Culture
Qatar’s Art Scene Reflects Resilience
Following the high of the inaugural Art Basel Qatar, and the low of the ongoing Iran war, Qatar is doubling down on global and regional cultural diplomacy.
Ballad: Moza Almatrooshi’s Homage to the Landscape
Moza Almatrooshi, an Emirati artist and chef, reflects on the inaugural season of ballad, her community culinary initiative.
Saudi Arabia Reflects on Underwhelming World Cup
Following Saudi Arabia’s early exit from the World Cup, the kingdom’s soccer authorities may enter a period of introspection considering challenges that have cast a shadow over the post-2023 landscape of Saudi soccer.
The Gulf at the Venice Biennale: Cultural Exchange Amid the Shadow of War
Gulf national pavilions at the 61st Venice Biennale seek to uphold local heritage amid regional and global instability.
Qatar’s National Team Mirrors the State
Qatar's first World Cup point, earned through a goalkeeper of Palestinian descent, reveals how the emirate has turned a tiny citizenry, migration, and naturalization into an instrument of statecraft and where that instrument meets its limits.
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.
Conversations Across Time: Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026
The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale returned a third time with intergenerational dialogues that created a timeline of change, adaptation, and reflection in Saudi Arabia.
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
Jul 14, 2026
Beyond the U.S.-Iran MoU: The Future of the U.S. Security Commitment to the Gulf and the Emerging Regional Security Order
On July 14, an AGSI delegation participated in a joint roundtable hosted by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Jun 25, 2026
Investing in Syria: From Policy Intention to Operational Execution
The Arab Gulf States Institute, Middle East Institute Switzerland, and Università Ca' Foscari co-hosted a roundtable on U.S. investment in Syria.
Book Talk: Iran and the Bomb: The United States, Iran and the Nuclear Question
On June 16, AGSI hosted a discussion on the evolution of Iran's nuclear program.
Speakers
Petro Diplomacy 2026: Energy in Crisis: Markets and Geopolitics of Supply
On June 8, AGSI convened its Petro Diplomacy conference for the 12th consecutive year.
Jun 4, 2026
Will a U.S.-Iran Deal Bring a New Order for the Gulf?
On June 4, AGSI hosted a discussion on the implications of a potential U.S.-Iranian agreement for Gulf security.
Speakers
May 20, 2026
Toxic Spillover: Conflict and Environmental Risk in the Gulf
On May 20, AGSI hosted a discussion on the environmental impacts of the Iran conflict.
Speakers
May 12, 2026
Book Talk: Realizing Saudi Vision 2030: Governance, Institutions and Human Capital Development
On May 12, AGSI hosted a discussion on the implementation of Vision 2030.
Speakers
May 12, 2026
Iraq in a New Middle East: Government Formation and Regional Challenges
On May 12, AGSI hosted a discussion on the new government in Iraq.
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.
