AGP Executive Report

Abu Dhabi Pop-Culture Boom: The 14th Middle East Film & Comic Con at ADNEC is drawing huge crowds with superheroes, manga artists, wrestlers, cosplay and collectibles—plus major celebrity guests like John Cena and One Piece stars, while regional creators sell self-published manga and original art. Publishing & Access in the Gulf: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair exhibitors are offering a 35% discount via the fair’s digital payment system, aiming to make books more accessible and support the publishing sector. Arab Culture on a European Stage: Anne-Claire Legendre says the Arab World Institute in Paris should shift from a European showcase to Arab-led curation across design, fashion, literature, film and music. Book Culture in Egypt: A look at zine-making workshops in Egypt shows how small, independent publishing is growing beyond traditional gatekeepers. Orientalism in Print: A new study examines how German travel literature shaped “the Orient” in cultural memory, published by Khutout wa Dhilal and Rawai’ al-Kutub. Gaza & the Middle East in Debate: Joe Sacco’s latest work returns to Gaza, challenging Western blindness as the region’s conflicts keep reshaping publishing conversations.

Baghdad Book Fair Spotlight: The Imam Ali (AS) Holy Shrine is displaying an extremely rare early Quran manuscript attributed to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib at the 27th Baghdad International Book Fair, with the parchment Kufic text reportedly sent to Oxford for radiocarbon dating. Abu Dhabi Reading Push: ADIBF exhibitors are offering a 35% discount on books via the fair’s digital payment system, as the event expands access for readers across 95 countries. Publishing & Access in the Gulf: ADIBF 2026 also signals new facilities and programming aimed at supporting publishers and preserving stories of Emirati cultural pioneers. Arabic Literature on Stage: Jordanian poet Dr. Abdullah Abu Shumais’s new volume, The Seven Pirates of Poetry and A Shoe as White as the Wave, brings modernist Arabic voices into two poetic plays blending dialogue, symbolism, and sea imagery. Prize News: Gerald Everett Jones’s Jonathan’s Journal earns a NYC Big Book Award “Distinguished Favorite” nod in General Fiction. Industry Deal Watch: Reports say Saudi PIF management is considering merging Electronic Arts with Savvy Games to better coordinate assets.

Baghdad Book Fair Spotlight: The Imam Ali (AS) Holy Shrine displayed a rare early Quran manuscript at the 27th Baghdad International Book Fair, with officials saying it dates to the late 1st century AH and was sent to Oxford for radiocarbon dating. Publishing Support in the Gulf: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026’s organizer says pavilion rental fees for private exhibitors will be waived, alongside more networking and copyright/translation deal opportunities for publishers. Arab Literary Theatre: Jordanian poet Dr. Abdullah Abu Shumais’s new volume, The Seven Pirates of Poetry and A Shoe as White as the Wave, brings two poetic plays to life with dialogue, symbolism, and modernist voices. Zine-Making in Egypt: A report looks at how zines are becoming a more common, low-cost publishing practice in Egypt—turning workshops and photocopied pages into a real alternative to traditional gatekeeping. Cultural Diplomacy: A piece on UAE–Germany ties highlights how publishing and language education collaborations have long accompanied official state links, with the Abu Dhabi Book Fair cited as a key example. Regional Reading Logistics: Saudi airport status updates note possible disruptions near Yemen after Houthi attacks, including Najran (EAM) and Jizan (GIZ), urging travelers to confirm flights directly.

Baghdad Book Fair Spotlight: The Imam Ali (AS) Holy Shrine is displaying an extremely rare Quran manuscript attributed to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib at the Baghdad International Book Fair, with officials saying it was dated via radiocarbon work at Oxford and written in Kufic on parchment. Gaza Journalism & Publishing: Joe Sacco’s new work frames Gaza as a requiem, dedicating it to Palestinian journalists killed in the war and criticizing Western media smears that sidelined their reporting. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair Support: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre will waive pavilion rental fees for private-sector publishers and expand networking, copyright, and translation-rights opportunities for ADIBF 2026. Arabic Books to Screen: Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference launched the Book2Screen Challenge, inviting Arab publishers to pitch novels, graphic novels, and children’s books for animation and screen adaptation. Translation & New Markets: Taleb Alrefai’s Gulf novel “Shadow of the Sun” is being translated into Greek, marking a first for a Gulf novel in the language. Literary Culture in Motion: China is guest of honor at the Moscow International Book Fair, showcasing about 3,000 titles and pushing new copyright deals.

Publishing Support: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 gets a publisher-friendly boost: pavilion rental fees are waived for private-sector exhibitors, with more networking plus copyright and translation-rights exchanges as organisers try to turn the fair into a true marketplace. Translation & Rights: Kuwait novelist Taleb Alrefai’s “Shadow of the Sun” becomes the first Gulf novel translated into Greek, published by Irini Publications, highlighting how Arabic fiction is finding new European readerships. Screen Adaptation Push: Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference launches the Book2Screen Challenge, inviting Arab publishers to pitch Arabic novels, graphic novels, children’s books and series for animation and screen development. Cultural Diplomacy via Books: Germany’s publishing ties with the UAE are spotlighted through a Berlin museum display of an early Zayed-era photograph, with the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair positioned as a long-running bridge between the two countries. Literary History in Focus: A Kazakh edition of Marie Favereau’s Golden Horde study reframes the Ulus of Jochi as a Eurasian power with its own institutions and trade networks, presented in Almaty by French and Kazakh partners. Community Reading & Identity: Guyana’s 60th independence celebrations in Qatar included the launch of a children’s book series from Salah Publishing, with editions translated into Arabic and Malayalam.

Abu Dhabi Book Fair Support: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair organizers say private-sector publishers and exhibitors won’t pay rental fees for pavilions this year, aiming to ease costs and boost copyright and translation deals. Translation & Gulf Fiction: Kuwait novelist Taleb Alrefai’s “Shadow of the Sun” becomes the first Gulf novel translated into Greek, published by Irini Publications, highlighting the book’s autofiction roots and cross-cultural appeal. Publishing-to-Screen Push: Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference (SACC) 2026 launches the Book2Screen Challenge, inviting Arab publishers to pitch Arabic books for animated film/series adaptation, with submissions open until Oct 1. Regional Book Diplomacy: China is guest of honor at the Moscow International Book Fair, showcasing about 3,000 titles and sending a large delegation to expand cultural and publishing ties. Literary Events in the UAE: ADIBF’s program spotlights major sessions and honors, including Emirati Pioneers initiative naming Mohammed Al Murr as the first honouree. Book Culture & Education: A new Arabic translation of “Is Your School Good?” revisits school reform debates through Neil Postman and Charles Weingartner’s lens.

UAE Publishing & Events: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair returns with a packed 35th edition (Sept 5–18) featuring ~1,500 events across six stages, including Don Quixote as “Book of the World” and a Balkan Guest of Honour, plus Emirati cultural programming and prize-winner sessions. UAE Cultural Heritage: ADIBF also launches “Emirati Pioneers,” a new annual initiative documenting key figures’ journeys and publications, with a mural, pavilion and bilingual documentary. Sharjah Publishing-to-Screen Push: Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference (SACC) 2026 opens the Book2Screen Challenge (submissions until Oct 1) inviting Arab publishers to pitch Arabic books for animated film/series adaptation. Iraq Reading Boom: Baghdad International Book Fair’s 27th edition draws 600+ publishers from 28 countries, with Iraqis showing strong demand for new releases. Arabic Literature in English: A new poetry series, Songs for Fairuz: New Arab Women’s Poetry, launches in Boston with Iraqi poet Hanaa Ahmad Jabr’s English debut, I Drag My Sorrow by His Collar. Manuscript Spotlight: A new study highlights the Qur’an of al-Za‘farānī (1151 CE) as the earliest complete dated Qur’anic codex with a Persian translation.

Qur’anic Manuscripts & Persian Scholarship: A new Tehran volume spotlights the Qurʾān of al-Zaʿfarānī, the earliest complete dated Qurʾānic codex (546 AH/1151 CE) that includes a full Persian translation, preserved at the Reza Abbasi Museum. Publishing-to-Screen Push: Sharjah’s SACC 2026 launches the Book2Screen Challenge, inviting Arab publishers to submit Arabic/English novels, graphic novels, children’s books and series for adaptation into animated films or series (entries close Oct 1). UAE Literary Heritage: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair names Mohammed Al Murr as the first “Emirati Pioneers” honouree, with a mural, pavilion and documentary highlighting his cultural and literary work. Regional Book Fairs: Baghdad International Book Fair reports record participation—600+ publishers from 28 countries—showcasing tens of thousands of new titles. Poetry in Translation: A new English-language series, Songs for Fairuz, will launch with Iraqi poet Hanaa Ahmad Jabr’s I Drag My Sorrow by His Collar, bringing 10 Arab women poets to English over five years. Media & Culture: HBO’s Harry Potter series confirms its main trio (Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, Alastair Stout) will not be recast for later seasons, amid ongoing franchise casting chatter.

Armenian Genocide in Focus: Sarah Ignatius’ debut novel The Kaleidoscope of Destiny is set for a Sept. 22 launch at NAASR, with Dana Walrath (author of HUP’s The Book of Genocides) joining to discuss storytelling, memory, and hope. Publishing-to-Screen Push: Sharjah’s SACC 2026 opened the Book2Screen Challenge, inviting Arab publishers to pitch Arabic books for animated film/series adaptation (submissions until Oct. 1). UAE Literary Heritage: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) will launch its annual ‘Emirati Pioneers’ initiative, honoring Mohammed Al Murr and spotlighting his publications and cultural work. Arab Poetry in English: Black Ocean’s new series Songs for Fairuz brings contemporary Arab women poets into English, starting with Iraqi poet Hanaa Ahmad Jabr’s I Drag My Sorrow by His Collar. Baghdad Book Fair Breaks Records: Iraq’s 27th Baghdad International Book Fair drew 600+ publishers from 28 countries, with Iraqi President Nizar Amidi calling it a showcase of Baghdad’s civilizational heritage. Oman Goes International: Oman wrapped its first-ever Moscow International Book Fair participation and continues showcasing culture and heritage at Baghdad’s fair. New Arab Philosophy Book: Arab Institute for Research and Publishing released Dr. Ayoub Issa Abu Diyeh’s How Do We Overcome the Fear of Death? exploring mortality through philosophy and psychology. Urdu Culture Under Pressure: A report from Lucknow highlights how rising costs are squeezing long-running Urdu bookshops, even as readers fight to keep the language alive.

UAE Publishing & Events: ADNEC Group (Modon) is gearing up for a record second half of 2026, with its Abu Dhabi and Al Ain venues set to host 297 events—spanning energy, AI, defence, healthcare, education, finance, fashion and sustainability, plus new-to-the-Middle-East exhibitions and international associations. Arabic Literary Culture: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair’s 35th edition will debut “Emirati Pioneers,” a project turning the stories of major Emirati figures in culture and thought into lasting documented knowledge. Book Launch (Middle East Thought): Egyptian researcher Amr Farouk’s new Kunouz-published study tackles the long intellectual clash between political Islam and Arab secular, rationalist thinkers, tracing shifts in methods and debates from figures like Farag Foda to Muhammad Abed al-Jabri. Oman at International Fairs: Oman wrapped up its first-ever official participation at the Moscow International Book Fair, spotlighting Omani culture, heritage and publications via ministries and Sultan Qaboos University. Philosophy Book (Beirut): Arab Institute for Research and Publishing in Beirut released Dr. Ayoub Issa Abu Diyeh’s “How Do We Overcome the Fear of Death?,” using philosophy, religion and modern thought to treat death as a gateway to meaning. Iraq Books & Heritage: Iraqi President Nizar Amidi highlighted the Baghdad International Book Fair as a reflection of the capital’s cultural and civilizational heritage during a visit to the 27th edition.

Oman’s Publishing Diplomacy: The Sultanate of Oman wrapped its first-ever official pavilion at the Moscow International Book Fair, showcasing Omani books and culture through ministries and Sultan Qaboos University, with hundreds of events and strong interest from researchers, students, and visitors. Arabic Publishing Spotlight: In Beirut, the Arab Institute for Research and Publishing released Dr. Ayoub Issa Abu Diyeh’s English-titled philosophy book on overcoming the fear of death, tracing ideas from myths and religions to modern thinkers. Iraqi Book Fair Update: Iraqi President Nizar Amidi visited the 27th Baghdad International Book Fair, calling it a reflection of Baghdad’s cultural and civilisational heritage and touring Iraqi, Arab, and international publishers. Islamic Books Go Global: Al-Manar Publishing House announced an English translation of Dr Ali D. AlShamali’s Prophet Muhammad ﷺ study, with a translator’s note focused on preserving Qur’anic and prophetic citations. Literary Culture & Archives: The Zaha Hadid Foundation’s archive is highlighted as a major resource for exhibitions and future museum plans, following Hadid’s 2013 creation of the foundation.

UN Cartography Row: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo’s “Correct the Map,” backing a 2018 Equal Earth projection over Mercator, with the U.S. voting no—sparking a wider debate about ideology, reparations, and “cognitive justice.” Iraqi Publishing Spotlight: Iraqi President Nizar Amidi visited the 27th Baghdad International Book Fair, calling it a showcase of Baghdad’s cultural and civilizational heritage and highlighting new releases from Iraqi, Arab, and international publishers. Palestinian Education Controversy: Tony Blair-linked claims that the “Board of Peace” asked him to remove “Palestine” from Palestinian school curricula were denied as fabrication by the Tony Blair Institute. Iran–U.S. Escalation: The U.S. said it destroyed three Iranian oil tankers after missile attacks on naval vessels, underscoring how regional conflict keeps spilling into shipping and energy narratives. Islamic Knowledge & Media: An Uzbekistan-hosted forum on “Islamic Civilization” pushed for tackling Islamophobia through explanation, knowledge, and updated ways of presenting historical sources. Book Events in the Diaspora: NAASR and partners announced a Belmont event for Sarah Ignatius’ debut novel The Kaleidoscope of Destiny (with Dana Mashoian Walrath).

Baghdad Book Fair: Iraqi President Nizar Amidi toured the 27th Baghdad International Book Fair, praising it as a showcase of the capital’s cultural and civilizational heritage, with publishers and new releases spanning Iraqi, Arab and international titles. Palestine in schoolbooks row: The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change denied a Middle East Eye report claiming Blair was asked to push the Palestinian Authority to remove the word “Palestine” from school curricula; the dispute is tied to allegations raised by former UK diplomat Jeremy Greenstock. Armenian genocide fiction launch: Sarah Ignatius’ debut novel The Kaleidoscope of Destiny is set for Sept. 22, with Dana Mashoian Walrath joining a NAASR event to discuss the book’s portrayal of 1915 and its themes of hope. Islamic publishing in Nigeria: Hajj Mabrur Ventures’ online marketplace The Souke partnered with Dawah Corner to expand access to Islamic books and materials from Saudi and other publishers. Reading challenge: Worldreader announced an all-families reading challenge aimed at bringing families together around books worldwide.

Palestinian Literary Politics: Mohammed el-Kurd’s new book Perfect Victims and the Politics of Appeal targets Western “innocence tests” for Palestinians, arguing that dehumanizing language shapes how resistance is judged. Publishing & Controversy: A Middle East Eye report and denials swirl around Tony Blair and the “Board of Peace,” with allegations that Blair urged removing “Palestine” from Palestinian school curricula—claims the Tony Blair Institute calls fabricated. Games & Arab Stories: 1001 Threads of Mizan, based on One Thousand and One Nights, was previewed at Gamescom and framed as a major, leak-protected, big-budget co-op action-adventure—another sign of Arabian Nights’ pull on global media. Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar’s participation in the Moscow International Book Fair spotlights Qatari publishing and translation ties, with panels and IP meetings aimed at raising the profile of Qatari intellectual output. Islam, Media, Knowledge: An Uzbekistan-hosted forum on Islamic civilization pushes “enlightenment over confrontation,” focusing on how media narratives can challenge Islamophobia through better historical and cultural framing.

Lebanon’s “Greater Lebanon” Origins: A new historical look marks the 106th anniversary of the 1920 proclamation of Greater Lebanon, tracing how the idea of expanding Mount Lebanon long predated Gouraud and how the “Grand Liban” name emerged. Lebanon/Publishing Recognition: Louise Brangan’s The Fallen (Magdalene Laundries and Ireland’s legacy of silence) lands on the 2026 Cundill History Prize shortlist, spotlighting archives and survivor testimony. Saudi-Nigeria Literary Trade: Hajj Mabrur Ventures expands its Nigerian Islamic marketplace, The Souke, via a partnership with Saudi publisher Dawah Corner to bring more Islamic books to readers at home. Iraq’s Book Fairs: Baghdad’s 27th International Book Fair opens with 600+ publishers and strong attendance, with Oman as guest of honor. Jordan Novel on Heritage vs Development: Abd al-Hadi al-Madadha’s Darat Balqis follows Amman’s changing neighborhoods through philosophical social fiction and astrology. Lebanon/State Memory & Identity: The week also features debate around political language and truth, including Israel-related commentary that frames how words are used in public life.

Baghdad Book Fairs: Iraq’s 27th Baghdad International Book Fair opened with 600+ publishers and strong reader turnout, with Oman as guest of honour and cultural panels on translation, publishing and intellectual property. Qatar on the Publishing Map: Qatar’s Ministry of Culture joined the Moscow International Book Fair, spotlighting Qatari intellectual materials and supporting local publishers through business meetings and translation talks. Arabic Fiction Spotlight: The Naguib Mahfouz Medal announced its 2026 shortlist for Arabic fiction, adding fresh momentum to regional prize culture. Housing & Publishing: Leilani Farha’s Massey Lectures book Housing Inc.: A Global Takeover and Our Fight for Home (Sept. 8) ties housing’s financialization to her UN work, using personal vignettes. Palestine Textbooks Row: Tony Blair Institute and Blair’s camp denied claims that Blair was asked to remove “Palestine” from Palestinian school curricula, as the dispute plays out in Israel-Palestine discourse. Literary Awards Buzz: Luis A. Estable won the NYC Big Book Award for poetry; Joseph Howse also swept multiple categories, underscoring how prizes keep amplifying new voices.