AGP Executive Report

Lebanon’s Libraries Under Fire: As fighting damages libraries, archives, schools and publishing houses, Lebanese readers turn to books for refuge while cultural groups race to rebuild and preserve memory. Kuwait Media Overhaul: Kuwait’s new Media Regulation Law replaces three older media laws, sets a six-month timeline for executive rules, and threatens license cancellations for outlets that don’t regularize. Abu Dhabi x Arab Publishers: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre announces a partnership aimed at strengthening ties with Arab publishers and boosting Arabic book production, distribution and reach. HBKU Press Growth: Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s press says it has published 800+ titles, with Qatari authors making up about half its writers, as it pushes Qatar’s literary ecosystem. Book Culture & Representation: Research flags a drop in children’s books with Black main characters and a sharp decline in MENA representation, renewing calls for more diverse stories. Gulf Heritage in Print: A bilingual Gulf pre-oil architecture book documents overlooked landscapes and structures, with Arabic text reportedly hand-written by a calligrapher. Minecraft Journalism Library: Reporters Without Borders’ in-game library keeps censored reporting accessible in restricted countries, spotlighting how publishing can survive crackdowns.

Lebanon’s Libraries Under Fire: A new report looks at how Lebanon’s libraries, archives, schools, universities and publishing houses were hit during months of fighting—and how rebuilding is becoming a fight to preserve memory. UAE Heritage & Knowledge: An Abu Dhabi archaeologist explains rock art across the Hajar Mountains, while a separate Gulf-focused book documents pre-oil architecture and everyday non-urban life. Publishing Partnerships: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre signs a partnership with Arab publishers to strengthen collaboration and expand Arabic book reach; HBKU Press says it has published 800+ titles, with Qatari authors making up about half its writers. Media Regulation Shake-up (Kuwait): Kuwait issues a new Media Regulation Law, replacing three older laws and setting deadlines for licensing compliance. Global Reading & Representation: A UK study finds children’s books with Black main characters fell nearly 8%, with MENA representation dropping sharply. Industry & Culture Events: Menassah promotes Emirati publishing to Indonesia at the book fair, and HBKU/Sharjah library initiatives highlight “Beyond the Book” and future media programming.

Iran-U.S. Standoff: Trump says a decision on Iran is coming—“easy way or hard way”—as reports point to a Camp David war council and talks remain stuck. Kuwait Media Overhaul: Kuwait’s new Media Regulation Law replaces three older media laws, sets a six-month timeline for executive rules, and threatens license cancellations for non-compliance. UAE Publishing Partnership: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre teams up with Arab publishers to strengthen collaboration and expand Arabic books’ reach. Qatar Publishing Output: HBKU Press says it has published 800+ titles, with Qatari authors making up about half of its writers, aiming to grow Qatar’s literary ecosystem. Menassah at Indonesia Fair: Menassah Distribution brings 89 Emirati publishers, showcasing 554 titles and 1,584 books, to build distribution and rights partnerships. Children’s Books Diversity: A UK study finds Black main characters in children’s books fell nearly 8% in a year, while MENA representation drops sharply. Heritage & Books: A Gulf-focused bilingual book documents pre-oil Gulf architecture and everyday non-urban life, using handwritten Arabic calligraphy.

Kuwait Media Overhaul: Kuwait has issued a new Media Regulation Law, replacing three older media laws and setting a six-month timeline for executive rules, with non-compliant licenses at risk. Qatar Publishing Push: HBKU Press says it has published 800+ titles, with Qatari authors making up about half its writer base, as it aims to strengthen Qatar’s literary ecosystem. UAE Books Go International: Menassah Distribution is taking 554 titles (1,584 books) from 89 Emirati publishers to the Indonesia International Book Fair, seeking distribution and rights partnerships. Gulf Pre-Oil Architecture Book: A bilingual Gulf history and design primer, “Two Thousand Years of Non-Urban History,” documents overlooked regional structures like springs, fisheries and date palm fields. Translation & Reading for Pleasure: The UK’s National Year of Reading highlights why linguistic diversity should be central to children’s reading initiatives, including Arabic and French translation activities. Book Culture Spotlight: Elif Shafak reflects on Istanbul and the legal/ethical limits of bringing “home” into exile, while a separate piece examines how biblical atlases shaped certainty in ancient Near East mapping.

Gulf Heritage Publishing: Civil Architecture’s bilingual book Two Thousand Years of Non-Urban History documents overlooked Gulf structures—springs, fisheries, date-palm fields—using illustrations, archival images and documentary photography, aiming to broaden what architecture students learn beyond oil-era skylines. Qatar’s Publishing Push: HBKU Press says it has published 800+ titles since launch, with Qatari authors making up about half its writers, as it works to strengthen Qatar’s literary ecosystem. UAE Literary Markets: Menassah Distribution is taking part in the Indonesia International Book Fair (30 Sept–4 Oct), representing 89 Emirati publishers with 554 titles and 1,584 books, to build distribution and rights partnerships. Cultural Programming in Qatar: Qatar Museums released its October 2026 public programme, including a new photography exhibition, talks, workshops, storytelling and book clubs across its museums and creative hubs. Arabic Language Reference Milestone: Sharjah’s International Book Fair opening featured the launch of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language (127 volumes) and an Arabic encyclopedia of sciences, literature and arts. Book-to-Screen Trivia: Verity’s lakeside mansion is tied to a real New York property (the Nierenberg House in Armonk), blending authentic architecture with studio sets.

UAE Publishing Push: Menassah Distribution Company is taking part in the Indonesia International Book Fair, representing 89 Emirati publishers and showcasing about 554 titles (1,584 books), aiming to expand distribution and rights deals across Asian markets. Sharjah Book Fair & Arabic Reference Works: Sharjah’s International Book Fair opened with the launch of major language projects, including a completed 127-volume Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and an Arabic Encyclopedia of Sciences, Literature and Arts. Arabic Heritage Goes Digital: Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language center is preparing to release the heritage encyclopedia A Thousand Books and a Book in digital and audio formats, based on 23 years of research and originally published in five printed volumes. Translations & Regional Reading: A “National Year of Reading” push in the UK argues linguistic diversity should sit at the heart of reading-for-pleasure initiatives, highlighting bilingual and translated children’s books. New English/Swedish Ocalan Titles: Abdullah Öcalan’s works are landing in English (PM Press) and Swedish, with a Stockholm launch event scheduled for 4 October. Cultural Diplomacy via Books: A China-Egypt dialogue in Cairo included a book donation ceremony to Egyptian universities and publishers, framing book exchange as a route to sustained cultural dialogue.

UAE Publishing Push: Menassah Distribution Company is bringing 554 Emirati titles (1,584 books) to the Indonesia International Book Fair, aiming to link 89 Emirati publishers with Asian buyers and rights partners. New Translations from Rojava/Öcalan: Abdullah Öcalan’s “Democratic Civilization” volumes are landing in English (PM Press) and Swedish, with a Stockholm launch set for 4 October. Arabic Heritage Goes Digital: Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language center is preparing “A Thousand Books and a Book” in digital and audio formats, digitizing a 1,000-book encyclopedia drawn from 23 years of research. Sharjah Book Fair Build-Up: Sharjah’s International Book Fair opens with major language projects, including a completed 127-volume Historical Dictionary of Arabic and an Arabic encyclopedia of sciences, literature and arts. Reading for Pleasure in the UAE: The Emirates Literature Foundation’s Reading for Pleasure Caravan Conference wrapped after four days across Dubai, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, reaching 2,000+ parents, teachers and librarians. Arab Books in English (October Picks): A roundup highlights 10 new English-language releases by Arab writers, including Mohammed Alnaas’s “Bread on Uncle Milad’s Table” and other fiction and translations. Qatar Museums October Program: Qatar Museums rolls out October 2026 with exhibitions, talks, workshops, storytelling and book clubs across its museums and creative hubs.

Sharjah Book Fair & Arabic Language Projects: Sharjah’s culture minister joined the opening of the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair and the launch of major reference works, including a completed 127-volume Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and an Arabic Encyclopedia of Sciences, Literature and Arts, with thousands of publishers and events across the fair. Qatar Museums October Line-up: Qatar Museums unveiled its October 2026 public programme, mixing exhibitions, talks, workshops, storytelling and book clubs across its museums and creative hubs, including activities linked to the Museum of Islamic Art and Mathaf. Abu Dhabi Digital Heritage: Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language centre is preparing to release “A Thousand Books and a Book” in digital and audio formats, turning a 1,000-title Arabic and Islamic heritage encyclopedia into a 3,000-page accessible collection. UAE Reading for Pleasure: The Emirates Literature Foundation’s Reading for Pleasure Caravan Conference wrapped its third edition across Dubai, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, bringing together thousands of parents, teachers and librarians to push reading for enjoyment in Arabic and English. Publishing Market Watch: A new report forecasts steady growth for the global bookstore market, projecting expansion from $17.64bn (2025) to $18.29bn (2026) and onward to $21.33bn by 2030. ADL on Cultural Exclusion: The Anti-Defamation League released reports alleging systemic exclusion of Jewish and Israeli artists across publishing, museums and entertainment, alongside proposed venue guidelines. China-Egypt Book Exchange: A China-Egypt dialogue in Cairo included a book donation ceremony supporting sustained publishing and academic exchanges between the two countries.

Heritage Digitization: Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language center is digitizing and releasing “A Thousand Books and a Book” as digital and audio formats, turning a 23-year, 1,000-title Arabic and Islamic heritage encyclopedia into a 3,000-page online resource. Protest Music Scholarship: MERIP’s Podcast Episode 30 spotlights Nafiseh Sharifi’s work on Iran’s protest music, tracing how dissent songs evolved from the 1979 revolution through the 2009 Green Movement and later uprisings. Publishing & Awards: The NYC Big Book Award’s 2026 winners and “distinguished favorites” list is published in the October issue of Printed Word Reviews, marking the contest’s 10th year. Book Culture in the Gulf: WTM Spotlight Riyadh wrapped up with focus on Saudi outbound travel growth and how AI is reshaping trip planning and hotel searches. Literary Heritage Spotlight: Penguin India’s anthology “The Big Book of Kashmiri Literature” (edited by Onaiza Drabu) is presented as a large-scale gateway to Kashmir’s poetry, songs, folk traditions, and stories. Global Publishing Tech: JIC Ventures backs Czech AI audiobook studio Elredo Voice to expand production and localization for publishers, aiming to reshape audiobook economics. Media Law & Accountability: Netanyahu seeks NIS 2.6m defamation damages over reports that UAE and Egyptian officials warned him about Hamas plans before Oct. 7.

Israel-UAE Warning Fallout: Netanyahu is hit with fresh claims that UAE and Egyptian intelligence warned him about Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack, and he’s now suing major Israeli outlets and journalists over the reports tied to the book Hostages: 843 Days of Abandonment. AI in Publishing: JIC Ventures backs Czech startup Elredo Voice to expand AI-driven audiobook production for publishers, aiming to cut costs and speed up localization. Saudi Travel & Tech: At WTM Spotlight Riyadh, industry leaders discuss Saudi Arabia’s outbound boom and how AI tools are changing how travelers search and book trips. Documentary & Tech Surveillance: The Oscar-winning team behind NAZA faces renewed controversy as the film spotlights an alleged AI “killing machine” used to predict civilian casualties. Middle East Cultural Diplomacy: Morocco’s Asilah Forum launches its 47th cultural season, while Sharjah prepares to be guest of honor at Bogotá’s book fair in 2027. Migration Reading List: A roundup of migration-focused fiction and memoirs highlights stories from Syria to beyond.

AI & Audio Publishing: JIC Ventures backed Czech startup Elredo Voice, using AI to cut audiobook production costs and time and expand localization and back-catalog audio for publishers, with a push into the US. Kashmir Literature Spotlight: Penguin India released Onaiza Drabu’s edited anthology The Big Book of Kashmiri Literature, framing centuries of poetry, songs, folk traditions, plays, ghazals and more as a “library” of Kashmir entering the public square. Migration Reading List: A curated set of five fiction and memoir picks argues migration is ongoing and essential, spotlighting works including Suad Aldarra’s Syria-to-exile memoir I Don’t Want to Talk About Home. UAE Cultural Diplomacy: Sharjah was named the first Arab Guest of Honour at Bogotá’s FILBo 2027, with plans for literary, intellectual and publishing/translation programming. Book Fairs & Film Culture: Dubai’s DIFF return is tied to its role in building Arab and indie cinema in the region, with organizers pointing to translation awards and book-fair links in Abu Dhabi. Publishing Tech & Policy: A report from the Middle East Forum alleges US mosques used tax-exempt status to campaign for Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, raising questions for nonprofit election rules. Regional Travel for Readers: Jeddah Airport Terminal 4 opened with phased flight transfers, urging travelers to confirm departure terminals as schedules shift.

Defamation in Israel’s media: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly seeking NIS 2.6 million in a defamation suit against major Israeli outlets and journalists over claims that the UAE and Egypt warned him about Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack. Publishing diplomacy in the Arab world: Sharjah has been named the first Arab Guest of Honour at the Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo) in 2027, with a focus on Emirati and Arab literature, publishing, and translation links with Latin America. Islamic publishing data push: An Islamic Publishing Observatory was launched in Istanbul under the International Union of Islamic Book Publishers to track industry trends and publish reports on translation, rights, distribution, and digital transformation. Literary debut from the region: Perla Kantarjian’s multilingual poetry debut, “You Must Become Field,” braids the 1915 Armenian Genocide with contemporary catastrophe across Lebanon and beyond. Book culture and festivals: The Asilah Forum’s 47th cultural season (Oct. 2–18) returns as a long-running platform for cross-cultural dialogue and creative arts.

Sharjah as Guest of Honour: Sharjah Book Authority has been named the first Arab Guest of Honour at Bogotá’s FILBo 2027, spotlighting Emirati and Arab publishing, translation, and cultural exchange with Latin America. Islamic Publishing Data Push: An Islamic Publishing Observatory launched in Istanbul aims to track industry trends across dozens of countries, addressing the sector’s lack of reliable consolidated data. UAE Travel Perks: Emirates announced a Dh535 bundle for Dubai attractions, plus My Emirates Pass discounts and flexible date changes—useful for book-fair and festival travel. Egypt Visa Update: Egypt’s single-entry tourist e-visa fee is set to rise from $30 to $33 from Jan 1, 2027, with possible extra service/issuance charges. Pakistan Passport Switch: Pakistan will stop issuing machine-readable passports from Oct 15, moving new applications to e-passports only. Literary Culture in Morocco: The Asilah Festival begins its 47th edition as a forum for dialogue and cross-cultural exchange. Children’s Publishing Win: Ashley P. Moseley’s illustrated children’s book This Birdie Told Me was named a Distinguished Favorite at the NYC Big Book Award.

Islamic Publishing: Istanbul hosted the launch of a new Islamic Publishing Observatory by the International Union of Islamic Book Publishers, aiming to gather reliable cross-country data on translation, rights, distribution and digital change—an attempt to fix the sector’s long-running lack of consolidated information. Arab Literary Diplomacy: Sharjah was named the first Arab Guest of Honour at Colombia’s Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo) 2027, spotlighting Emirati/Arab publishing and translation links with Latin America. Publishing & Bias: A new discussion on psychological science highlights a persistent double standard in how research from the Global South is reviewed, calling for fairer collaborations and leadership. New Books: Perla Kantarjian’s debut novel-poetry work braids the 1915 Armenian Genocide with today’s Lebanon, Artsakh and airstrikes, while Dr Maryam Anas Al Matrooshi’s “The CorePrint Method™” pitches a five-part life framework for print, ebook and audiobook readers. Book Culture: A report asks if bookshops can survive the digital age, using Cyprus’ Moufflon Bookshop as a case study in local discovery and community knowledge.

Sharjah as Guest of Honour: FILBo 2027 in Bogotá has named Sharjah the first Arab Guest of Honour, spotlighting Emirati and wider Arab publishing and translation from April 20–May 3, 2027. Pakistan e-Passports: Pakistan will end machine-readable passports from Oct 15, 2026, moving new applications to e-passports and listing updated fee tiers for 5- and 10-year options. New UAE book launch: Dr Maryam Anas Al Matrooshi’s The CorePrint Method™ is set to publish in print, digital and audiobook formats, using a five-part framework (spiritual, emotional, physical, mental, social). IPO watch (publishing-adjacent business): Papadmalji Agro Foods sets an IPO price band of Rs 69–72 with subscription opening Sept 29, while Selmore Pharma eyes a PSX listing draft prospectus for public comment. Islam & Iran in books: A Q&A on Behrooz Ghamari-Tabrizi’s The Long War on Iran links decades of US policy to today’s conflict, framing what Western readers miss about modern Iran. Book trade & discovery: A Cyprus bookshop profile argues that physical stores still matter for research and culture, even as digital discovery grows.

Publishing & Books: Iman Ghazali Publishing released The Maghazi of Sayyiduna Muhammad, an English translation of Musa ibn Uqbah’s mid-8th-century biography of the Prophet, newly enabled by a 2021 manuscript rediscovery. Literary Culture: A new book spotlighted in the week’s coverage, Al Bagh (The Rifle) by Omani author Bushra Khalfan, follows two voices across Oman’s modern conflicts, using rifles as a symbol of competing visions for liberation. Book Trade & Access: Cyprus’ long-running Moufflon Bookshop in Nicosia argues for the enduring role of human-led discovery as online shopping reshapes how readers find books. Middle East History on the Page: A 2,000-year-old mikveh pool unearthed in southern Israel is being linked to Second Temple-era Jewish life and later baptism traditions, feeding fresh interest in how archaeology and texts travel together. Regional Security & Reading Publics: Iran reiterated its stance on reopening the Strait of Hormuz under conditions, rejecting a U.S. rejection—another reminder that geopolitics keeps shaping what audiences read and publish.