Culture
Bahrain’s “Heatwave” and the Gulf’s Architectural Reckoning
Bahrain’s pavilion at the 2025 Venice Biennale of Architecture is emblematic of how Gulf states are leveraging architecture to address – or at least narrate – pressing environmental and social questions.
The Rise of Gulf Animation
Animation in the Middle East is a quickly growing industry, and Gulf countries are playing a leading role in creating, funding, and distributing animated stories from the region.
AI and the U.S.-Gulf Tech Axis
The convergence of Gulf capital and energy with U.S. technology leadership signals the emergence of a U.S.-Gulf AI axis with global economic and geopolitical implications.
Ammar Alsabban: Superman With a Saudi Accent
With passions as diverse as puppetry, podcasting, and superheroes, Ammar Alsabban is redefining the creative limits of Saudi identity.
Saudi Architecture and the Quest for Identity: An Initiative Transforming the Kingdom
In Saudi Arabia, architecture is not just about shelter – it is about storytelling.
Making Space: Gulf Photographers on the Scene
On June 26, AGSI opened a photography exhibition showcasing the work of 15 contemporary photographers from across the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia’s Sports Ambitions: Diversification and Sustainability?
On May 27, AGSI hosted a discussion on Saudi Arabia's investment in sports.
Apr 29, 2025
AGSI x Culture Summit: A New World History: Nonhuman Perspectives in Gulf Art
On April 29, AGSI convened a session on alternative histories in art at Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.
Speakers
Exploring Oman’s History, Culture, and Cuisine: A Conversation With Chef Dina Macki
In her latest book, Bahari, meaning “ocean” in Swahili, chef Dina Macki embarks on a culinary exploration of the rich flavors and history of Omani cuisine, a food culture shaped by boundless coastlines and complex maritime history, with origins and influences spanning Pakistan, Iran, India, the Swahili coast, and Portugal. An Omani Zanzibari chef who...
Speakers
Dec 3, 2024
Book Talk: The Development of An Art History in the UAE
On December 3, AGSIW hosted a discussion on contemporary art in the United Arab Emirates.
Speakers
Oct 18, 2024
Book Talk: Gulf Women’s Lives: Voice, Space, Place
On October 18, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the lives of Gulf women, exploring how Gulf women negotiate spaces through their writing and focusing on women’s narratives.
Speakers
Oct 2, 2024
Book Talk: Saudi Youth: Policies and Practices
On October 2, AGSIW hosted a discussion on Saudi youth policy development.
Speakers
Jul 31, 2025
Rebuilding Syria: Opportunities and Challenges of Postwar Reconstruction
On July 31, AGSI hosted a discussion on Syria's reconstruction efforts.
Speakers
Jul 22, 2025
Gulf Economic Outlook: The Role of Fiscal Policy in Navigating Gulf Countries Through Global Economic Uncertainty
On July 22, AGSI and the World Bank co-hosted a discussion on the "Gulf Economic Update" report.
Speakers
Jun 26, 2025
Making Space: Gulf Photographers on the Scene
On June 26, AGSI opened a photography exhibition showcasing the work of 15 contemporary photographers from across the Gulf.
Jun 24, 2025
Petro Diplomacy 2025: The GCC Energy Sector: Transformation, Diversification, and Global Ambition
On June 24, AGSI convened its Petro Diplomacy conference for the 11th consecutive year.
Jun 23, 2025
U.S. Strike on Iran: Regional and Diplomatic Fallout
On June 23, AGSI hosted a discussion on the United States' attack on Iranian nuclear sites.
Speakers
Assessing Iranian, U.S., and Gulf Reactions and Options Following Israel’s Unprecedented Attack on Iran
On June 16, AGSI hosted a discussion on Israel's attack on Iran.
Speakers
Millennial Gulf
View AllAmmar Alsabban: Superman With a Saudi Accent
With passions as diverse as puppetry, podcasting, and superheroes, Ammar Alsabban is redefining the creative limits of Saudi identity.
