AGP Executive Report

UAE Publishing Spotlight: Dr. Abdulla Alsharhan becomes the first Arab judge at the BIBF Illustrations Awards, reinforcing the UAE’s push to shape global children’s publishing and illustration standards. Reading at Home, at Scale: Sharjah’s “Library for Every Home” initiative is highlighted at the American Library Association conference, with 42,000 Emirati families receiving 2.1 million books. Arabic Language Expansion: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre signs an agreement to broaden the global reach of Arabic language learning. Scholarly Recognition: Renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan receives the Shah Waliullah Award, with a new volume of Shah Waliullah epistles launched alongside the event. Book Culture & Conflict Talk: A Palestine/Israel-focused book review questions whether a child-therapy conflict-resolution project truly bridges understanding, even as it documents painful lessons. Publishing Quality Alarm: A study reports a sharp rise in retracted AI/ML papers over the past decade, pointing to instability in research oversight. Travel & Books in the Gulf: Air India Express resumes West Asia routes, including Kuwait and Salalah, easing travel for readers and book events across the region.

UAE Media as Soft Power: A UAE media-sector push is being framed as national strategy, with claims of 10,000+ media companies, 55,000+ professionals, and Fortune 500 firms using the UAE as a regional base—positioning content creation as “soft power” and economic value. Sharjah Reading Model: Sharjah’s “Library for Every Home” is being celebrated at the American Library Association conference, citing 42,000+ Emirati families reached and 2.1 million+ books delivered, as the emirate doubles down on libraries and publishing. Arabic Language Abroad: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre signs a deal with the University of Bologna to expand the Sheikh Zayed Book Award’s academic programme, aiming to boost Arabic studies, translation, publishing and digitisation internationally. Publishing Incubator: Sharjah Book Authority’s Onshur opens applications for its 2026 “Launch” track, training aspiring publishers to build sustainable publishing businesses via mentorship and access to the SBA ecosystem. UAE Travel & Books in Homes: A separate look at how UAE teachers use summer break highlights reading and rest as part of returning refreshed—an education-to-literacy pipeline.

Sharjah’s “Library for Every Home”: The emirate’s reading model got major international attention at the American Library Association’s 150th annual conference in Chicago, with officials highlighting 42,000 Emirati families reached and 2.1 million books delivered through the initiative. Arabic publishing push (UAE): Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre signed a new academic cooperation deal with the University of Bologna to expand Arabic language research, translation, digitisation and publishing links. Publishing training (Sharjah): Sharjah Book Authority’s Onshur opened applications for the 2026 “Launch” track, training aspiring publishers in rights, branding, operations and market strategy, with sessions starting September 2026. Books into homes (UAE education angle): A report on how UAE teachers use their summer break also points to a wider culture of reading and renewal that feeds back into the school year. Kashmir book spotlight: A new launch in Srinagar celebrated Healer in Exile, the untold story of neurologist Dr Sushil Razdan, framed as a rare bridge across political divides. Arabic language reach (global): The Bologna partnership is part of a broader effort to position Arabic as a language of knowledge production in international scholarship.

Sharjah’s reading model goes global: Sharjah marked a historic first by delivering a keynote at the American Library Association’s 150th annual conference in Chicago, spotlighting its “Library for Every Home” push that has reached 42,000 Emirati families with 2.1 million books. Arabic publishing pipeline: The Sharjah Book Authority’s Onshur opened applications for its 2026 “Launch” track, training aspiring publishers to build sustainable ventures across rights, branding, and market strategy. Arabic language abroad: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) signed a cooperation deal with the University of Bologna to expand Arabic studies, translation, publishing, digitisation, and knowledge exchange internationally. Kashmir book launch: A new book on neurologist Dr. Sushil Razdan, “Healer in Exile,” was launched in Srinagar, drawing political rivals together around a shared legacy of care. Children’s literature spotlight: A young Syrian author, Selena Raafat Hamed, became the youngest participant at SIBF 40 and won for her story “The Red Planet.”

Publishing & Media Training: Kuwait’s National Bank of Kuwait Aspire interns toured Kuwait Times and Kuwait News, covering editorial, social media, print production, archives and the printing workflow—an on-the-ground look at how Gulf news is made. Press Freedom & Gaza Reporting: The Committee to Protect Journalists removed eight Palestinian journalists from its death toll list after Hamas and PIJ “obituaries” labeled them as combatants; Dr. Nika Soon-Shiong says CPJ acted with partiality and was sacked from its board. Qatar Cultural Programming: Qatar Museums rolled out a packed July calendar across the Museum of Islamic Art and Mathaf, including calligraphy, storytelling, literature-linked book clubs and summer camps. Arabic Book Promotion: Türkiye hosted a promotional event for the fifth volume of “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,” bringing together Chinese and Turkish officials, scholars and publishers. UAE Language Outreach: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre signed an agreement to expand its global reach. Books & Publishing Events: “What to Read Next” lists anticipated July–September 2026 titles, while Qatar’s museum library film club and book club tie programming to specific new reads.

Education & Youth Programming: Qatar Foundation’s Education City is running summer camps and workshops from June to August, with sports and creative activities booked via the Education City app/website. School Curriculum Politics: Texas’ State Board of Education voted to require Bible passages and a 200+ item reading list across public schools, with debate over teacher autonomy and timing for publisher materials. Architecture & Public Culture: Sharjah Architecture Triennial’s third edition, “Architecture Otherwise,” runs Nov 14, 2026–Apr 14, 2027, focusing on civic infrastructure and collective futures. Publishing & Language Heritage: Azerbaijan’s National Carpet Museum opened “Treasure of Culture: Dīwān Lughāt al-Turk,” part of Turkic World Week, reinterpreting the classic Turkic lexicon for modern audiences. Tech & Logistics for the Region: SmartKargo launched Akasa Air Cargo’s mobile app, bringing booking and tracking to cargo agents on the go. Defense Tech Investment: Anduril-linked investors reportedly backed an Israeli tunnel-warfare startup, Traysar, as deals with major defense firms continue. World Cup Culture: Belgium vs Senegal headlines the Round of 32 in Seattle, with both sides tipped for a tight, possibly penalty-deciding match.

World Cup & Culture: France set for a historic Round of 32 clash with Sweden, with Les Bleus riding a perfect group record and Sweden’s leaky defense in focus. Publishing & Identity: Jewish Journal launched an e-book, “250 Reasons to Thank America,” pairing Jewish gratitude with a broader pro-democracy message. U.S. Immigration Law: The Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, but coverage stresses the fight is far from over for immigrant families. Middle East Governance & Books: Morocco topped a Responsible Nations Index ranking among MENA states, a reminder that publishing and public policy debates increasingly travel together. UAE Lifestyle: Abu Dhabi is bringing “outdoors” indoors via air-conditioned attractions like an indoor farm and summer sports hub. Press & Media: NPR retracted a story about Justice Alito retiring after it was published in error, reigniting questions about newsroom accuracy. Israel-Palestine Discourse: A debate piece argues anti-Semitism’s “symbolic” role is often misunderstood, tying modern anti-Zionist rhetoric to older political theory.

Supreme Court & Immigration: The US Supreme Court cleared the way for Temporary Protected Status to end for Syrians and Haitians, reshaping who can stay and work in the country—an issue with major ripple effects for care work and aging populations. US-Iran Tensions: Coverage continues to track the fragile US-Iran ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz risk, with shipping and energy markets still on edge. Middle East Publishing & Culture: Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language Centre launched a five-book series spotlighting Emirati artists, while Sharjah International Book Fair highlights young writers like 9-year-old Selena Raafat Hamed and teen Navya Bhaskaran. Urdu & Knowledge: A physician-author argues Urdu should move beyond poetry into science and modern terminology, publishing new works to push that shift. Books & Community: A Queen Creek author’s debut historical novel draws on Galilee research and “ordinary families” under Roman rule. Industry Watch: Kalpataru Projects secured new orders including a Middle East water-sector win, signaling continued regional infrastructure demand.

Language & Identity: A new op-ed argues Arabic is more than communication—it’s the memory and cultural backbone of Arabs from the Gulf to the Atlantic, warning that foreign-language dominance in public life signals deeper identity erosion. Queer Publishing Spotlight: A review of Bobuq Sayed’s No God But Us spotlights drag culture and political queer romance, following a young Afghan-American man’s identity crisis and flight to Turkey. Diaspora & Community Building: Reporting from Dublin highlights how a Kurdish cultural center is stitching together a dispersed community through language classes, events, and volunteer support. Lebanon Sovereignty Talks: Lebanon’s president tells the US commander Beirut will deploy its army up to the Israeli border, as a framework deal faces Hezbollah opposition and implementation questions. Gaza/West Bank Accountability Debate: Commentary reacts to a UN inquiry report alleging Israel’s deliberate targeting of Palestinian children, criticizing how major outlets covered it and how claims were framed. UAE Literary News: Emirati author Fatima Al Mazrouei’s Kohl Ithmid wins a Sharjah Award jury prize, reworking oral folklore to connect heritage with modern readers.

Qatar’s Waqf Push: Qatar’s Awqaf Minister laid the foundation stone for the Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al Thani Endowment Library in Umm Ghuwailina, aiming to boost education, research and community services through a multi-purpose endowment model. Gaza Diplomacy in India: Sonia Gandhi’s op-ed accusing the Modi government of “stony silence” on Gaza is framed as a bid to seize moral ground and sharpen Congress’s electoral messaging. India Ocean Strategy: Modi’s Seychelles visit—his first in 11 years—signals deeper military-maritime ties and a counter to China’s Indian Ocean footprint. Publishing & Memory: Marjane Satrapi’s death is marked in a personal literary reflection on her impact via Persepolis. World Cup Culture: Argentina’s Messi milestone and Round of 32 schedule coverage keep West Asia fans in the spotlight, with Cape Verde next up. Tech for Creators: Mondia and Ubisoft+ expand gaming access in Saudi Arabia, with more rollouts planned.

Iran–US Talks: Iran postponed a round of technical negotiations with the US, citing recent clashes and uncertainty over whether frozen funds will be released, as the fragile ceasefire around the Strait of Hormuz shows fresh strain. Israel–Lebanon: A US-brokered framework agreement was signed, but protesters in Beirut denounced it as inadequate, with critics saying it leaves Israeli forces in occupied areas. Egypt World Cup: Egypt qualified for the Round of 32 for the first time after drawing Iran 1-1, sparking celebrations across Cairo as fans look ahead to the knockout stage. Defense & Tech: Anduril’s CEO and delegation are set to visit Israel to pursue Ministry of Defense deals, while Rafael announced a major Spyder air-defense agreement with Romania. Publishing & Books: A new El-Sisi biography is slated for release for the 30 June anniversary, and a local writer published three books in June. Sports Media: Round-of-32 coverage ramps up with Germany vs Paraguay and France vs Sweden match previews.

U.S.-Iran Tensions: The Strait of Hormuz flared again as the U.S. carried out strikes on Iranian sites and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard retaliated, with Kuwait and Bahrain named in the exchange—raising fresh fears for shipping and regional stability. Gulf Mobility & Tech: Abu Dhabi moved closer to real-world air taxis, while Masdar City launched Biosphere Labs, a GCC shared life-sciences lab aimed at speeding biotech access. Saudi Health Regulation: Saudi Arabia suspended a practitioner for promoting exosome injections online in ways that conflicted with approved guidance. Publishing & Heritage: Vatican Apostolic Library officials visited Azerbaijan’s Manuscripts Institute, highlighting preservation and restoration of rare texts. Books & Faith Debate: A new wave of commentary challenges how religious authority is used in public life, from “man of God” myths to disputes over scripture and modern politics. World Cup Culture: Africa’s record run into the Round of 32 kept the spotlight on football’s growing global reach.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: The US-Iran-Oman dispute is now all about wording, with “no charge” and “maritime services” phrases in memorandums and a joint working group on navigation administration and costs keeping tensions simmering. Regional Security: Bahrain reported Iranian drone strikes while a British maritime agency said a tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile, as both sides trade accusations over ceasefire violations. Kurdish Peace Process in Turkey: Erdogan says a legal framework for reforms tied to the PKK peace process will go to parliament in mid-July, with pro-Kurdish lawmakers calling it a first step toward broader amendments. World Cup & Identity: Iran fans rode a rollercoaster after a 1-1 draw with Egypt, while Ghana supporters in Kadjebi backed a win over Croatia; meanwhile, Belgium’s big win over New Zealand set up knockout scenarios across Group G/L. Publishing & Culture: A new “Eternities — The Story Concert” blends live music and theatre, and a fantasy sequel, “The Tapestry of Fate,” continues Amina Al-Sirafi’s Persian Gulf quest.

World Cup Round-of-32 Push: Belgium booked its place in the last 32 with a 5-1 rout of New Zealand, led by Leandro Trossard’s two goals, while Egypt advanced after a 1-1 draw with Iran; Iran’s late winner was ruled out by VAR, leaving them waiting on third-place qualification. Group H Drama: Spain edged Uruguay 1-0 as Álex Baena’s first-half strike sent Spain through and ended Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay run, with Bielsa taking full responsibility for the failure to win. Africa’s Best-Ever Run: Seven African teams reached the Round of 32—Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal and Ghana—highlighting the expanded 48-team format’s impact. Cultural Loss in Turkey: Acclaimed actor Kadir Inanır, a prominent democratic voice and Kurdish peace-process supporter, died at 1949-born Fatsa roots, leaving a legacy beyond cinema.

World Cup & Media: The U.S. exited its group with a 3-2 loss to Turkey after a late Ayhan goal, with coach Mauricio Pochettino pushing back on any suggestion the defeat reflects team problems; meanwhile, Spain and Uruguay set up a Group H decider where Spain can clinch top spot and shape its Round of 32 opponent. Middle East Diplomacy: Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement with U.S. mediation, with Netanyahu calling it a major blow to Iran and promising Israel’s “security zone” posture unless Hezbollah disarms. Publishing & Culture: Turkmenistan’s state publishing service released its first informatics textbook for first-graders with visual impairments, using large print, tactile elements, and adapted illustrations. Books, Law & Learning: Texas approved new required reading that includes Bible passages across grades, reigniting First Amendment fights over curriculum control. Crypto & Sanctions: A British teenager became the first schoolboy sanctioned by Russia after exposing a crypto network tied to alleged sanctions evasion.

Immigration Rulings: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for ending temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians and also backed a stricter asylum “metering” approach, raising deportation risks for hundreds of thousands. Iran-US Tensions: Trump said talks with Iran are happening from “pure strength,” while the Strait of Hormuz remains a key pressure point amid renewed nuclear-deal uncertainty. Travel & Publishing Adjacent: UAE and wider GCC travellers are shifting toward cooler, “better value” destinations, with Europe still popular but bookings more selective. Sports as Culture: At the World Cup, Türkiye edged the U.S. 3-2 late, while Australia booked the last 32 after a scoreless draw with Paraguay; the bracket now hinges on Group G outcomes. Everyday Life Study: Türkiye’s time-use research found people sleep nearly nine hours but spend only about 12 minutes on sports and fitness. Tech & Compliance: CoinEx responded to a Wall Street Journal report on Iran-linked crypto flows, stressing compliance steps and denying ties to sanctioned Iranian entities.