"The Greatest Homeland" (), also known as the "PanâÂÂArabic patriotic anthem," was an Arab nationalist song composed in the United Arab Republic and recorded in Cairo. The song was sung by Abdel Halim Hafez, composed by Mohammed Abdel Wahab in 1960, and arranged by Egyptian composer Ali Ismael, with lyrics written by poet Ahmad Shafik Kamal.
The first version was initially released on Cairophon in 1958 and includes Huda Sultan instead of Warda.
The song praises the Arab territories as a single homeland, referring to different events, and exalting solidarity among Arabs.
It was composed to celebrate the union of Egypt and Syria into the United Arab Republic. It also extolls the Pan-Arabist vision for a unified Arab state as also promoted by Gamal Abdel Nasser who backed the Voice of the Arabs, which broadcast nationalist and anti-colonial songs. His support led to extended broadcasting times, giving Egyptian musicians greater popularity across the Arab world, increasing the notability of pan-Arab music.
In January 1960, "Al-Watan Al-Akbar" premiered on the Voice of the Arabs radio station. It was aired live to celebrate the laying foundation of the Aswan High Dam.
The Egyptian Television Network, established in 21 July, 1960, carried on the pan-Arab music legacy from radio. âÂÂAl-Watan al-akbarâ also performed on national television in the newly founded Egyptian TV Orchestra. The performance, conducted by the composer, included an opening with visual presentations of Arab flags (pennons) being carried by men and women (as in a parade of nations) and a demonstration of unity sung in a mixed choir.