Mohamed Maher is the U.S. Correspondent for Al-Masry Al-Youm Newspaper in Egypt and Al-Ain News in the UAE. With an impressive portfolio that includes coverage of landmark events like the 2020 U.S. presidential election and the historic peace agreement between the UAE and Israel, Mohamed brings a wealth of experience to our discussion.

A correspondent accredited by the United Nations in New York, he has interviewed a host of influential figures, from U.S. Senators to NASA astronauts. His book, New York - Florida, chronicles his five-year journey as an Egyptian journalist in the U.S., providing unique insights into both cultures.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

How do people in your home country perceive the United States and Americans?

Most Egyptians have a positive view of the United States, and many dream of visiting it. In fact, Egyptians are among the top nationalities worldwide applying for the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery. Egypt has long been a key recipient of U.S. foreign aid, second only to Israel, even before the war in Ukraine. Additionally, Egypt is considered a major non-NATO ally of the U.S.

Egyptians follow U.S. news and culture with great interest. When it comes to entertainment, they primarily watch Egyptian and American movies. Although Turkish dramas have recently gained popularity, American films remain dominant. Egyptians generally see Americans as friendly and lighthearted, and they have a favorable opinion of the American people.

Maher at the Submarine Training Center in Norfolk, Virginia

However, Egyptians often criticize U.S. foreign policy, particularly its unwavering support for Israel. This stance doesn’t just affect how the U.S. is perceived in Egypt, but it also negatively impacts America's image across the Arab and Islamic worlds. Images of civilian casualties in Gaza, the killing of children, and Israel’s use of U.S.-made weapons deeply influence the perception of the U.S. in my country. Many of my friends and fellow journalists often ask, “If the U.S. supports Ukraine’s right to defend its land, why does it support Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories?” It’s a question that resonates with many Egyptians. Do you have an answer to that?

How would you describe your impressions and observations of the United States?

The United States is an incredibly rich and diverse country, both culturally and geographically. During the five years I’ve spent here, I’ve made it a point to experience new things and live in different places—from Washington, D.C., to New York, and now Florida. The truth is, the U.S. is genuinely diverse, with a new story waiting to be discovered around every corner.

You can start in New York, covering the United Nations and international organizations in the "Big Apple," or, as it’s often called, the "Capital of the World." Then, you move to Washington, where you cover the pulse of decision-making institutions like Congress, the White House, and the State Department. After that, in Florida, you can immerse yourself in food festivals, weapons expos, and the magic of Disney World. You might even head to NASA to write a couple of stories about space.

Moreover, while living in Florida, I’ve gained valuable experience in dealing with tropical storms and hurricanes, including the recent Hurricane Milton. It’s almost like becoming a "Florida Man," adapting to the unique challenges and resilient spirit of the state.

From there, the journey continues to the Midwest for a completely different experience. You might even get a chance to enjoy the country’s vibrant culture and music, including country music, which is a beloved genre here. And if you’re as fortunate as I’ve been, you may find yourself attending the Oscars in Hollywood or covering tech companies in Silicon Valley.

Each part of the U.S. offers a unique perspective, and I’ve tried to capture some of my observations in my book titled New York - Florida, which was released this year at the Cairo International Book Fair. Although the book is in Arabic, I’m currently working on the English version, which I hope will be available soon.

Why were you specifically chosen to work in the United States instead of another country?

It's a long story, but I'll try to make it short. In 2012, the U.S. State Department chose me to participate in the IVLP program (the International Visitor Leadership Program). After the program ended, I returned to Cairo with a wealth of experience in American affairs, which became evident in my articles and reports.

Maher with Maria Ressa, the CEO of Rappler and a 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate

As you know, what happens in Washington, D.C., does not affect only the United States but the entire world.

Egypt is a major ally of the United States outside NATO and the second-largest country in the world to receive American aid after Israel. Therefore, what happens in Washington, D.C., is particularly important for Egypt and typically grabs the headlines in our media.

In 2016, I had the opportunity to work from Germany as a foreign correspondent, but I chose to return to the United States to cover the presidential elections. I was extremely fortunate to interview the Egyptian Foreign Minister during his visit to New York, after which I returned to Cairo and was selected by my newspaper to work as the U.S. correspondent. In 2018, I came back to the United States to cover the midterm elections and have since received offers to write for many newspapers in the Middle East.

Among the stories you have covered in the United States, which do you consider the most significant and why?

Among the many stories I’ve covered in the United States, one of the most significant was my interview with UAE Minister of Youth and astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi. He participated in a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station, marking the longest mission for an Arab astronaut in space. Our conversation was both inspiring and insightful, as we discussed his experiences in space and the broader implications of such a mission for the Arab world.

In addition to that, I’ve covered numerous fascinating stories, from the UAE-Israel peace treaty signing at the White House to attending the Oscars. But space-related stories hold a special place for me. I had the chance to cover NASA launches and even conducted an interview with Steve Bowen, a veteran astronaut from the Crew-9 mission, right after he returned to Earth. That hour-long conversation was one of my favorite moments, and some of my NASA stories were even shared by the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.

Another memorable experience was my visit to the largest naval base in the world, Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia. Witnessing the scale and operations of the U.S. Navy firsthand was truly remarkable, although it brought some challenges with my editor at the time, making it a story I won’t forget.

While I’ve covered a wide range of topics, from historic peace treaties to Hollywood’s brightest nights, space and military stories stand out as both thrilling and professionally significant. They reflect not only the excitement of discovery but also the complexities of global cooperation and competition.

What challenges did you face when starting your work in the United States?

I was diving into the fast-paced world of American media with my broken English, and it felt like stepping into a whirlwind.

But the real challenge was more than just language—it was navigating an entirely new cultural landscape. The media industry in the U.S. is a highly competitive, detail-driven space, and the way stories are framed, the expectations for sourcing, and even the deadlines were a world apart from what I was used to. It was a crash course in balancing my own journalistic instincts with the demands of this new environment.

One turning point for me was discovering the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Press Center. It became the perfect launchpad for my work. The team there is incredibly helpful and supportive—whenever I encounter an issue with coverage or something that’s unclear, they are always the first people I think of. They consistently provide the right answers or point me in the right direction. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them again for all the amazing work they do.

Beyond these resources, there were logistical hurdles, like securing press credentials for major events or learning how to approach high-level sources. But through persistence, adaptability, and the invaluable support of the Foreign Press Center, I found my footing.

Those early struggles were critical learning experiences, sharpening my skills and making me a better journalist.

How has your experience working in the United States shaped and influenced your career?

To be honest, it’s all about experiencing new things and discovering cities for the first time. A large part of my passion for journalism and working as a foreign correspondent is, in fact, a passion for travel and exploration. Let's not forget that journalism originates from a long journey of searching for truth and exploring everything new.

Although politics always takes priority in coverage, and I am a political reporter, I am trying to break out of the political news cycle. I covered the Academy Awards in Los Angeles in 2019, toured Kennedy Space Center in Florida, met some of the astronauts, and covered a tour in the Pentagon.

Two years ago, I did a coast-to-coast road trip from Florida to California for a month, and I hope I can write a book about that journey one day.

Although I’ve visited 15 countries and studied in Germany, my experience in the United States has been completely different in terms of diversity and richness. I can confidently say that I didn’t just get to know the U.S.—I got to know the world.

As a foreign correspondent, I think the most important lesson I've learned is that you have to be as prepared and flexible as possible. You may have plans for a quiet week of regular news stories, but you never know what will happen. Today’s important story you may have to cover could be in Washington, D.C.; tomorrow's in Los Angeles; and the day after in Alaska.

Working in the U.S. has introduced me to people from all walks of life, and I’ve built friendships with individuals from nearly every corner of the globe. Some of my closest friends are from South America, particularly from Brazil and Colombia. In fact, I have so many friends from these countries that people often assume I’ve visited Brazil or Colombia, even though the furthest south I’ve traveled is Mexico. These friendships have influenced me so much that I’ve started learning some Spanish and Portuguese from my Latino friends here in Florida!

The diversity of perspectives I’ve encountered in the U.S. has expanded my understanding of global issues and has made me a more empathetic and well-rounded storyteller. The United States, with its melting pot of cultures, has truly been a transformative experience for both my personal and professional growth.

What advice would you give to aspiring foreign correspondents looking to work in the United States or other foreign countries?

Always stay curious and be open to learning new things. Understand the culture of the country you’re working in, and be prepared to adapt quickly. And don’t let the challenges intimidate you—they are part of the journey. Being a foreign correspondent means bringing a fresh perspective to the table, so embrace it!

The United States has so many important stories each day, and you can't cover them all unless you're Superman. Therefore, the most important part of my job is setting priorities and identifying the interests of my readers from the beginning to save effort and maintain focus. Then, I move quickly to cover my chosen story.

Determining priorities and their relative importance, acting quickly, and maintaining an active network of diverse sources in decision-making positions are essential.

Cultivating and maintaining an active network of good relationships with decision-making centers and think tanks in D.C. and New York is particularly important; the think tanks in the United States are resource banks for me.