"Living a reality that once was just a dream"
The National Development Fund (NDF) celebrates Saudi National Day, marking a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s journey from aspiration to achievement. As Saudi Arabia continues its rapid transformation, the NDF has been instrumental in supporting the nation's growth, driving forward the vision of a prosperous and innovative future.
This year’s film, "Living a reality that once was just a dream," encapsulates this transformation, not only highlighting the nation’s progress but also celebrating its deeply-rooted heritage. Through ambitious projects that range from renewable energy to infrastructure development, Saudi Arabia is forging a future of unlimited possibilities. At the core of these efforts, the National Development Fund plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable growth, all while maintaining the essence of Saudi unity and pride.
The Sonic Identity: From Dream to Reality
The music we created for the NDF’s Saudi National Day celebration had to be more than just a soundtrack—it needed to embody the very essence of the NDF’s sonic identity, which we originally crafted in 2023. Building on that foundation, this new composition had to tell the powerful, multifaceted story of Saudi Arabia’s progress, from dreamlike beginnings to the explosive energy of today’s celebrations.
Starting with a soft, intimate soundscape, the music reflects the early stages of Saudi Arabia’s transformation. The opening notes are delicate and dreamlike, representing the nation’s rich heritage and the initial vision for what it could become. This early section serves as a quiet reflection on the Kingdom’s history—its hopes, aspirations, and the untapped potential that once lay ahead.
As the composition progresses, the music swells and grows, mirroring the journey from dream to reality. Layers of orchestral elements build upon one another, weaving together strings, brass, and percussion in a harmonious yet dynamic fashion. The energy intensifies, symbolising the nation’s leap into the modern world—a crescendo of unity and celebration that captures the pride felt by millions of Saudis as they witness the realisation of their dreams.
A Musical Reflection of National Progress
The line “Living a reality that once was just a dream” became our guiding theme for the music, as we sought to craft something that would evoke not just national pride but also the deep, emotional connection people feel to Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation. The music is more than just a representation of the National Development Fund—it is a reflection of the nation itself.
The sonic journey begins small, intimate, and introspective—much like Saudi Arabia’s early vision for its future. As the nation’s projects and ambitions grew, the music follows, evolving into something bold, vibrant, and full of life. The orchestral crescendo is not merely a climax—it is an explosion of sound that symbolises the nation's unity, progress, and boundless energy.
Each musical section had to carry its own story, yet they needed to flow together seamlessly, representing the complex and interconnected progress the country has made. From the smallest intimate moments to the grand, sweeping celebration, this composition embodies the spirit of a nation that has turned dreams into reality. The Fund's role in nurturing these ambitions is not just a backdrop, but a driving force woven into every note.
Crafting the Extended Sonic Identity
Having been tasked with creating the NDF’s original sonic identity a year and a half ago, it was an exciting challenge to revisit that identity and evolve it for this special celebration. This time, we needed to extend the NDF’s established sound, developing music that could serve multiple platforms and media, while still maintaining the heart of the original theme. We wanted to honour the past while looking towards the future, reflecting the ongoing growth of Saudi Arabia itself.
The new composition maintains consistency with the original identity, but it adds a new layer of emotional depth and grandeur. It needed to resonate across all mediums, from this special film to digital formats, keeping the message clear: the National Development Fund is not just a financial supporter, but a catalyst for the Kingdom’s transformation. This music amplifies that message, adding a powerful emotional dimension to the visuals and narrative of Saudi Arabia’s incredible journey.
The NDF: A Catalyst for Change
As the National Development Fund celebrates Saudi National Day, it does so as a vital force in shaping the Kingdom’s future. Through financing key projects in infrastructure, economic growth, and social development, the NDF is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The Fund’s mission is to foster sustainability, innovation, and prosperity, and this year’s film reflects its ongoing commitment to turning dreams into reality.
More than just a commemoration of past achievements, this celebration is a forward-looking moment, as the NDF continues to support the Kingdom’s ambitions for global prominence. The music we’ve composed for this occasion is part of that story—capturing the emotions of a nation proud of its heritage, optimistic about its future, and united in its journey forward.
