Majid Al-Farsi praises Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s smile after interaction with Donald Trump
Emirati broadcaster Majid Al-Farsi said the most memorable moment from a spontaneous exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the G7 summit coverage was the warm smile of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The encounter, which unfolded on the sidelines while Al-Farsi sought to ask a question, also drew public praise for Emirati media professionalism.
The brief interaction and the subsequent reactions highlighted both the personal warmth shown by the UAE president and the visibility of Emirati journalists on the global stage. According to Al-Farsi’s remarks to Emarat Al Youm, the response from attendees and audiences across the Gulf underscored national pride.
Majid Al-Farsi recalls the moment with Donald Trump
Majid Al-Farsi described how the exchange began when he politely addressed the U.S. president with a request to pose a question. He said Donald Trump responded on the spot, complimenting his manner and appearance and even joking about casting him in a film, according to Al-Farsi’s account to the Emirati daily.
Al-Farsi emphasized that the interaction was entirely spontaneous and that receiving praise from the leader of a major power, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, felt exceptionally significant. He framed the moment as both a personal blessing and a professional recognition.
Positive reaction and national pride
Reactions inside the UAE and across the Gulf Cooperation Council were swift, Al-Farsi said, with messages conveying pride in what many described as an expression of Emirati values. He noted that listeners and viewers referenced the upbringing associated with Sheikh Mohammed — using the phrase “children of Zayed” — to explain how civility and respect are instilled in Emirati society.
Furthermore, the praise was not limited to compliments about deportment. Al-Farsi pointed out that the broader public response reflected appreciation for the image Emirati citizens and institutions project internationally. Officials and commentators in the region have highlighted the episode as an example of soft diplomacy at work.
Implications for Emirati media and international perception
Media analysts say the episode underscores a growing maturity in the United Arab Emirates’ journalism sector. Emirati media professionals have increasingly participated in major international forums, and moments like this can reinforce perceptions of their professionalism and decorum.
Majid Al-Farsi suggested the supportive environment within the UAE’s media landscape helped shape his conduct during the encounter. He credited local newsroom practices and training for producing journalists capable of representing the country respectfully on the world stage.
Professionalism and soft power
Observers note that individual interactions often translate into broader narratives about a country’s values. In this case, the congenial exchange and subsequent coverage contributed to a storyline of cultural courtesy and diplomatic poise, strengthening the UAE’s soft power credentials among international audiences.
Meanwhile, the incident illustrates how media figures can become inadvertent ambassadors. Al-Farsi framed his role as a chance to serve his country through reporting and to present a positive image in international forums like the G7 summit.
Context: the G7 summit and media access
The encounter took place during media coverage of the G7 summit, where leaders, delegates and press meet in a high-profile multilateral setting. Such events routinely afford brief, unscripted moments between officials and journalists, and they can attract heightened attention given the presence of multiple world leaders.
According to summit press briefings and standard protocol, journalists operate under tight time constraints and security arrangements. The informality of the exchange described by Al-Farsi is therefore notable for its warmth amid typically structured summit interactions.
What to watch next
Looking ahead, observers and media will likely watch how Emirati journalists continue to engage at international summits and whether similar moments shape broader narratives about the UAE’s global posture. Upcoming multilateral meetings and diplomatic visits provide further opportunities for coverage that blends international affairs with personal diplomacy.
Majid Al-Farsi said he is grateful for the praise and that the smile from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan remains his chief reward. Readers and media professionals should monitor follow-up comments from regional outlets and official communications that may frame the episode within the UAE’s ongoing public diplomacy efforts.