AGP Executive Report

UAE–Malaysia Publishing Deal: Menassah Distribution Company signed an MoU with Perbadanan Kota Buku to expand Emirati books and Arabic-language titles in Malaysia via Book Capital, listing 3,000+ Emirati publisher titles and using the platform for wider digital distribution and cultural exchange. Sharjah as a Publishing Hub: Sharjah will host the International Publishers Congress 2028, with the Emirates Publishers Association and the International Publishers Association backing the event under “Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity.” Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran said it is considering closing the Strait of Hormuz again after a warning-shot incident, while Oman urged continued technical and political talks. Free-Speech Row in Publishing: PEN America’s president Dinaw Mengestu resigned after backlash to a report on exclusion of Israeli and Jewish writers, reigniting debate over freedom to write versus ideological pressure. Iran Crackdown on Christians: A new report says Iran’s anti-Christian actions are escalating, including Bible bans, church seizures, and arrests tied to Bible distribution.

UAE–Malaysia Publishing Deal: Menassah Distribution Company signed an MoU with Malaysia’s Perbadanan Kota Buku to expand Emirati books and Arabic content via the Book Capital digital platform, with 3,000+ titles slated for listing and distribution across Malaysia. Publishing Industry Spotlight: Sharjah will host the International Publishers Congress 2028 in October, with the Emirates Publishers Association partnering with the International Publishers Association under the theme “Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity.” Censorship & Rights in Iran: A new report says Iran’s crackdown on Christians is intensifying, citing Bible bans, church seizures, raids, and mass arrests, including custodial sentences tied to Bible distribution. Free-Speech Tensions in Publishing: PEN America’s president resigned after backlash over a piece describing “isolation and exclusion” of Israeli and Jewish writers, highlighting pressure, boycotts, and online witch hunts. Regional Flashpoint: Iran again floated closure of the Strait of Hormuz after a warning-shot incident, while Oman urged continued technical and political talks. Cairo Photobook Access: Safena 7 in Downtown Cairo opened a public photobook library for July, featuring 60+ Arab and international titles with weekly reading sessions.

Religious Freedom Under Pressure: A new report, Scapegoats, says Iran’s crackdown on Christians is intensifying—Bible bans, church raids, confiscation of Christian literature, and mass arrests, with at least 21 Christians jailed over Bible distribution in 2025. Publishing in the UAE: Sharjah has been named host of the International Publishers Congress 2028, with the event themed “Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity,” and the handover confirmed during the IPA 2026 Gala Dinner. Cairo’s Photobook Scene: Safena 7 in Downtown Cairo opens a free public photobook library in July, featuring 60+ Arab and international titles plus weekly reading sessions and discussions. Literature & Human Rights: UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese discusses her new book When the World Sleeps, arguing Gaza’s crisis is a test of the international legal order. Cultural History: A feature traces the story behind Van Gogh’s At Eternity’s Gate print, now carrying new symbolism in Tehran’s museum vaults.

Publishing & Rights: Sharjah has been named host of the International Publishers Congress 2028, with the handover confirmed during the IPA 2026 Gala Dinner in Kuala Lumpur and the event set for October 2028 under “Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity,” in partnership with the Emirates Publishers Association. Photography Books: Safena 7 in Downtown Cairo opens a public photobook library throughout July, adding 60+ titles from the Arab region and beyond, with weekly reading sessions and discussions. Literary Culture: A new photobook-focused cultural space in Cairo keeps the spotlight on visual storytelling, while a separate feature traces the story behind Muhammad Sadiq Bey, the first photographer of Makkah and Madinah, linking Ottoman-era technology to the shaping of the Hijaz. Food & Publishing: Madaq, chef Nargisse Benkabbou’s Moroccan cookbook (Appetite/Random House), spotlights “flavour” through recipes like honey-buttered pancakes with orange blossom and blueberry sauce.

Sharjah Publishing Push: Sharjah has officially accepted the hosting rights for the International Publishers Congress 2028, with the Emirates Publishers Association set to run it in collaboration with the International Publishers Association. Cairo Photobook Access: Safena 7 in Downtown Cairo opened a public photobook library throughout July, adding 60+ Arab-region and international titles plus weekly reading sessions and discussions. Literary Culture Spotlight: A new book on Iran’s only Van Gogh print, “At Eternity’s Gate,” traces how the lithograph ended up in Tehran’s museum vaults and why it resonates amid today’s Middle East attention. Middle East Reading & Education: A study on Arab medical students examines attitudes toward Arabization in medical education, while another piece looks at how language choice shapes learning in medicine. Publishing Events & Awards: Nominations are open for the AED 625,000 SIBF Awards 2026, with winners announced during the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair. New Releases (UAE/Gulf setting): Alessandro Sappia’s debut novel “Silicon Heartbeats” launches in paperback and Kindle eBook on Aug 4, 2026, spanning Silicon Valley, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Gulf.

Cairo Photobook Scene: Safena 7 in Downtown Cairo opens a public photobook library throughout July, with 60+ Arab and international titles plus Sunday and Wednesday reading sessions and discussions. Sharjah Publishing Calendar: Nominations are open until Aug 31 for the AED 625,000 Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 awards, spanning Emirati books, the best Arabic novel, best international book, and publisher recognition. Arab Medical Education Debate: A new review highlights how using English as the medium of instruction in Arab medical schools can create academic and clinical communication barriers, renewing calls for language-aware teaching. UAE Publishing & Innovation: A debut novel, Silicon Heartbeats, set across Silicon Valley, the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf, launches in paperback and Kindle eBook on Aug 4. Middle East Travel & Books Culture: Kiwis are turning to travel agents as AI and misinformation rise, with Emirates’ conflict-related travel cover scheme cited as a reason people still want in-person guidance. Iran Ceasefire Jolt: Fresh U.S. airstrikes and a waiver revocation threaten a fragile peace after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, adding uncertainty for regional travel and commerce.

Sharjah Publishing Calendar: The Sharjah Book Authority confirmed the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair will run Nov 4–15, 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah, with Oman as Guest of Honour—plus a full slate of author talks, signings, workshops, and industry programmes for publishing and translation. Awards for Arab Books: Nominations are open for the AED 625,000 SIBF Awards 2026, covering Emirati books, the best Arabic novel, the best international book, and publisher recognition, with winners announced during the fair’s opening ceremony. New Middle East–linked Fiction in Print & eBook: Alessandro Sappia’s debut novel Silicon Heartbeats launches Aug 4, 2026 in paperback and Kindle, spanning Silicon Valley, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Gulf. Literature & Identity: A new eBook edition of The Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter: Cultural Dimensions makes the illustrated essay collection available digitally, focusing on cross-cultural influences in literature, language, and folklore. Reading Picks: A summer 2026 list spotlights fiction by Muslim-heritage authors, including Tahmima Anam’s Uprising.

Sharjah Book Fair: The Sharjah Book Authority confirmed the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair will run Nov 4–15, 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah, with Oman as Guest of Honour—featuring author talks, signings, children’s and youth programmes, plus publishing and translation industry sessions. Lebanon Food Writing: Anissa Helou’s latest book, Lebanon: Cooking the Foods of My Homeland, was released in Beirut, spotlighting Lebanese cuisine and the country’s war-scarred south through food stories and recipes. UAE Publishing/Travel Context: A UAE visa-on-arrival rule change for Indians was reported for 2026, affecting travellers who previously relied on UK visas or residence permits—an indirect reminder of how mobility shapes book fairs, launches, and readership. eBook Release (Ukrainian-Jewish): The Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter: Cultural Dimensions is now available as an eBook, extending a cross-cultural essays series on literature, language, folklore, and representation. Kuwait Voices in Literature & Sport: A feature highlighted Kuwaiti women with disabilities—spanning sport, literature, and law—showing how publishing and storytelling are widening public perceptions.

Sharjah Book Fair: The Sharjah Book Authority confirmed the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair will run Nov 4–15, 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah, with Oman as Guest of Honour—featuring author talks, signings, workshops, and dedicated publishing/translation and library programmes. UAE Travel Rules: A new UAE visa-on-arrival change for Indians means UK visas or UK residence permits are no longer accepted for visa-on-arrival eligibility, pushing travellers toward applying for a UAE visa in advance. Saudi School Calendar: Saudi public school students return Aug 23, 2026 (with staff earlier), and the country’s two-semester system is back—useful for families planning flights and bookings. Middle East Tensions & Oil: After the US launched strikes on Iran and blocked oil sales, markets reacted with oil jumping and renewed volatility—an economic backdrop that also affects regional travel demand. Publishing & Books: Lebanon’s Anissa Helou released “Lebanon: Cooking the Foods of My Homeland,” while Kuwait’s women are highlighted for reshaping sport, literature and law; plus, J&K school libraries reportedly withdrew two books over “separatist propaganda.”

Destination Retail: Alo Yoga is turning luxury beach destinations into brand “environments,” blending wellness routines with premium retail as it expands from Cannes to Saint-Tropez. UAE Entrepreneurship & Publishing Culture: Donna Benton reflects on how her UAE deal-making and deal-led consumer model grew from printed vouchers to a multi-sector hospitality, fashion, and experiences portfolio. Summer Reading (Muslim Heritage): A roundup of 2026 summer picks spotlights Tahmima Anam’s Uprising and other heatwave-friendly fiction and thrillers. UAE Travel Rules: India’s visa-on-arrival eligibility for UAE entry is tightened for holders of UK visas or residence permits, pushing more travelers toward pre-booked visas. Sharjah Book Fair: Sharjah International Book Fair returns Nov 4–15 with Oman as Guest of Honour, expanding both public programming and publishing-industry tracks. Lebanon Food Writing: Anissa Helou’s new book Lebanon: Cooking the Foods of My Homeland spotlights village cuisine shaped by war and memory. Kashmir School Books: J&K authorities withdraw two library books over “separatist propaganda,” suspending officials tied to procurement.

Sharjah Book Fair: The Sharjah Book Authority confirmed the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair will run Nov 4–15 at Expo Centre Sharjah, with Oman as Guest of Honour, plus talks, signings, workshops and industry programmes for publishing and translation. Kuwait Disability & Writing: A new feature spotlights Kuwaiti women with disabilities turning sport, literature and law into platforms for change, challenging stereotypes and widening access. Lebanon Food Publishing: Anissa Helou’s latest cookbook, “Lebanon: Cooking the Foods of My Homeland,” is framed as a cultural record of village life and resilience amid war-torn regions. Qatar Publishing History: Qatar Press Center published a new book on Abdullah bin Yousef Al-Husseini, tracing early magazine publishing in Qatari journalism with archival material and interviews. Saudi School Calendar: Saudi Arabia’s 2026 return dates are set for public students on Aug 23 (with staff earlier), shaping travel and back-to-school planning for families. UAE Visa Rule Change: UAE visa-on-arrival eligibility for Indians has been tightened for those holding UK visas or residence permits, pushing more travellers toward pre-booked visas. World Cup Book Tie-ins: New “Pocket Potters” mini-guides and upcoming “Harry Potter” releases keep the publishing buzz going ahead of major screen adaptations.

Sharjah Publishing Push: The Sharjah Book Authority announced the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair will run 4–15 November at Expo Centre Sharjah, with 12 days of literary talks, kids and youth programming, and professional publishing tracks—positioning the fair as a bridge for Arab culture and Arabic literature to “engage in an equal dialogue with the world.” Lebanon Food Writing: Anissa Helou’s new Lebanon-focused cookbook, released in Beirut, spotlights village food traditions shaped by war, adding another major title to the region’s growing shelf of literature-as-memory. UAE Travel Rules Affect Readers: UAE visa-on-arrival changes for Indians in 2026 reportedly remove eligibility for those holding UK visas or residence permits, pushing some travelers toward pre-booked tourist visas. Censorship in School Libraries: Jammu and Kashmir officials withdrew two government school books after claims they carried separatist propaganda and glorified convicted terrorists. Publishing Industry Signals: A report on the rare photography book market points to strong collector demand and rapid growth, underlining how niche print categories keep expanding.

Lebanon Food Publishing: Anissa Helou’s new cookbook, “Lebanon: Cooking the Foods of My Homeland,” spotlights village recipes from the country’s war-battered south, released in late June in Beirut after Helou’s Guild of Food Writers Lifetime Achievement Award. Qatar Media History: The Qatar Press Center published Ahmed Abdullatif’s book on Abdullah bin Yousef Al-Husseini, tracing early Qatari magazine publishing and the origins of Al-Ahd and Al-Jawhara. UAE Illustration Recognition: Dr. Abdulla Al Sharhan joins the international jury for the Beijing International Book Fair Illustrations Awards, underscoring the UAE’s growing role in global children’s publishing and visual arts. Oman Manuscript Culture: A feature revisits Oman’s long book-preservation tradition, linking Zanzibar’s late-19th/early-20th-century print and trade networks to wider Arab and Islamic publishing routes. Kashmir Schoolbook Withdrawal: Jammu and Kashmir authorities suspended officials and withdrew two government library books after claims of “separatist propaganda,” including how Kashmir is described and references to convicted terrorists as “martyrs.” Academic Publishing Quality: A study in Serials Review reports a sharp rise in retracted AI/ML papers (2015–2025), raising alarms about publication oversight and reliability.

Lebanon Food Writing: Anissa Helou’s newly released “Lebanon: Cooking the Foods of My Homeland” spotlights village life and memories from the country’s war-battered south, using recipes as a way to preserve culture. Kashmir Schoolbooks: Jammu and Kashmir authorities withdrew two government library titles after officials found “separatist propaganda” and glorification of convicted militants, suspending staff tied to procurement. Qatar Publishing History: The Qatar Press Center published Ahmed Abdullatif’s book on Abdullah bin Yousef Al-Husseini, tracing early Qatari magazine publishing and its editorial legacy. UAE Media Influence: A report highlights how the UAE media sector has grown into a global hub, positioning content creation as “soft power” and economic value. OPEC+ Oil Policy: OPEC+ agreed to raise quotas again, with Gulf members facing the knock-on effects of Middle East tensions. Illustration Awards: Dr. Abdulla Alsharhan was named to the international jury for the Beijing International Book Fair Illustrations Awards, underscoring regional presence in children’s publishing.

New Book Release: Steve Miller’s coming-of-age novel Boggy Depot, the journey (Spines) follows one man’s decades-long wanderlust, from the American Southwest to teaching and coaching on the Navajo Nation, then into corporate expansion in Saudi Arabia. OPEC+ & Gulf Context: OPEC+ members agreed to raise oil production quotas effective August 2026, as Gulf countries navigate Middle East war pressures. Anime & Publishing/Streaming Culture: Anime Expo in Los Angeles highlighted how fast fandom can translate into demand—Crunchyroll executives pointed to “Witch Hat Atelier” cosplay surging soon after the show’s platform debut. Censorship in School Libraries: Jammu and Kashmir authorities withdrew two government school books after officials found “separatist propaganda” glorifying convicted terrorists, suspending staff and removing copies from libraries. Qatar Journalism History: The Qatar Press Center published Ahmed Abdullatif’s book on Abdullah bin Yousef Al-Husseini, tracing early Qatari magazine publishing and independent journalism roots. Academic Freedom Under Pressure: A new discussion piece argues Gaza/Israel controversy has deepened a chilling effect in academia, increasingly shaping what scholars can publish and research.

Censorship & School Libraries: Jammu and Kashmir officials suspended after “separatist propaganda” was found in two government school library books, including claims that “India… is no more than an occupier,” with copies withdrawn from districts including Jammu, Ramban, Udhampur and Baramulla. Publishing & Media History: Qatar Press Center published a new book on Abdullah bin Yousef Al-Husseini, spotlighting early Qatari magazine publishing and independent journalism’s roots. Illustration Industry: UAE illustrator Dr. Al Sharhan was named to the jury for the Beijing International Book Fair Illustrations Awards, reinforcing the Gulf’s growing role in global children’s publishing. Literary Awards: Indian scholar-journalist Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan received the Sixth Imam Shah Waliullah Award, alongside a seminar and launch of a new volume of epistles. Book Culture & Access: Sharjah’s reading model and initiatives bringing books into every home were highlighted in coverage tied to major library and conference events. Regional Books & Identity: A review of a Palestine/Israel discussion project argues it records a difficult attempt at conflict-resolution through child-focused therapy circles.