Culture
Beyond the Cube: Rethinking Urban Ambition in Riyadh
If the first phase of Vision 2030 was designed to capture imagination and reposition the kingdom globally, the next phase may focus on livability and affordability.
Business as Usual in the UAE?
The war has hit the United Arab Emirates during a period of cultural and economic flourishing. While life goes on amid continuous Iranian attacks, the country’s residents rally for its postwar return.
UAE Space Ambitions: Building the Space Industrial Base
On March 25, AGSI hosted a discussion on UAE space development.
The UAE’s Pitch for Cricket
Cricket has become a key part of the United Arab Emirates’ multipolar approach to sports investment, where franchise ownership, player markets, and transnational capital converge to support economic diversification and power projection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Speakers
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
On March 26, AGSI hosted a discussion on the history of Omani cuisine.
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
May 12, 2026
10:00am - 11:30am
Book Talk: Realizing Saudi Vision 2030: Governance, Institutions and Human Capital Development
On May 12, AGSI will host a discussion on the implementation of Vision 2030.
Speakers
Apr 21, 2026
Inside Iran’s Wartime Leadership: Power, Succession, and Regime Stability
On April 21, AGSI hosted a discussion on the evolution of Iran's leadership during the war.
Speakers
Apr 15, 2026
Iran at the Intersection: Conflict, Technology, and Digital Control
On April 15, AGSI hosted a private workshop on understanding how the dynamics of Iran's defense technology, information control, and geopolitical competition connect, led by Visiting Scholar Sara Bazoobandi.
Speakers
Apr 14, 2026
Planning for Postwar Recovery: Economic Outlooks and Policy Responses for the GCC
On April 14, AGSI hosted a discussion on how the Gulf Arab states can transition from crisis management to position themselves for sustainable postconflict growth.
Speakers
Apr 13, 2026
Assessing the U.S.-Iranian Truce and First Round of Negotiations
On April 13, AGSI hosted a discussion on the recently announced U.S.-Iranian two-week cease-fire.
Speakers
Apr 8, 2026
What Do Houthi Attacks on Israel Mean for the Iran War?
On April 8, AGSI hosted a discussion on the Houthis' involvement in the Iran war.
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.
