During former US President Donald Trump’s recent Middle East tour, his announcement to lift sanctions on Syria sparked widespread attention. However, what truly captured hearts across the Arab world was Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s gesture of gratitude — placing his hand on his chest. The simple act quickly went viral across Saudi and Arabic social media platforms, with countless users recreating the gesture in images and videos.
Saudi Engineer Proposes Emoji Based on the Gesture
Saudi software engineer Ali Al-Matrafi is now seeking to turn this heartfelt expression into a permanent part of digital communication. He has submitted a formal proposal to the Unicode Consortium for the creation of a new emoji — a hand placed on the chest — inspired by the Crown Prince’s moment of appreciation.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Al-Matrafi said, “It was a sincere moment that caught the world’s attention, and I felt it deserved to be immortalised in the language of the era: emoji. This gesture has become popular and is now used to express deep appreciation in many humanitarian situations.”
Design Rooted in Regional Values
Al-Matrafi’s proposed emoji reflects cultural values specific to Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region, symbolising gratitude, respect, and unity. The submission follows Unicode’s standards for emoji proposals and aims to bring regional representation to the global digital stage.
“Many cultures are already represented in emojis, such as the Japanese kimono, the Indian sari, and the Russian matryoshka doll,” he said. “Now it’s time for Saudi and Gulf cultures to be recognised in this global language.”
The idea has gained massive support online. One of Al-Matrafi’s tweets about the emoji has amassed over 3.2 million views in less than a day, demonstrating the public’s enthusiasm.
A Shared Symbol of Solidarity
The gesture has resonated far beyond Saudi Arabia. Syrians and others across the Arab world embraced it, especially in response to the Crown Prince’s support for lifting sanctions on Syria. People from various backgrounds began using the gesture to convey appreciation and unity.
Basel Al-Hamwi, a Syrian expat living in Sharjah, reflected on its emotional impact: “After years of hardship, seeing a regional leader like the Crown Prince stand in support of Syria gave us hope again. It wasn’t just a political gesture — it felt personal.”
He added that the hand-on-the-chest symbol was widely interpreted as a heartfelt sign of solidarity, one that many Syrians found deeply meaningful and unforgettable.
Reflecting Saudi Culture and Identity
On social media, the gesture has been embraced as more than a political moment. Users like @fathi_adawi described it as a cultural expression embodying the warmth and hospitality central to Saudi traditions. “This greeting, combining human warmth and deep appreciation, transformed into an expressive icon emulated by young and old alike,” he wrote on X.
He further described the gesture as “a slogan reflecting the Kingdom’s renewed spirit and a bridge connecting generations,” reinforcing how a small act can become a powerful symbol of national pride and unity.
Towards Global Recognition
Ali Al-Matrafi hopes the emoji, if approved, will serve as a lasting representation of Saudi culture and values in digital spaces worldwide. “This type of project represents us all,” he said. “It’s worth joining forces to deliver our symbols and culture to global platforms, in our own language and with our own unique touch.”
The Unicode Consortium is currently reviewing the proposal. If approved, the hand-on-the-chest emoji could soon join the global emoji library, becoming a new way to express sincere appreciation and cultural identity across the world.
