 Director Moustafa Akkad wanted the story to be told in english, so people all  around the world could enjoy it. Also, he felt he needed to pay a tribute to  the Middle East, where it took place. So two versions were shot on location  simultaneously. There were two actors for each role and the one that is well  known now is the English Version, starring Anthony Quinn. However, "Al  Risalah" (the Arabic movie) is the other well known version in Saudi Arabia  and the surrounding coutries.