AGP Executive Report

Living Heritage: Lebanon’s Naffah family is keeping a 300-year tradition alive as the country’s last church-bell makers, serving communities across the Middle East and diaspora. Ancient Art: Egypt’s restored second-century Fayoum portraits are set to travel abroad for the first time, with an exhibition in Rome. Historic Sites: Aleppo’s 1,300-year-old Great Umayyad Mosque has reopened after 13 years. Design & Craft: Amman Design Week returns with events in new spaces, while a Doha exhibition spotlights Uzbekistan’s Islamic art and craftsmanship. Regional Art: Pakistani artists Hamra Abbas and Imran Qureshi will feature in Frieze Abu Dhabi’s inaugural edition.

Art & Heritage: Egypt has restored the second-century “Tondo of the Two Brothers,” a rare Fayoum mummy portrait, and will lend works from the collection to a Rome exhibition for the first time. Abu Dhabi Art: Pakistani artists Hamra Abbas and Imran Qureshi will feature at the inaugural Frieze Abu Dhabi, which brings 84 galleries from 37 countries to Manarat Al Saadiyat in November. Film: Cairo International Film Festival marks its 50th anniversary with its 47th edition, running Nov. 11–20 and showcasing international, Arab and Egyptian films alongside workshops and industry events. Design & Music: Amman Design Week is expanding into new spaces in Iraq Al-Amir and Aqaba, while Doha’s Baraha Musical Concert returns in January with local singers performing regional heritage music.

Egyptian Heritage: Egypt has restored the 2nd-century Fayum painting Portrait of the Two Brothers with Italian specialists. The portrait will feature in a Rome exhibition marking the first time a major part of the collection travels abroad. Arabic Calligraphy: Sharjah’s Calligraphy Biennial explores the evolution of Arabic script and its place in today’s cultural landscape. Music Across Borders: Qatari composer Nasser Sahim brought four original works to Brussels, blending Gulf musical traditions with contemporary orchestral sound. Palestinian Cinema: Citizen Osama, a documentary following a Gaza photographer living through bombardment, has been selected as Palestine’s submission for the 2027 Academy Awards. A Home in Sharjah: A Canadian-Egyptian family bought a villa in Sharjah while still living in Turkey, seeking a place to put down roots before moving to the UAE.

Live Music: Filipino singer-songwriters KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde brought their In Between tour to Doha, sharing their contrasting styles with the city’s Filipino community. Cultural Exchange: Qatari composer Nasser Sahim presented four original works with the Brussels Philharmonic, blending Gulf musical traditions with contemporary orchestral sounds. Arabic Arts: Sharjah’s Calligraphy Biennale is exploring Arabic script’s place in literature, architecture and modern art. Youth Theatre: Qatar Foundation’s bilingual musical The Secret of the Garden brought 50 students from six schools together with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Film & History: Legend of Destruction, an illustrated retelling of the revolt against Rome and the fall of Jerusalem’s Second Temple, is now available for digital purchase in the US.

Arabic Calligraphy: Sharjah’s Calligraphy Biennale is exploring how Arabic script moves between literature, architecture and contemporary art, with speakers highlighting its role in cultural memory and visual identity. Mental Health: A new Arab Youth Centre study found 94.8% of participants see young people’s mental health as a shared responsibility, while career uncertainty, family expectations and digital pressures weigh on well-being. Cultural Exchange: Malaysia and Egypt elevated ties to a strategic partnership and signed agreements on women’s empowerment, higher education, tourism and investment, building on a history of educational and cultural links. Living Heritage: Syria has reopened Aleppo’s 1,300-year-old Great Umayyad Mosque after 13 years, restoring access to one of the city’s landmark sites.

On Screen: A new Israeli documentary follows Soroka Medical Center staff as they treated 674 people on October 7, while confronting fear for colleagues and family. Iraqi Film: Production companies in Iraq say stronger local crews and facilities are opening the door to more regional and international projects. Music for Aid: Dublin label SevenFortyFive has launched a Gavin Bazunu collection, with all profits going to the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Heritage: Aleppo’s 1,300-year-old Great Umayyad Mosque has reopened after 13 years, and two 14th-century icons stolen during Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus have returned to the island. Art & Sound: Queen Rania has inaugurated the “Layered Becoming” exhibition in Aqaba, while Palestinian-Canadian artist Merna discusses blending Arabic oud with her R&B-influenced songwriting.

Middle Eastern Art: Christie’s has revealed highlights for its first Abu Dhabi fine-art auction, set for November 1. The 70 works include Iraqi artist Faisel Laibi Sahi’s lively Baghdad Café and Fahrelnissa Zeid’s abstract vision of Baghdad. Archaeology: New Hittite tablets unearthed in Türkiye describe a deadly epidemic and the death of a royal infant princess some 3,400 years ago. Community & Tradition: More than 500 people attended Turkish Food & Culture Day in Connecticut, sharing regional dishes, folk dancing, calligraphy and ebru marbling. Living Heritage: Aleppo’s Great Umayyad Mosque has reopened after 13 years, while an Edinburgh exhibition this weekend brings Palestinian art, poetry and testimony together around themes of memory and resilience.

Design & Craft: Qatar’s Crafting Design Futures exhibition opened at Design Week Mexico, pairing four MENASA designers with Mexican artisans in collaborations spanning ceramics, glass engraving, clay and copper. Heritage: An Armenian pavilion showcased traditional dance and cuisine at the CIS Culture and National Cuisine Festival in Turkmenistan. Archaeologists have also reidentified a 5,300-year-old Egyptian object as a bow-powered rotary drill, offering a glimpse of early craftsmanship. Arts: Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 opened with a UAE National Orchestra concert celebrating music’s power to bridge cultures; nine Arab films are also in the running for Oscar consideration. Society: Iranian authorities executed protester Alireza Sepahi hours after he exchanged wedding vows with his imprisoned fiancée over the phone, drawing renewed attention to the government’s crackdown on dissent.

Egyptian Cinema: Yasmine Abdel Aziz’s Take Care of Yourself has passed EGP 91 million at the box office, making her the first Egyptian actress associated with a film among the country’s highest-grossing releases. Celebrity Watch: A photo said to show veteran actor Adel Imam has gone viral, but its date and authenticity remain unconfirmed. Live Music: Boy George has added a November 7 Tel Aviv concert dedicated to Nova festival survivors and families after his first show sold out. Culture Under Pressure: A new report by the Center for Human Rights in Iran says authorities are increasingly using artists’ work and social media posts to pursue cultural figures, with Arab, Kurdish and Lor activists among those targeted. Arab Film: Nine films from the region are vying for an Oscar nomination. Turkish Screens: This week’s cinema releases range from local horror and crime dramas to romantic comedy and international thrillers.

Memory and Art: Three years after Oct. 7, Israelis gathered at memorials as Palestinians in Gaza faced continuing strikes and the destruction of much of the territory. The anniversary is also finding expression in culture: Israeli actress Noa Cohen says making the film Our Loves helped her process the attacks, while a painting of the Bibas family moved Olympic legend Dwight Stones and his wife to buy it. Ancient Egypt: Researchers identified a new 45-million-year-old crocodilian species from a skull found in limestone later used in monuments including the Great Sphinx and Giza pyramids. Arab Cities: Dubai led the region in Oxford Economics’ 2026 Global Cities Index, followed by Riyadh and Abu Dhabi; Cairo remained Africa’s largest urban economy. Cultural Exchange: Interest in Chinese language and culture is growing across Arab countries, with Chinese now offered as an elective in Egyptian schools.

October 7’s Long Shadow: Israelis marked the attack’s third anniversary with memorials and calls for a state inquiry, while Gaza continued to face strikes and deepening hardship. Israeli Stage: Actor and singer Illi Gorlitzky, who helped shape the country’s early musical theatre and Hebrew popular culture, has died at 91. Art in Jerash: Forty artists gathered for an open-air workshop in Jordan, sharing techniques and exhibiting work made during the day. Cultural Heritage: Researchers identified a new ancient crocodile species in fossils preserved in limestone used to build Egypt’s Great Sphinx. Children’s Initiative: A kindness club started by a 10-year-old in Türkiye has grown into a nationwide network supporting libraries, anti-bullying projects and community activities.

Art & Lifestyle: Egypt’s TAM Gallery and online Racotis Art roll out “Try Before You Buy,” letting collectors preview artworks in their own homes before committing. Diplomacy & Mediation: UN chief António Guterres praises Pakistan as a trusted mediator between the US and Iran, urging de-escalation. Regional Security: Saudi Arabia vows to end the Houthi coup in Yemen and restore the legitimate state, while Qatar says US-Iran talks are ongoing and the world is “paying” for the Iran war. Culture & Heritage: Turkey’s “Divan of the Tat-Turk Meadows” opens as a permanent exhibition in Kyrgyzstan, spotlighting Turkic language and heritage. Science & Egypt’s Past: Fossils from the Great Sphinx limestone reveal a new extinct long-snouted crocodile species, Herugavialis cairensis. Music & Identity: Qatar’s Ministry of Culture launches an a cappella “Maqam” choir to present classic Arab musical heritage in four-part harmony. Israel/Palestine Society: A look at how Israelis’ views of Gaza have hardened since Oct. 7, with trauma and fear shaping daily life.

Diplomatic Spat: The UK is reportedly threatening to expel up to 27 Israeli diplomats after Israel’s planned closure of the East Jerusalem consulate, escalating a fresh round of Israel–UK tension. Iran–UK Security: Three Iranian men went on trial in London accused of spying on dissident journalists for Iran’s foreign intelligence service, with prosecutors saying the goal was retaliation for criticism. Regional Defense Pact: Turkey and Pakistan agreed with Saudi Arabia to begin rapid troop deployment under the Mecca defense pact as Houthi attacks intensify. UN Mediation Push: UN chief António Guterres praised Pakistan as a trusted mediator between the US and Iran, urging an end to the conflict and a return to diplomacy. Iranian Crackdown Abroad: Iran is reportedly rolling out a new system encouraging citizens to report on Iranians living overseas, turning diaspora communities into targets. Iraq Child Marriage Debate: A renewed claim about girls marrying at nine in Iraq is being challenged; the law sets 18, with limited judge-authorized exceptions from age 15. Culture & Travel: Air Arabia resumes daily nonstop flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Kozhikode from Oct. 16, boosting Middle East–India connectivity.

Makkah Defence Pact in Action: Turkey and Pakistan will “rapidly deploy” troops to Saudi Arabia as part of the Mecca Alliance after Houthi attacks, with Saudi officials saying the pact’s collective deterrence is now being implemented. Iran-US Tensions: Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian called US talks “meaningless,” saying negotiations only bring renewed attacks, while Iran links shipping insecurity to Strait of Hormuz pressure. Qatar’s Culture Abroad: Qatar is bringing its “Garden Souq” experience to Singapore, using oud, Arabic coffee, cuisine and craft stations to market Qatari culture to visitors. Gaza Christians Under Fire: Two Christian women were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza, turning a rebuilding attempt into another funeral for the small Greek Orthodox community. Identity & Names: A diaspora-focused piece explores how mispronounced names can feel like identity loss, with examples from Egyptian and Turkish Cypriot communities. Science & Heritage: Forensic work on Egypt’s early royal burials suggests “retainer sacrifice” may have occurred, adding a darker layer to ancient Egyptian history. Religion, Politics & Security: Dozens of settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque under Israeli police protection, as Palestinians warn the status quo is being reshaped.

Saudi Culture & Budget Cuts: Saudi Arabia is set to cancel next year’s Joy Awards, a major Riyadh entertainment event, as financial strain and the Iran war squeeze the kingdom’s fast-growing culture sector. Israel Remembrance & Identity: Israel held a second Mount Herzl ceremony honoring October 7 victims and heroes, with leaders stressing shared responsibility across Israel’s communities. Iran Security Culture: An Iranian general’s “smart TV” remark after a smartwatch photo sparked new security worries, as Iran warns neighbors against letting foreign soil be used for attacks. Hormuz Standoff: Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until seven U.S. conditions are met, while Tehran reviews Washington’s latest seven-day proposal. Aviation & Vetting Shock: The flydubai co-pilot accused in the attempted crash told UAE interrogators he planned the attack before being hired, raising fresh questions about airline screening and regional security checks. Regional Mobility: flyadeal launched non-stop Mumbai–Riyadh service, and Iraqi Airways plans to resume direct flights to Iran after a U.S. sanctions waiver. Arab Media Under Pressure: Egypt detained the entire Matsadaash newsroom, alleging links to the Muslim Brotherhood. Faith & Access: A new report says over 500 million Christians worldwide face severe Bible access restrictions, citing persecution, poverty, and weak infrastructure. Qatar & Social Impact: Qatar is participating in Riyadh’s Global CSR Forum, highlighting government–private–nonprofit partnership to scale social responsibility.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the waterway stays closed until the US meets seven conditions, with demands including ending naval pressure, lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and halting military action—while Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi reiterates there’s “no military solution,” only negotiations. Hormuz Shipping Tensions: Tankers near Oman and in the Strait report strikes and damage as Iran warns it won’t fully reopen Hormuz, even as Gulf oil flows rebound under US protection. Flydubai Security Shock: Israel orders a security review after an alleged cockpit attack by Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, with reports saying he planned to crash into Ben Gurion or a Jordan target—fueling debate over airline screening and accountability. UK Greens vs Israel: Israel bars UK Green Party leader Zack Polanski after the party voted to define Zionism as racism and back a single Palestinian state, escalating diplomatic and cultural tensions. Iraq-Iran Travel Resumes: Najaf airport receives its first direct Iranian flight after a US waiver, easing access for Shia pilgrims and travelers. Culture & Arts: Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language Centre partners with Arab publishers to strengthen Arabic publishing; and Iraq’s Asian Games finish highlights national pride through medals and performances.