AGP Executive Report

Doha Film Festival: The festival has unveiled 15 titles for its November International Feature Competition, including four Palestinian films. They include Thirteen in Gaza, a drama set in a displacement camp, and the world premiere of Rabab Khamis’ documentary Sama. Qatar’s 2036 Olympic Bid: Qatar is among seven countries in talks with the IOC about hosting the Games, building on its preparations for the 2030 Asian Games. Qatar Museums: Upcoming exhibitions spotlight contemporary craft practices in Mexico and the work of M. F. Husain, whose museum was showcased at a TIME100 Art event in New York. Doha’s Cultural Calendar: The Qatar Boat Show is set to open on November 4, while the Culture Ministry is due to host a musical evening this Saturday. Earlier events have also celebrated Qatar’s maritime musical heritage with Little Naham.

Museum Spotlight: Qatar Foundation’s Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum was showcased at TIME100 Art in New York, bringing the artist’s work and the museum’s collection to an international audience. Crafts and Design: Qatar Museums will present “Expanded Tradition: Contemporary Craft Practices in Mexico,” while Doha’s eighth Festive Exhibition highlights textile ties between Pakistan and Qatar. Local Arts: Al Markhiya Gallery is set to open “Silent Witnesses,” an exhibition by Palestinian artist Majdulin Nasrallah. Music and Heritage: “Little Naham” is bringing Qatar’s maritime musical heritage to a new generation, as the Culture Ministry prepares a musical evening in Doha. Creative Community: Geekdom is nurturing Qatar’s growing creative scene, with Japanese pop culture also serving as a bridge for cultural exchange.

Qatar-US-Iran Mediation: Qatar says US-Iran talks are continuing, with Doha (and Pakistan) exchanging messages to reduce tensions after seven months of conflict. Olympics 2036 Bid Watch: The IOC confirms Qatar as an interested party for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, joining India, Germany, Hungary, South Africa, Türkiye and South Korea as presentations begin. Messi Farewell in Argentina: Lionel Messi ended his national-team career with a 3-0 win over Benin at Monumental Stadium, scoring the third as Argentina celebrated with music and fireworks. Hollywood Deal Impact: Paramount’s $81–$110bn Warner Bros. Discovery merger is complete, creating Skydance and reshaping streaming, TV and news under one umbrella. Qatar Arts & Culture Abroad: Qatar Foundation’s Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum was showcased at TIME100 Art in New York, bringing the artist’s legacy to a global audience. Craft & Fashion: The 8th Festive Exhibition in Doha highlights Pakistan’s textile heritage and contemporary designers, strengthening Qatar-Pakistan cultural and trade links. Community & Animal Welfare: Mall of Qatar marked World Animal Day with “Every Paw Deserves a Home,” supporting local rescue efforts and adoption. Social Support Tech: Mada launched the Taqdeer platform, a digital reference to help senior citizens access Qatar’s services more easily.

Olympics Watch: The IOC has confirmed India and Qatar among seven countries in continuous dialogue to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, with Germany, Hungary, South Korea, South Africa and Türkiye also in the running; the IOC set an Oct. 31 deadline for interested parties and will have candidates present projects in November, with a host vote expected in 2029. Hollywood Business: Paramount has officially closed its $110bn takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, creating Skydance under David Ellison, uniting major studios, HBO Max and Paramount+, and networks like CNN and CBS after antitrust settlements. Qatar Sports & Community: Qatar Sports for All Federation wrapped its “Summer of Sports for All 2026” running series at Aspire with 1,362 participants, highlighting family participation and inclusive access to sport. Space & Learning at Katara: Katara Cultural Village is hosting World Space Week 2026 at Al Thuraya Planetarium with daily astronomy shows, workshops and hands-on activities for children and young people. Senior Support Tech: Mada launched the “Taqdeer” platform, a unified digital reference to help Qatar’s senior citizens and caregivers find services across health, social protection, mobility, assistive technology and more. Padel Milestone: Qatar’s padel team celebrated a historic Asian Games gold on the sport’s debut, with federation leaders calling it a proud step for Qatari sport. Film Festival Win: Iceland’s Reykjavík International Film Festival crowned Marine Atlan’s “La Gradiva” with the Golden Puffin.

Qatar Sports Spotlight: Qatar’s padel debut at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games ended in a historic gold for the Nawaf brothers, while the wider medal push delivered 18 medals (6-6-6) and helped Doha 2030 preparations, says QOC’s Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain. Doha 2030 Handover: International media highlighted Qatar receiving the Asian Games flag and unveiling the Doha 2030 identity after Japan’s closing ceremony. Arts & Culture: NUQ at Northwestern University in Qatar launched “All That Is Unseen,” an immersive Media Majlis exhibition running to Jan 21, 2027. Inclusion Through Creativity: HOPE Qatar launched the Sadeeqi Inclusion Championship 2026 to shift mindsets via performing arts and visual expression for 200,000 students nationwide. Tourism Activation: Visit Qatar brings “The Garden Souq” to Singapore’s Raffles Hotel (Oct 7–9) with oud, Qatari food, crafts and interactive stations. Combat Sports in Doha: Power Slap lands in Doha on Nov 19 with Power Slap 27 at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. Global Sports Watch: Lionel Messi’s final Argentina match vs Benin is set for Oct 6 at Estadio Monumental.

Qatar Sports for All: QSFA launched its inaugural Sports for All Athletics Championship for girls’ primary schools, bringing students from 12 schools nationwide to Maymouna Bint Al Harith Primary School for Girls, with QSFA stressing early access to sport and school-to-community cooperation. Inclusion Spotlight: Al Noor Center for the Blind unveiled a six-month initiative with Qatar Media Corporation to boost awareness and inclusion of people with visual disabilities through media, interactive experiences, and partnerships across education, culture, sports and services. Qatar Airways Luxury: Qatar Airways was named the world’s best business class for the 13th time at the Skytrax World’s Best Airline Awards, highlighting Qsuites and its top-rated lounge experience. Global Sports Culture: Lionel Messi’s final Argentina match is set for Tuesday at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires against Benin, with 85,000 expected and a torch-passing moment for the 2022 World Cup generation. Equestrian Finish: Qatar closed the Asian Games campaign with 18 medals, including Faleh Al Ajami’s individual show-jumping gold and Bassem Mohammed’s bronze.

Doha 2030 Asian Games Handover: Qatar officially received the OCA flag as Aichi-Nagoya 2026 closed in Japan, with Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani declaring the Games over and Doha unveiling its identity and slogan, “The Games We Live For.” Qatar in the Spotlight at Closing: Qatar’s equestrian riders Faleh Al Ajami (gold) and Bassem Mohammed (bronze) capped a strong participation, while Qatar’s cultural showcase linked Doha 2006 to the 2030 journey. World Teachers’ Day, Qatar Foundation: Qatar Foundation highlighted long-serving educators at Awsaj Academy, including Eiman I. Abu Hussein (25 years) and Hanaa Hamdan (19), stressing teaching as a lasting human mission. Immersive Arts in Education City: NU-Q’s Media Majlis Museum opened “All That Is Unseen,” a touring immersive exhibition by Marshmallow Laser Feast exploring breath, life and the cosmos through video, meditation and interactive experiences. Design & Craft Spotlight: DJWE 2026 wrapped up at DECC with 34,000+ visitors, 500 brands and a new DJWE Studio programme; Qatar’s designers also turned local stories into contemporary jewellery through Scale7-supported collaborations. Sports Business Meets Betting: Premier Padel announced official betting integration for 2027, with integrity monitoring planned as the sport expands.

Doha 2030 Asian Games handover: Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games officially closed in Nagoya with Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani declaring the event over and passing the torch to Qatar for 2030, with China topping the medal table (169 gold, 341 total) ahead of Japan (83 gold) and South Korea (39 gold); the Games also drew attention for teen standouts like 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi (female MVP) and for record-setting performances alongside complaints about logistics and crowd turnout. Qatar sport on the move: WE RUN experience lands in Doha on 30 October 2026 at Lusail International Circuit with PSG QNB support, turning the track into a Rouge & Bleu community festival for 2,000+ participants. F1 stays on schedule: F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will go ahead as planned despite regional tensions, with Qatar set for 29 November. Horse racing spotlight: Daryz made history by winning the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe back-to-back at Longchamp, while Green Empress took the Prix Marcel Boussac. Local arts & culture tie-in: Qatar Museums unveiled its October 2026 public programme, including a first Middle East exhibition dedicated to artist Giuseppe Penone.

Asian Games wrap: The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games close on Sunday, Oct 4, with a 6pm ceremony at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, featuring a unified athletes’ parade and cultural performances before the handover to Doha 2030. Qatar’s historic padel moment: Qatar’s Rashid and Mashari Nawaf win the first-ever Asian Games men’s padel gold, beating Malaysia 6-3, 6-1, while Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan complete a beach volleyball hat-trick for another gold. OCA recognition: Reem Al Sharshani is elected to the OCA Athletes’ Commission (West Asia), serving 2026–2030. Gulf Cup heartbreak: Qatar’s campaign ends after a penalty shootout loss to Saudi Arabia in the semi-final, adding pressure on coach Julen Lopetegui. Family-focused art in Doha: DFC hosts Wifaq’s “Rawabet” awareness exhibition using interactive artworks to promote family cohesion. Katara exhibition: Al Markhiya Gallery opens “Silent Witnesses,” a Palestinian artist’s show exploring objects shaped by violence, displacement and loss. Pop-culture bridge: Geekend 2026’s Japan–Qatar illustration contest turns Japanese pop culture into a creative community link. Health & community: Qatar’s Sports for All Federation launches women-and-girls activities at Ruqaya Preparatory School for Girls starting Oct 4.

Qatar Arts & Culture: Al Markhiya Gallery at Katara Art Center opens “Silent Witnesses,” a new exhibition by Palestinian artist Majdulin Nasrallah exploring how everyday objects (blankets, cups, shoes, doors) take on new meanings amid violence, displacement and loss. Community Sports: Qatar Sports for All Federation (QSFA) launches “Sports for All Oasis” for women and girls at Ruqaya Preparatory School for Girls in Umm Al Seneem, running weekly for three months with all-female coaching and activities from football and volleyball to fitness, walking and balance training. F1 Gulf Update: F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the Qatar (Nov 29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec 6) season finale races will go ahead as planned despite regional tensions, with teams and drivers kept informed. Qatar in Asian Games Spotlight: Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan win beach volleyball men’s gold for a third straight Asian Games, beating Indonesia 2-1 in the final. Sports Diplomacy: Malaysia’s embassy in Doha steps up breast cancer awareness through its “Splash of Pink” talk, backed by local Malaysian groups.

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) kicked off the Arc weekend in Paris with a France Galop partnership spotlighted by QREC chairman Hamad Al-Attiyah, while Al Shaqab Racing swept Group 1 PA races—Balsam won the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches and Msaieed took the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains. Gulf Cup build-up: Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui says his side are fully prepared for the Saudi Arabia semi-final, expecting a tough test but insisting the home crowd won’t pressure them. UFC Qatar & global schedule: UFC’s late-2026/early-2027 plan keeps international Fight Nights in Canada, the UAE, Qatar and Australia, with Qatar set to host again on November 21. Asian Games afterglow: Maheshwari Chauhan, celebrating India’s historic women’s skeet team bronze, says the team is grateful but already focused on LA 2028. Media & entertainment: Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery’s merger is set to adopt the Skydance name as Skydance Corporation, with trading expected to begin on the NYSE on Oct. 6. Qatar 2030 Asian Games: Doha 2030 officials insist the Games can be staged using existing venues, with no major new construction planned.

Qatar Museums: The National Museum of Qatar has announced “Giuseppe Penone: The Inner Flow of Life,” running Oct 26, 2026–Feb 13, 2027, with 50+ works and five material pavilions, plus monumental bronze “trees” at Old Doha Port. Culture Calendar: Qatar Museums also released its October 2026 public programme, packed with photography, talks, workshops, creative courses, storytelling and family activities across its museums and creative hubs. Doha 2030 Planning: Doha 2030’s CEO says the Asian Games can be staged using existing venues, with no major new construction planned, and readiness if the event shifts to 2031. Gulf Cup Football: Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui says his side are ready for the Saudi Arabia semi-final, while Qatar’s path is set after the group-stage results. Sports & Society: A Qatar Scientific Club programme wrapped its Young Inventors Programme second batch, training 30 youths to build and present prototypes. Racing & Media: Racecourse Media Group agreed long-term media rights renewals with British racecourses through 2033, keeping major events including the Qatar Sussex Stakes in its portfolio.

Qatar Museums & Mathaf: Qatar Museums has detailed its October 2026 public programme, with photography, talks, workshops and family activities across its museums and creative hubs, while Mathaf’s “Your Ghosts Are Mine” continues in Chile, extending Arab-Latin American dialogue. National Museum spotlight: A major new survey, “Giuseppe Penone: The Inner Flow of Life,” opens at the National Museum of Qatar on Oct 26, running to Feb 13, with custom pavilions and monumental bronze trees at Old Doha Port. Design & culture on air: Evolution Nation’s “Voices” returns Oct 3-4 at M7 Learning Studio, featuring live conversations on design culture, architecture as memory, and museums’ links to sport. DJWE luxury buzz: Boucheron and CHANEL are showcasing new jewellery and watch collections at Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition 2026. Sports diplomacy & community: Lusail Sports Club players visited Doha British School for a sports-and-education event. Asian Games momentum: Qatar wrestler Shaheen wins bronze at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, while Doha 2030 CEO Ahmed Al Buenain reiterates Qatar’s readiness for the 2030 Asian Games using existing venues.

Qatar Museums: The October 2026 public programme is out, with a new photography exhibition at Bayt Al Wakrah, QC Talks, workshops, storytelling and family activities across QM museums and creative hubs. UFC Qatar: Aljamain Sterling says he turned down a proposed fight with Aaron Pico, arguing it “doesn’t do” enough for him, and instead will face Kevin Vallejos on Nov 21 in Doha. Doha Asian Games planning: Organisers say Qatar is ready with existing venues if the Asian Games shift to 2031 for Olympic qualifying, with no new venue builds needed. Asian Games sport spotlight: Qatar’s Doha 2030 bid stays in focus as the Games in Nagoya deliver standout moments, including China’s sport climbing and tennis wins and South Korea’s shooting success. Qatar in regional football: Yemen’s Gulf Cup exit came after a 1-0 loss to Qatar, with the match framed by the political strain around Yemen’s ongoing conflict. Entertainment & culture: Ghostly Kisses adds a second Baghdad concert after the first sold out quickly, and the duo’s MENA tour includes Doha. Arts & design: A Doha Design Biennial/VCUarts Qatar collaboration aims to strengthen Qatar’s creative ecosystem.

Qatar Arts & Culture Calendar: Qatar Calendar’s October lineup is packed with live music, theatre and comedy, plus international exhibitions, big sports and family-friendly fun across venues from Lusail Boulevard to Fuwairit Kite Beach, with Geekend (Oct 1–3) and the MOQ Drift Show (Oct 21–31) among the highlights. Local Arts & Design: Msheireb Museums unveils “Between The Architectures,” a solo exhibition by Qatari urban planner and artist Mubarak al-Thani exploring how architecture shapes memory and identity. Arts in Motion (Dining): Vertigo at Banyan Tree Doha reopens as a more inclusive restaurant-lounge with a refreshed Pan-Asian menu. Qatar’s Creative Industry: QDB launches Manarat, an advanced manufacturing hub to help next-gen factories adopt 4IR tech. Sports with a Qatar angle: Qatar draw UAE 1-1 in Gulf Cup Group B, setting up a semi-final vs Saudi Arabia; meanwhile, Qatar shooters Mohammed Al Rumaihi and Ray Bassil take mixed trap silver at the Asian Games. Global Art Market: Sotheby’s previews long-unseen Van Gogh, Cézanne and Monet works ahead of a potential $450m sale in New York.

Qatar–Malaysia Diplomacy: Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim spoke by phone with Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim, with both calling for an immediate end to West Asia fighting, faster humanitarian aid and stronger peace efforts. Sports Policy & Governance: Qatar Olympic Academy wrapped a three-day course on sports policies and legal frameworks in sport, training local and regional stakeholders on event management, governance and risk. Qatar in the Spotlight at the Asian Games: Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai powered India to mixed-team trap gold, beating Qatar 34-32 and setting an Asian and Games record; Dhanda also capped a historic three-medal run after illness. Football Business & Power: PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi said he has “zero interest” in FIFA presidency amid the Infantino–UEFA feud. Art Market Buzz: Sotheby’s landed the $450m Blaquier collection led by a $180m Van Gogh, with works touring after Armory Week. Local Lifestyle & Sport: Commercial Bank unveiled the revamped Sadara Visa Infinite card with dining, travel and entertainment perks, while Ooredoo confirmed the Doha Marathon’s 15th edition for Jan 15, 2027 with a new 42km route and relay option. Community Sports: Qatar Police Sports Federation concluded the first Open Police Padbol Championship at Al Sadd Club.