AGP Executive Report

Kurdish Books: Baghdad’s Newroz Kurdish Book House is building a resource for Kurdish heritage, bringing rare documents and books to Al-Mutanabbi Street and serving researchers seeking material often hard to find in the capital. Omani Poetry: Writers say folk poetry needs stronger literary criticism, institutional backing and more engagement with younger readers to thrive as forms and audiences change. New Release: Jamal J. Elias’s After Rumi traces the Mevlevi community and its changing religious and literary worlds from 13th-century Konya to 17th-century Istanbul. Arabic Rights: At Frankfurt, Cairo publisher Al Arabi is using the Arab Voices platform to introduce foreign publishers to 200 contemporary titles from 22 countries and encourage translation deals. Qatari Publishing: HBKU Press says Frankfurt meetings have helped sell Qatari authors’ rights abroad, while opening routes for international books into Arab markets. Literary Legacy: The Khaled Khalifa Novel Award, launched by the late Syrian novelist’s friends, is open across the Arab world and operates without government funding or interference.

Frankfurt Rights Push: HBKU Press says the book fair is helping Qatari authors reach overseas readers, with rights deals taking their work into languages including German and Turkish. Arabic Books Abroad: Cairo publisher Sherif Bakr says foreign buyers often overlook Arabic literature because they do not know what is available. The Arab Voices platform now showcases 200 titles from 22 countries, aiming to widen the range of writers seen internationally. Autumn Reading: A new guide spotlights Arab books in translation, including Bushra Khalfan’s The Garden We Carry and Hoda Barakat’s Hind ou la plus belle femme du monde, with themes of migration, displacement and identity. Syrian Fiction: Friends of novelist Khaled Khalifa established a novel prize in his name in 2024, open to entries from across the Arab world and independent of government support.

Frankfurt Rights: HBKU Press says its fifth Frankfurt Book Fair appearance is opening markets for Qatari writing. It has sold rights to works by Qatari authors in Germany and Türkiye, while seeking foreign titles for Arab readers. Arab Fiction: The independent Khaled Khalifa Novel Award, founded by the late novelist’s friends, is open to writers across the Arab world and celebrates the novel and its translators. Arab Books: An autumn reading guide spotlights 2026 editions exploring migration, displacement and identity, including Bushra Khalfan’s The Garden We Carry and Hoda Barakat’s Hind ou la plus belle femme du monde. UAE Publishing: The Sociological Association has released five books for the Year of the Family, covering Emirati family life, community service, sport and anxiety. Global Exchange: Some 170 Chinese publishing institutions are at Frankfurt with up to 55 events; a Lebanese publisher told Xinhua that Chinese stories are finding interest among Arab readers through shared values.

Qatari Publishing: At Frankfurt, HBKU Press is seeking foreign titles for Arab readers and selling rights to Qatari works abroad; past deals have brought titles to readers in Germany and Türkiye. Emirati Books: The Sociological Association has released five Arabic-language books on family life, community service, sport and anxiety, marking the UAE’s Year of the Family. Arab Reading: A new autumn guide highlights translated novels exploring migration, displacement and Arab history, with edition and UAE availability details for readers. Heritage in Verse: A feature traces how Nabati poetry preserves Bedouin memory and connects with vernacular traditions across the region. Publishing Partnerships: Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language Centre and Arab publishers have joined forces to support the industry, while UAE initiatives aim to link publishing with investment, talent and wider markets. Books and Memory: Reports from Lebanon spotlight libraries and books as tools for preserving memory and cultural resistance.

UAE Creative Industries: The UAE is expanding support for publishing and other cultural sectors through investment, funding and talent initiatives, building on Dubai’s strong record in attracting creative-industry projects. Frankfurt Book Fair: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation is showcasing its flagship initiatives at the fair, while Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language Centre is taking part and partnering with Arab publishers to boost the sector. Audiobooks: Spotify plans to expand its audiobook service to more than 180 markets by year-end, bringing over 350,000 titles in 120-plus languages to a potential audience of 750 million, including readers across the Middle East. Language and Heritage: Morocco has released the first official Amazigh translation of the Quran’s meanings, a landmark for the language. Qatar Publishing: HBKU Press says it has published more than 800 titles, with Qatari authors making up half its writers. Sharjah Fair: Organizers are set to reveal details of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair on October 13.

Audiobook Expansion: Spotify is rolling out access in more than 180 markets, including the Middle East, with a catalogue of over 350,000 titles in 120 languages; availability of local-language books may vary. Frankfurt Book Fair: UAE institutions are promoting regional publishing at the fair: the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation is presenting its flagship initiatives, Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language Centre is participating, and India has opened its national stand. Publishing in the Gulf: HBKU Press says its catalogue exceeds 800 titles, with Qatari authors making up half; a new partnership between Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language Centre and Arab publishers also aims to strengthen the industry. Sharjah: Details of the 45th International Book Fair are due October 13, ahead of a major gathering of publishers, writers and readers. Books and Memory: Coverage from Lebanon highlights libraries and books as tools for preserving collective memory and cultural resistance.

Translation Deals: Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language Centre is using the Frankfurt Book Fair to announce 14 translation and co-publishing partnerships. The projects will bring Emirati and Arab novels, children’s books and other works into seven languages, including English, Hindi and Spanish. Audiobook Reach: Spotify is expanding audiobooks to more than 180 markets by year’s end, opening access to over 750 million people and a catalogue of 350,000 titles in more than 120 languages, including across the Middle East. Sharjah Fair: Details of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair are due October 13; the event is a major meeting point for regional publishers, authors and readers. Publishing in Qatar: HBKU Press says it has published more than 800 titles, with Qatari authors accounting for half of its writers. Books and Memory: In Lebanon, libraries are working to preserve collective memory, while readers are also using books as a form of cultural resistance.

Arab Books Abroad: Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language Centre announced 14 translation and co-publishing partnerships at Frankfurt, bringing Emirati and Arab books to readers in seven languages through 10 publishers and cultural institutions. Sharjah Book Fair: Details of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair are due on October 13, ahead of a new edition expected to bring publishers, authors and readers together. Audiobooks: Spotify is expanding to more than 180 markets, including the Middle East, with a catalogue of over 350,000 titles in more than 120 languages. Language Access: Morocco has issued the first official translation of the Quran’s meanings into Tachelhit Amazigh, using Arabic script. Qatar’s Publishing Scene: HBKU Press has published more than 800 titles, with Qatari authors making up half its writers. Cultural Preservation: Lebanese libraries are becoming a frontline in preserving memory, while readers use books as a form of cultural resistance.

Poetry & Criticism: A new study traces how Iraqi poet Hameed Saeed’s language draws on heritage, memory, war and exile. Frankfurt Book Fair: Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language Centre is announcing 14 translation and co-publishing deals to bring Emirati and Arab books to readers in seven languages, while building ties with publishers and cultural institutions. Publishing in Qatar: HBKU Press says it has published more than 800 titles, with Qatari authors making up half its writers. Books & Memory: In Lebanon, libraries and books are being used to preserve collective memory and resist cultural erasure. Language Access: Morocco has issued its first official translation of the Quran’s meanings into Amazigh, in the Tachelhit variety. Digital Heritage: Abu Dhabi is digitizing 1,000 heritage books, widening access to the emirate’s historical collections.

Research & Reading: Oman’s Culture Ministry and Muscat College held a workshop on using AI responsibly to find, assess and analyze scientific sources. Poetry: A new study of Iraqi poet Hameed Saeed traces how everyday speech, religious heritage and experiences of war and exile shape his language. Translation: Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language Centre is taking Emirati and Arab books to the Frankfurt Book Fair, with 14 new translation and co-publishing partnerships planned across seven languages. Morocco has also released its first officially supervised translation of the Quran’s meanings into Tachelhit Amazigh. Preservation: Lebanon’s damaged libraries and archives have become a focus of rebuilding and cultural memory; in the UAE, Abu Dhabi has digitized 1,000 heritage books. Qatar’s HBKU Press reports publishing more than 800 titles, with Qatari authors making up half its writers.

Publishing Deal: Informa will buy Clarion Events from Blackstone for $2.96bn and simultaneously start separating its Taylor & Francis academic publishing arm, signaling a sharper push into B2B live events. UAE Literary Diplomacy: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is taking part in the 78th Frankfurt Book Fair and says it will unveil 14 new translation and co-publishing partnerships, spanning seven languages. Book Industry & Access: Kuwait issued a new Media Regulation Law that repeals older media rules and sets deadlines for licensing and executive regulations, reshaping the local media landscape. Cultural Memory in Crisis: Lebanon’s libraries are described as front lines for preserving memory after war damage to cultural institutions, archives and publishing spaces. Representation Watch: A UK study finds children’s books with Black main characters fell by nearly 8%, with Middle Eastern and North African representation dropping sharply. Middle East Reading & Scholarship: New work revisits Ibn Khaldun’s Muqaddimah for modern science and society, while a Palestinian-Israeli memoir is highlighted as trying to break the cycle of violence. Awards: The National Book Foundation named 2026 National Book Awards finalists across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature and young people’s literature.

Kurdish Peace & Culture: Turkey’s long-running “Peace and Democratic Society” debate is also playing out in art, with filmmaker Reis Çelik arguing cinema and literature can “bear witness” to what politics leaves unsaid. Ibn Khaldun Scholarship: A new scholarly volume revisits Ibn Khaldun’s Muqaddimah, framing it as a living toolkit for today’s social, political, and scientific questions. Israel-Palestine Memoir & “Resolution Media”: A Palestinian-Israeli memoir is positioned as an attempt to break the violence cycle, while another piece contrasts “conflict media” with “resolution media” that emerges after wars. Lebanon’s Libraries Under Fire: Reporting highlights how Lebanon’s libraries and archives are being rebuilt as cultural memory sites after damage during months of fighting. Publishing Ecosystem in the Gulf: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre announces a partnership with Arab publishers to strengthen collaboration and expand Arabic book reach. Qatar’s Publishing Push: HBKU Press says it has published 800+ titles, with Qatari authors making up about half its writers. Media Law in Kuwait: Kuwait issues a new Media Regulation Law, replacing older publishing and broadcast rules and setting deadlines for licensing compliance. Representation in Children’s Books: UK research finds a near-8% drop in children’s books with Black main characters, with MENA representation also falling sharply. Cyber & App Security: ASOS is investigating after thousands of customers received “Asos hacked” notifications, raising questions about data exposure.

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.