Still in a federation with Syria known as the United Arab Republic, whose anthem was the Egyptian one, followed by the Syrian one, the Egyptian component of the UAR anthem was replaced in 1960 with a popular song, “Walla Zaman Ya Selahy”.
“Walla Zaman Ya Selahy” was first written for Um Kulthoum, the “Diva of Arabic Song” in 1956, and achieved great national popularity. The chorus only was sung, followed by an instrumental interlude, then a repeat of the chorus. The anthem was also used, without words, from 1965-1981 by Iraq, who was seeking a greater Arab state that would link those two nations with other Arab states.
Syria left the UAR in 1961, leaving Egypt as the sole member of the union. The name “United Arab Republics” was retained by Egypt, as well as the Egyptian half of the UAR anthem (that is, “Walla Zaman Ya Selahy”) until the country’s name was changed back to Egypt in 1971. The anthem was replaced in 1979.
Special thanks to: Jan Scotland for some of the information.