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Culture

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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)

Culture in the Saudi National Zeitgeist

Saudi Arabia’s first Cultural Investment Conference sought to convince domestic and global investors that arts and culture in the kingdom are a value proposition and to entice them to share in this project.

A visitor looks on through an art display at The Jax Art Festival, in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, July 20, 2022. (REUTERES/Ahmed Yosri)

AGSI Student Open House and Reception

On October 30, AGSI hosted a student open house and reception featuring the exhibit “Making Space: Gulf Photographers on the Scene.”

Hassan Meer, Wedding Memories 1 (2011)

The Camel in the Shadow of Vision 2030

As Saudi Arabia seeks to reposition itself as a leading regional and global actor, its embrace of camel diplomacy reflects a sophisticated recalibration of tradition for modern ends.

Camels are seen in action during the final race at a camel race course in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, March 17, 2023. (REUTERS/Mohammed Bimansour)

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)

Dec 18, 2025

4:30pm - 6:30pm

Narrative Lens: Remaking Space and Photographic Possibilities

On December 18, AGSI will host a unique event to close the exhibition “Making Space: Gulf Photographers on the Scene.”

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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)

Nov 12, 2025

The U.S.-Saudi Partnership Ahead of the Crown Prince’s Washington Visit

On November 12, AGSI hosted a discussion about the U.S.-Saudi partnership ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a welcoming ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 13. (Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS)
President Donald J. Trump shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a welcoming ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 13. (Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS)

Nov 4, 2025

After the Cease-Fire: The Regional Component of the Future of Gaza

On November 4, AGSI and ROPES co-hosted a discussion about regional dynamics after the recent Israel-Hamas cease-fire.

President Donald J. Trump and other leaders gather for a photo during a summit to support ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza after a breakthrough cease-fire deal, October 13, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool)
President Donald J. Trump and other leaders gather for a photo during a summit to support ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza after a breakthrough cease-fire deal, October 13, in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool)

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)