AGP Executive Report

Sharjah at the Warsaw Book Fair: Sharjah is using the spotlight to push Emirati and Arab publishing abroad, with a cultural programme packed with seminars, panels, readings, workshops and performances featuring Arab and Polish writers, thinkers, publishers and translators. Food-price pressure debate: In the UK, Baroness Minette Batters warns that capping prices for eggs and milk could backfire by squeezing farmers already hit by soaring costs linked to Strait of Hormuz disruption. Travel rules shift: Thailand’s tourism operators backed a return to 30-day visa-free stays, arguing it will curb illegal activity and keep “quality tourism” flowing. Gaza’s reading resistance: A new Phoenix Library in Gaza City is reopening as a salvaged, community-run space for books, coffee and discussion—turning culture into defiance. Saudi German Health fallout: Saudi regulators’ financial-statement case has triggered resignations by six board/audit members after convictions over 2018–2021 manipulation. UAE/crypto finance: Kraken’s UAE expansion gets a VARA green light as Dubai’s crypto services keep widening.

M&A in Qatar: Zinc Media Group is buying William Martin Qatar (WMP) for an initial £400,000 in new shares, with the deal potentially rising to £1.12m if earnings targets are hit—WMP makes events, film and design for blue-chip clients across the region. Middle East conflict on the ground: AFP reports Lebanese towns near the Israel-Hezbollah front line have seen continued destruction even after a ceasefire began, with residents trying to preserve memories for their children. Eid culture & consumer life: A fresh Eid gift guide and Dubai pool-day deals are pushing a “stay cool, celebrate well” mood ahead of Eid al-Adha. Travel pressure in Europe: Dover warns half-term queues may worsen under the EU’s new border system, with French EES checks not fully switched on yet. Literature spotlight: Helen Benedict’s new novel, “The Soldier’s House,” centers on an Iraq War veteran sheltering the family of his assassinated interpreter.

Shavuot & Torah on the Move: As Jews mark Shavuot, fresh commentary spotlights how Sinai’s revelation and Ezekiel’s “heavens opened” vision both point to one idea: bridging heaven and earth through lived holiness. Esports World Cup Goes Global: The Esports World Cup 2026 will shift from Saudi Arabia to Paris (July 6–Aug 23), with the Esports Foundation citing regional safety and a rotation plan—aiming to keep the event stable for players and fans. AI Procurement Clash in London: Mayor Sadiq Khan blocked a £50m Met Police deal with Palantir, arguing procurement rules weren’t properly followed and raising wider questions about ethics in public-sector tech. Housing Fight in Washington: The US House passed a housing affordability bill limiting major investors in single-family homes while allowing extra units—now the Senate has to decide. Iran War Pressure on Travel: Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since the conflict began, pushing airlines to cut capacity and raising summer travel uncertainty.

Middle East War & Travel Shock: EasyJet says summer bookings are down because conflict in the Middle East is driving uncertainty, even as last-minute demand holds up. Sports & Culture Under Pressure: The Esports World Cup 2026 has been moved from Saudi Arabia to Paris (July 6–Aug 23), with organizers citing safety and the regional situation—while still promising a $75m+ prize pool and global scale. Energy & Markets Mood: Oil and markets are reacting to the Iran war’s ripple effects, with “encouraging” signals like tankers moving through Hormuz mentioned alongside softer Brent. Business & Tech Links: Xsolla and Dubai’s games authorities announce a multi-year partnership to plug MENA developers into global markets. Literature & Identity: Shavuot coverage ties the holiday to Ruth and themes of belonging, while debates over Jewish identity and community policy keep surfacing.

Flotilla Fallout: Israel’s far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked a diplomatic firestorm after posting footage of Gaza-bound flotilla activists being abused and mocked while detained; the US ambassador Mike Huckabee called the behavior “despicable,” while Italy’s Giorgia Meloni demanded releases and an apology, and multiple European governments reacted fast. Middle East Pressure on Daily Life: With US-Iran talks collapsing and oil markets jittery, the wider risk is creeping into prices and planning—especially as the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Food & Supply Strain: Drought plus higher fuel and fertilizer costs are squeezing Plains farmers, with wheat yields falling and producers weighing whether to plant or fertilize. Culture & Boycott Politics: Irish novelist Sally Rooney confirmed a Hebrew translation of Intermezzo via a BDS-aligned Israeli publisher, drawing backlash and renewed debate over cultural boycotts. Business Watch: Israel’s TASE rebounded after Shavuot, while Rafa Laboratories pushed ahead with an IPO plan.

Texas GOP Shockwave: Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in the GOP Senate primary runoff, escalating his push to purge rivals from the party and energizing Paxton’s campaign. San Diego Mosque Aftermath: A guard killed while stopping a mosque attack was hailed as a hero as investigators describe online radicalization behind the assault. Markets Under Strain: Asian stocks slid for a fourth day as bond yields jumped on war-driven inflation fears, with investors watching Nvidia’s earnings for direction. Iran-Hormuz Pressure: Oil stayed firm while officials signaled the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked and the Iran standoff keeps feeding volatility. China-Russia Alliance Theater: Putin arrived in Beijing to reinforce ties with Xi after Trump’s visit, underscoring a shifting balance of power. Middle East Culture & Books: Greece’s consulate in Sydney marked 100 years with a book launch and cultural events, while the International Booker Prize shortlist highlighted translated fiction spanning eras and empires. Travel & Reading Life: Thessaloniki’s food guide and a new underwater warship museum project in India added lighter notes amid the week’s heavier headlines.

Gaza Rules of Engagement Under Fire: Israeli soldiers told investigators they were ordered to “kill immediately” any man encountered in Gaza, including cases involving white flags—contradicting official findings and reigniting scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in the war. Israel–Hezbollah Escalation: A security meeting discussed Hezbollah’s shift toward attrition tactics—small mobile cells, explosive drones, and lower-intensity rocket fire—while cross-border tensions keep northern Israel’s residents in shelters. Iran Strike Delayed: Trump said he called off a planned Iran strike at allies’ request as “serious negotiations” continue. Culture & Boycott Politics: Sally Rooney will publish a Hebrew translation of Intermezzo with a BDS-compliant publisher, adding fresh heat to Israel’s cultural gatekeeping debates. Travel Pressure from the Middle East: Europeans are shifting vacations closer to home as the conflict drives security worries and higher flight costs. World Cup as Retail Magnet: The 2026 World Cup is being framed as a massive consumer marketing push, with grocery shelves set to feel the impact.

Gaza Rules of Engagement Under Fire: Israeli soldiers told an investigation they were ordered to “kill immediately” any man encountered in Gaza, including people with white flags, contradicting official findings and reigniting scrutiny of battlefield instructions. Iraq War Logistics Lesson: British planners behind the 2003 invasion say a similar operation couldn’t be repeated today—highlighting how supply and readiness constraints shape modern war. UAE Nuclear Site Warning: A drone strike hit an electrical generator near Barakah, a symbolic message about vulnerability to Gulf and US partners during ongoing Iran talks. Publishing & Culture: Doha’s International Book Fair pushed panels on Arab intellectuals and crisis-proofing public consciousness, while Qatar’s maritime heritage and UAE-India cultural links kept the spotlight on storytelling. Business & Tech: CMB.TECH posted Q1 2026 results with profit of $368.8m and a growing contract backlog; Ryanair warned Iran-linked fuel and fare pressures could lift costs.

Gaza Rules of Engagement Under Fire: Israel’s Channel 13 investigation, citing anonymous soldier testimony, says troops were instructed to “kill immediately” any man encountered in Gaza—even if older or carrying a white flag—sparking fresh scrutiny of official claims about engagement practices. Hormuz Escalation: Iran’s Supreme Leader adviser likened the Strait of Hormuz to an “atomic bomb” as US-Iran clashes continued and US forces struck Iranian tankers amid a fragile, repeatedly violated ceasefire. Ceasefire Dispute: A US-backed “Board of Peace” letter reportedly argues Israel isn’t bound by the October 2025 ceasefire if Hamas won’t disarm, with talks stalled and disarmament tied to phase-two terms. Gulf Security Signal: A drone attack near Abu Dhabi’s Barakah nuclear plant caused limited damage, but analysts called it a symbolic warning to the UAE and allies. Culture & Books: Qatar National Library brought AI-led “Book Match” and interactive storytelling to the Doha International Book Fair, while Oman’s Deepal launched in Muscat and regional publishing presence expanded at the fair.

Gaza Rules of Engagement: Israel’s Channel 13 aired soldier accounts saying troops were instructed to “kill immediately” any man encountered in Gaza, including cases involving white flags—sparking renewed scrutiny of official claims about engagement rules. Hormuz Flashpoint: Iran’s adviser likened the Strait of Hormuz to an “atomic bomb” as US-Iran clashes continued, with US strikes reported on Iranian tankers and a blockade still in place. Ceasefire Pressure: A US-backed Gaza “Board of Peace” letter says Israel wouldn’t have to uphold the October 2025 ceasefire if Hamas won’t disarm, putting disarmament talks back at the center. Taliban Women’s Rights: Afghanistan’s Taliban issued a new family law decree where a “virgin girl’s” silence after puberty can be treated as consent—prompting fresh outrage. Saudi Energy & Aviation: Tarshid signed a solar deal for Riyadh factories, while Emirates NBD cleared approvals for its $3bn RBL stake; Etihad also expanded Central Asia access via a codeshare with Uzbekistan Airways.

Gaza Rules of Engagement Under Fire: Israeli soldiers told an investigation that troops were instructed to “kill immediately” any man encountered in Gaza, including cases involving white flags—renewing scrutiny of Israel’s rules of engagement after a captive’s death. Hormuz Escalation: Iran’s top adviser compared the Strait of Hormuz to an “atomic bomb” as US-Iran clashes continued and US forces struck two Iranian tankers amid a blockade. Ceasefire Deadlock: A US-backed Gaza “Board of Peace” letter says Israel is not bound by the October 2025 ceasefire if Hamas won’t disarm, putting the next phase of talks in doubt. Jerusalem Religious Tensions: Israel indicted a West Bank settler over an assault on a Catholic nun near the Old City, with charges tied to religious hostility. Education Shock in Israel: Leaked exam data claims only 3% of ninth-graders met science standards, deepening public anger at suppressed results. Oil Shock Anxiety in Europe: Airlines and tour operators downplayed jet-fuel shortage fears even as Hormuz disruption keeps prices volatile. Culture & Books: Doha’s book fair momentum continues, with new UAE resilience titles and fresh MENA publishing spotlights.

Gaza Rules of Engagement Under Fire: Israel’s Channel 13 investigation, citing anonymous soldier accounts, says troops were instructed to “kill immediately” any man encountered in Gaza—even when people raised white flags—sparking fresh scrutiny of Israel’s rules of engagement. Ceasefire Deadlock: A U.S.-backed “Board of Peace” letter reportedly warns that if Hamas won’t accept a disarmament proposal, the October 2025 ceasefire terms would be “null and void,” keeping negotiations stuck. Hormuz Escalation: Iran’s adviser Mohammad Mokhber likened the Strait of Hormuz to an “atomic bomb” as U.S. forces struck Iranian tankers and the blockade fight continued. Doha Books Boom: The 35th Doha International Book Fair opened with record scale—1.85 million books across 910 pavilions—while DFI launched a major atlas-style publication mapping MENA filmmakers’ creative journeys. Tech, Culture, and Power: A Doha symposium urged “media sovereignty” as algorithms increasingly steer knowledge, warning that the algorithm “does not lie, but it chooses.”

Gaza Rules of Engagement Under Fire: Israeli soldiers told an investigation they were ordered to “kill immediately” any man encountered in Gaza, including even people with white flags—sparking fresh scrutiny of Israel’s wartime rules. Iran–US Escalation at Hormuz: Iran’s top adviser likened the Strait of Hormuz to an “atomic bomb” as US forces struck Iranian tankers and a fragile ceasefire kept getting violated. Ceasefire Paperwork, Not Peace: A US-backed Gaza “Board of Peace” letter says Israel isn’t bound if Hamas won’t disarm, putting the October 2025 truce back on the brink. AI and Labor in the Spotlight: Google DeepMind staff in London voted to unionize over concerns their AI is used for military work. Doha Books, Defense Included: Qatar’s Deputy PM visited the 35th Doha International Book Fair, touring culture and defense publishing pavilions.

Gaza Rules of Engagement Under Fire: Israeli soldiers told an investigation they were ordered to “kill immediately” any man encountered in Gaza, including cases involving white flags—contradicting official findings and reigniting scrutiny of engagement rules. Hormuz Escalation: Iran’s adviser likened the Strait of Hormuz to an “atomic bomb” as US strikes hit Iranian tankers and a fragile ceasefire keeps getting violated. Nuclear Messaging: Iran’s president says Tehran can prove its nuclear program is peaceful and floated verification talks with Iraq, while the US-Iran standoff remains tangled. Press Freedom in Iraq: A Baghdad rights group logged nearly 1,000 journalist violations under al-Sudani and warns a new communications minister could further weaken expression. AI Meets Activism: Google DeepMind staff in London voted to unionize over concerns AI is being used for military work. Culture & Identity: The UK launches a Jewish culture month with events across major institutions, aiming to counter antisemitism with public celebration.

Gaza Rules of Engagement Under Fire: An Israeli Channel 13 investigation, citing anonymous soldier testimony, alleges troops were ordered to “kill immediately” any man encountered in Gaza—including people with white flags—sharpening scrutiny of Israel’s rules during the war. Hormuz Escalation: Iran’s adviser Mohammad Mokhber likened the Strait of Hormuz to an “atomic bomb” as US strikes hit Iranian tankers and a fragile ceasefire keeps getting violated. Nuclear Diplomacy Pressure: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Iraq it can prove the “peaceful nature” of its nuclear program, while Baghdad floated hosting talks—against the backdrop of the JCPOA collapse and removed IAEA monitoring. Ceasefire Deadlock in Gaza: A US-backed “Board of Peace” letter says Israel isn’t bound if Hamas won’t disarm, with disarmament tied to a second phase of the October 2025 truce. Jerusalem Anti-Christian Tensions: Israel indicted a West Bank settler over an assault on a Catholic nun near the Old City, adding to concerns about religious hostility.

Gaza Rules of Engagement Under Fire: Israeli soldiers told investigators they were ordered to “kill immediately” any man encountered in Gaza, including old men and people with white flags—contradicting official findings and reigniting scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in the war. Hormuz Escalation: Iran’s adviser likened the Strait of Hormuz to an “atomic bomb” as US-Iran clashes continued and Washington said it struck Iranian tankers while a blockade remained in place. Ceasefire Diplomacy Stalls: Trump said it’s “too soon” to plan an Islamabad peace-signing ceremony, with talks hinging on how long Iran would face limits on uranium enrichment. DeepMind Union Push: Google DeepMind staff in London voted to unionize over concerns AI is being used for US-Israeli military work and surveillance. Doha Book Fair Spotlight: Qatar opened the 35th Doha International Book Fair with record participation—520 publishers, 1.85m books, and 231,000 titles—running to May 23. Trump-Xi Wrap-Up: Trump and Xi are set to finish a two-day China visit with trade deals and a sharp Taiwan warning still hanging over the talks.