walid Fayed and poet Khamis Al Muqeemi.”
Omani cultural personality Saleh Al Fahdi described the song on Al Busaidi's Instagram account as a "beautiful work with a refined Gulf melody and vocals that make an impact".
The song also comes with a video directed by Kuwaiti Ali Al Najjar.
Available on YouTube, the video blends official footage of Sultan Haitham and King Salman together at previous events with images of Saudi Arabia's attractions, such as Riyadh's Kingdom Centre and the Red Sea city of Neom, as well as Oman’s Royal Opera House Muscat and the coastal region of Musandam.
