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Culture

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The Architecture of Iran’s Digital Repression

The Iranian regime’s internet censorship and shutdowns function as comprehensive weapons of political warfare, designed to isolate, demoralize, and ultimately suppress dissent.

Sara Bazoobandi

11 min read

Women cross a street under a banner showing hands firmly holding Iranian flags as a sign of patriotism, as one of them flashes the victory sign, in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 14. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Abu Dhabi’s Big Bid on Culture

Alongside its bid to become a regional and global economic powerhouse, the UAE capital is also rising as a new global capital for culture.

Zayed National Museum. (Credit: Zayed National Museum)

Outlook 2026: Prospects and Priorities for U.S.-Gulf Relations in the Year Ahead

On January 8, AGSI hosted a virtual roundtable with its leadership and scholars as they look ahead and assess trends likely to shape the Gulf region and U.S. foreign policy during the coming year. 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a meeting with the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states as part of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the Lotte Palace Hotel in New York, September 24. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah, Pool)

Beyond the End of The Line: Rethinking Saudi Arabia’s Urban Future

The announced curtailing of The Line megaproject is an inflection point that will continue to influence Saudi Arabia as it keeps building for the future.

President Donald J. Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman look at a model of a city under construction, May 13, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Panaderias Bring a Taste of the Philippines to the UAE

Filipino migrants play important roles in the Emirati economy and culture, with Filipino cuisine particularly shaping everyday experiences for residents across the country.

Lauren McMillen
Lauren McMillen

11 min read

Panaderia. (Courtesy of Lauren McMillen)

The New Identity of “Zayed’s Children”: UAE Football’s Second Wind

Can the UAE build a sports culture that matches its global ambition?

United Arab Emirates players line up during the national anthems before a match, October 14, 2025. (REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari)

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.

Image: Al Moutasim Al Maskery, Tree of Life, gallery shot. Courtesy of the artist. (Credit: AGSI)

May 27, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Sports Ambitions: Diversification and Sustainability?

On May 27, AGSI hosted a discussion on Saudi Arabia's investment in sports.

Saudi Arabia fans cheer prior of the World Cup group C soccer match between Poland and Saudi Arabia, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, November 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Saudi Arabia fans cheer before a World Cup soccer match between Poland and Saudi Arabia at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, November 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

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.

(Image courtesy of Saad Alsharrah)
(Image courtesy of Saad Alsharrah)

Mar 26, 2025

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...

Visitors buy frankincense at Al Haffa souq, in Dhofar governorate, Oman, August 5, 2024. (REUTERS/Rula Rouhana)
Visitors buy frankincense, which is produced by Wadi Dawkah's trees and historically used to power trade routes beyond the Arabian Peninsula, at Al Haffa souq, in Dhofar governorate, Oman, August 5, 2024. Frankincense remains a vital aspect of Omani culture, used in religious rites, incense, and perfumes. REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

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.

Shaikha Al Mazrou, ‘Circuit Boards’, 2011. Mixed media. (Courtesy of the artist and the Lawrie Shabibi Gallery, Dubai)
Shaikha Al Mazrou, ‘Circuit Boards’, 2011. Mixed media. (Courtesy of the artist and the Lawrie Shabibi Gallery, Dubai)

Feb 3, 2026

3:30pm - 5:00pm

A Conversation With the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Constantinos Kombos

On February 3, AGSI will host a conversation with Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos.

Register

Jan 8, 2026

Outlook 2026: Prospects and Priorities for U.S.-Gulf Relations in the Year Ahead

On January 8, AGSI hosted a virtual roundtable with its leadership and scholars as they look ahead and assess trends likely to shape the Gulf region and U.S. foreign policy during the coming year. 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a meeting with the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states as part of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the Lotte Palace Hotel in New York, September 24. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah, Pool)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a meeting with the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states as part of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the Lotte Palace Hotel in New York, September 24. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah, Pool)

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.”

dome of the stars (2012). (Credit: Mohammed Alkouh)
"Dome of the Stars" (2012). (Credit: Mohammed Alkouh)

Dec 15, 2025

Looking to 2026: Economic Prospects and Policy Challenges in the GCC

On December 15, AGSI hosted a discussion on the future of Gulf economies.

Delegates visit Saudi Arabia's pavilion during the Arabian Travel Market exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 29.(AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Delegates visit Saudi Arabia's pavilion during the Arabian Travel Market exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 29. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Dec 4, 2025

A Pivotal Visit: Takeaways From Mohammed bin Salman’s Visit to Washington

On December 4, AGSI hosted a discussion on the outcomes of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to the United States.

President Donald J. Trump welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, Nov. 18, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald J. Trump welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, Nov. 18, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Nov 17, 2025

Book Launch: Qatar and the United Arab Emirates: Diverging Paths to Regional and Global Power

On November 17, AGSI hosted a discussion on Qatar's and the United Arab Emirates' paths to prominence in the Middle East and beyond.

The Qatari and Emirati flags. (Shutterstock)
The Qatari and Emirati flags. (Shutterstock)

Millennial Gulf

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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.

Sean Foley

14 min read

Ammar Alsabban. (Courtesy of Ammar Alsabban)