Culture
From Basra 2023 to Jeddah 2026: Football, Soft Power, and Gulf Ambitions
As host of Gulf Cup 27, Saudi Arabia won its first trophy in over 20 years while demonstrating how sports can project soft power and foster connections.
Debating Policy in Public: Iranian Elites Turn to YouTube
Rival camps within the Islamic Republic are increasingly turning to YouTube for policy debate, but there is a limit to the regime’s tolerance for that debate.
AGSI Student Open House and Reception
On October 29, AGSI will host an open house to welcome students studying or interested in the Gulf and Middle East.
Gaming in the Gulf
The Esports World Cup’s staging in Paris showcased Saudi Arabia’s global gaming ambitions, and the booming sector is also helping to narrow the regional gender gap in technology and entertainment.
A New Generation Is Putting Bahraini Cuisine on the Map
Chefs Suman Ali Sayed and Dona Murad are introducing Bahraini cuisine to eateries abroad, attracting international diners increasingly interested in distinct food cultures and histories.
Talli Circle: Traditional Weaving Connects Emirati Women
Talli Circle, a new platform highlighting a traditional Emirati form of weaving, is reconnecting young Emirati women with their culture, heritage, and mothers and grandmothers.
Al-Falaj Connects Researchers to the Scattered Archives of Arabia
Saudi author and anthropologist Ghada AlMuhanna Abalkhail launched al-Falaj, an open access digital directory, to help users explore the Arabian Peninsula's visual and documentary heritage.
Jun 10, 2026
Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the World Cup
On June 10, AGSI hosted a discussion on Saudi Arabia's growing engagement in the global soccer community.
Speakers
Jun 4, 2026
Screening of Iraqi Film “The President’s Cake”
On June 4, AGSI and the National Museum of Asian Art co-hosted a screening of “The President’s Cake.”
Speakers
Dec 18, 2025
Narrative Lens: Remaking Space and Photographic Possibilities
On December 18, AGSI hosted a unique event to close the exhibition “Making Space: Gulf Photographers on the Scene.”
Speakers
Nov 4, 2026
10:00am - 11:30am
The Gulf Today: A Discussion in Memory of Aziz Alghashian
On November 4, AGSI and the Middle East Institute will co-host a discussion on the state of the Gulf region.
Speakers
Nov 12, 2026
10:00am - 11:00am
Israel’s Next Government and the Future of Relations With the Gulf
On November 12, AGSI will host a discussion on Israel's elections and the prospects for Israel's relations with the Gulf.
Speakers
Oct 29, 2026
AGSI Student Open House and Reception
On October 29, AGSI will host an open house to welcome students studying or interested in the Gulf and Middle East.
Speakers
Oct 28, 2026
Is the Houthi-Saudi Conflict the Start of a Broader Regional War?
On October 28, AGSI hosted a discussion on the connection between the Houthi-Saudi conflict and the Iran war.
Speakers
Oct 6, 2026
Is the U.S.-Iran Stalemate a “New Normal” or the Prelude to Another Explosion?
On October 6, AGSI hosted a discussion on the U.S.-Iran stalemate and the prospects for a cease-fire.
Speakers
Sep 30, 2026
Roundtable With Iraqi Foreign Minister H.E. Fuad Hussein
On September 30, AGSI hosted a private roundtable with H.E. Fuad Mohammed Hussein, foreign minister of the Republic of Iraq.
Speakers
Sep 24, 2026
Saudi Arabia and Israel: Prospects for Normalization
On September 24, AGSI hosted a private roundtable with Aziz Alghashian on Saudi Arabia and Israel's prospects for the normalization of relations.
Speakers
Sep 15, 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Recalibration?
On September 15, AGSI hosted a discussion on Saudi Arabia's positioning within the emerging regional political and security order.
Speakers
Millennial Gulf
View AllA New Generation Is Putting Bahraini Cuisine on the Map
Chefs Suman Ali Sayed and Dona Murad are introducing Bahraini cuisine to eateries abroad, attracting international diners increasingly interested in distinct food cultures and histories.
