AGP Executive Report

Qatar Arts & Culture: Msheireb Museums, the French Institute of Qatar and the French Embassy marked Poetry Day with a Darwish-focused programme, pairing a screening of “An Orange from Jaffa” with discussion on identity, displacement and refuge through literature. Modern Art Spotlight: Qatar Museums (Mathaf) announced “What Lingers in the Artist Mind: Experiments and Legacies of the Baghdad Modern Art Group,” running 25 Oct 2026–6 Feb 2027, tracing the 1951 Baghdad Modern Art Group’s Iraqi modernist legacy through paintings, sculpture and archival research. Qatar–Turkey Cultural Links: Katara opened “From roots, through cultures, to the future,” blending heritage with contemporary creativity and featuring Qatari designer Elham Al Ansari’s Ebru-inspired works, running until 3 Oct. Community & Lifestyle: Doha Festival City and QSFA hosted RunFest 2026, drawing nearly 800 runners from 40+ nationalities and spotlighting movement and wellbeing. Sports (Qatar in focus): Qatar’s men’s handball team reached the Asian Games final after beating South Korea, setting up a gold showdown with Bahrain. Regional Arts/Entertainment: Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto’s romantic drama “Always Yours, Never Mine” launches in Qatar on 22 Oct, with further screenings planned across multiple countries.

Qatar Museums & Years of Culture: “Your Ghosts Are Mine: Expanded Cinemas, Amplified Voices” has been extended in Santiago, Chile, at Centro Cultural La Moneda until Nov. 1, after drawing 15,000+ visitors, spotlighting migration, exile and memory through Qatar’s film and video collections. Doha Arts & Culture: Msheireb Museums, the French Institute of Qatar and the French Embassy hosted Poetry Day celebrating Mahmoud Darwish, pairing literature with a screening of “An Orange from Jaffa” and discussion on identity and belonging. Fashion & Luxury: The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition opens today at DECC, bringing together 500+ brands and industry talks, with a new layout for the Oct. 3 close. Sport as Culture: Aspire Zone Foundation signed an MoU with the Guyana Football Federation to support youth and grassroots football, including potential training camps in Doha. Community Arts: Sanskriti Qatar marked Onam in grand style in Doha, while SDC welcomed Asianet Star Singer winner Shivapriya Suresh back to her training roots.

Qatar Arts & Culture: Al Jasra Cultural and Social Club’s third exhibition, “Horizons of Creativity: Integration and Empowerment,” opens today at Souq Waqif (Sept 28–30), featuring workshops, artworks, vocational rehab products, recycling and stereoscopic models in cooperation with the Qatar Society for the Rehabilitation of Special Needs. Sports & Community: Qatar beat Yemen 1-0 in Gulf Cup 27 Group B as Yusuf Abdurisag scored the winner in the 64th minute, sending the team into the semi-finals alongside the UAE after Bahrain’s exit. Arts, Music & Talent: Skills Development Centre (SDC) welcomed Shivapriya Suresh—winner of Asianet Star Singer Season 10—back to the Doha institution where she began her musical training. Business & Investment: Invest Qatar signed an MoU with Aurion Capital and LG NOVA to explore tech investment in Qatar, with a planned hub at Qatar Science & Technology Park and focus areas including AI, digital health, fintech and media/entertainment. Regional Arts Diplomacy: QFC and the US Chamber of Commerce signed an MoU to deepen Qatar–US commercial and investment engagement, supporting US firms expanding in Qatar and the wider region.

Qatar Sports Spotlight: Qatar’s 3x3 basketball team returned to the podium at the Asian Games, winning back-to-back silver medals after a final defeat to South Korea, with the Qatar Basketball Federation praising the squad’s steady rise ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. Qatar Tourism & Tech: Visit Qatar says it will launch a unified digital ticketing platform in Q4, using AI to simplify planning and access to the country’s fast-growing calendar of events. Qatar Arts & Media: Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) brought home six silver awards at the Arab Radio and Television Festival in Tunisia, including recognition for documentaries and a comedy series. Faith & Youth: Qatar Foundation’s QIYADA conference wrapped up with more than 1,300 young Muslims discussing faith, identity and leadership, under the theme “Guided by Faith: Thriving in a Changing World.” What to Watch: Gulf Cup 27 action continues with UAE vs Bahrain and Qatar vs Yemen, while Qatar’s tourism sector marks World Tourism Day with a focus on digital and AI-driven transformation.

Qatar Tourism & Visit Qatar: World Tourism Day 2026 spotlighted Qatar’s “progress, resilience and transformation” in 2026, with about 2.338 million visitors recorded by end-August after 5.1 million in 2025, as the sector leans on planning, preparedness and coordinated delivery across government, aviation and hospitality. QF Youth & Faith: Qatar Foundation’s QIYADA/Qiyada conferences drew 1,300 young Muslims to discuss faith, identity and leadership, with workshops and expert talks aimed at turning values into community action. MotoGP Qatar 2027: Lusail International Circuit confirmed the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix returns as the calendar’s night-race round on 12–14 March 2027. Asian Games Handball: Qatar reached the men’s handball semi-finals after beating Iran 31-25, setting up a clash with South Korea. Endurance Racing: Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa represented the Royal Endurance Team in Qatar’s 160km International Endurance Race, citing readiness for the World Endurance Championship. Gulf Cup Football: Qatar face Yemen in Group B as they push toward the semi-finals after a 2-0 win over Bahrain; Lopetegui warned against underestimating Yemen despite their opening loss.

Qatar Tourism & Visit Qatar: Qatar marked World Tourism Day with a push on resilience and experience-building, citing 5.1m visitors in 2025 and about 2.338m by end-August 2026, despite travel disruption. Sports & Culture: Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) won six silver awards at the 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival in Tunisia, including for “Souq Waqif: A Renewed Memory,” “Maradi,” “Dahham 3,” and “Gaza: The Nightmare - Part Two,” plus radio honours. Gulf Cup 27 (football): Qatar moved toward the semis in Group B with a win over Bahrain and now faces Yemen; Bahrain’s protest over Qatar’s player Assim Madibo was rejected over a missed deadline. F1 & Qatar’s calendar: Max Verstappen said he’d rather not race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi amid the US-Iran conflict, while Lewis Hamilton wants the Middle East finale to go ahead. Triathlon: The Qatar T100 World Championship Final lands in Lusail this week, positioning the region as a growing hub for the sport. Regional diplomacy: Iran’s Pezeshkian said Tehran no longer trusts US talks and urged a concrete response on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Qatar and Pakistan acting as intermediaries.

Asian Games milestone: Korea surged to 800 gold medals at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games, capping the day with a historic men’s 3x3 basketball gold over Qatar. Qatar media wins: Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) collected six silver awards at the 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival in Tunisia, including honours for documentaries and radio/sports programming. Faith & youth in Doha: Qatar Foundation’s QIYADA conference opened at Education City, bringing 1,300 young Muslims together to discuss faith, identity and leadership through talks and workshops. Art on the big screen: Doha-based filmmaker Suzannah Mirghani’s Sudan drama Cotton Queen is screening at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) as part of the Doha Film Institute’s Cinema Contemporary series. Gulf Cup focus: Qatar beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group B, while Bahrain lodged a protest over a player suspension issue that could change the points. F1 in the spotlight: The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set to deliver key action in Baku, with Qatar Airways branding front and centre.

MotoGP Qatar 2027: Lusail International Circuit has locked in the return of the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix as the season’s second round, running March 12–14, with the 2027 calendar also adding Buenos Aires and moving the Australian GP to Adelaide. F1 Season Uncertainty: Formula One Management is preparing Imola as a backup for the 2026 finale if Qatar and Abu Dhabi can’t go ahead, with teams likely to hear decisions in mid-to-late October. Gulf Cup 27 Drama: Bahrain have lodged a protest after losing 2-0 to Qatar, arguing a Qatar player was serving a suspension—if upheld, Bahrain could be awarded the points. Qatar at the Asian Games: Qatar’s men’s 3x3 basketball team reached the semi-finals, while table tennis singles advanced and Qatar’s shooting pair Rashid Saleh Al-Athba and Reem Al-Sharshani finished fourth in mixed skeet. Arab Music Spotlight: Qatar’s Music Affairs Center held a “Music Salon” seminar exploring Arab maqams, blending expert explanation with live oud-led performances. Sports Leadership: AFC named eight Qatari officials for the 2027 Asian Cup, including referees and a Video Match Official.

Qatar–Israel Diplomacy: Qatar rejected Benjamin Netanyahu’s UN claim that it runs an “influence campaign” against Israel, saying the rhetoric is meant to distract from atrocities and humanitarian fallout in the occupied Palestinian territories. Gulf Cup Football: Qatar began the 27th Gulf Cup title defence with a 2-0 win over Bahrain in Jeddah, with goals by Boualem Khoukhi and Hassan Al Haydos, despite late red cards. Qatar Sports Youth: Qatar Foundation’s Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Qatar League draft brought 1,200 youngsters to Education City, expanding to Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 categories. Culture as Diplomacy: Sheikha Al Mayassa said cultural institutions can keep dialogue alive when politics stalls, speaking at QC Talks at the Museum of Islamic Art. Qatar Museums Abroad: Her Years of Culture tour wrapped up in Argentina, Chile and Brazil, focusing on long-term cultural partnerships and knowledge exchange. Qatar Events Platform: Visit Qatar launched Qatar Calendar 2026/2027, uniting 560+ arts, sport and entertainment events, with a unified digital ticketing platform planned for Q4. Qatar Olympic Spotlight: Qatar’s shooting team celebrated two Asian Games gold medals at Qatar House in Nagoya, with Al-Attiyah and Al-Athba among the winners.

Qatar in the spotlight: Qatar’s refereeing talent has been named for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, with Qatari officials including Abdulrahman Al-Jassim and Salman Flahi among the referee list. Culture & diplomacy: HE Sheikha Al Mayassa wrapped up a South America tour (Argentina, Chile, Brazil) to deepen Qatar’s cultural partnerships, stressing culture as a pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030. Sports, Qatar-style: At the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Qatar’s Rashid Saleh Al Athba powered a golden day with men’s team skeet gold and individual gold, setting a new Asian record. Faith & community: Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong reportedly embraced Islam in Doha after reciting the Shahadah. Arts in Doha: The Embassy of Italy in Qatar and MIA launched a free immersive exhibition, “The Great Mosque of Rome — Immersive Experience,” running Sept 22–Nov 21. Aviation & business: Qatar Airways Cargo is preparing to launch a joint cargo venture with Malaysia Airlines and IAG after completing a trial shipment.

Immersive Culture: Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and the Italian Embassy have opened a free exhibition, “The Great Mosque of Rome — Immersive Experience,” using documentary film, VR and digital tech (Sept 22–Nov 21) to explore the landmark’s architecture and cultural dialogue. Arts & Film: Doha Film Institute (DFI) says Doha Film Festival 2026 will open on Nov 19–27 with the MENA premiere of Yemeni-Scottish drama “The Station,” a women-only petrol station story of resilience and sisterhood. Luxury & Lifestyle: Qatar Calendar’s “Bubble Planet” immersive attraction lands at QNCC on Dec 6, with tickets in October, promising bubble-filled rooms, VR and optical illusions. Sports & Qatar Spotlight: Qatar’s Rashid Saleh Al Athba celebrates double skeet gold at the Asian Games, while Qatar kicks off Gulf Cup 27 against Bahrain in Jeddah. Qatar Investment & Tech: Invest Qatar links with Aurion Capital and LG NOVA to scale emerging tech ventures, including AI, digital health, fintech, sports and media. Global Tensions Touch Sport: Lewis Hamilton says he hopes F1 can still end the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi despite US-Iran conflict uncertainty.

Doha Film Festival 2026: Doha Film Institute says its 2026 festival will open with the Yemeni-Scottish feature The Station by Sara Ishaq, a women-led story set in a women-only petrol station in war-torn Yemen, screening Nov. 19–27. Immersive Entertainment: Qatar Calendar announces Bubble Planet coming to Doha from Dec. 6 at the Qatar National Convention Centre, with themed rooms, VR, optical illusions and a giant bubble ball pit. Luxury Event Watch: Qatar Tourism confirms the 22nd Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) runs Sept. 28–Oct. 3 at DECC with 49+ exhibitors and 500+ brands. Local Arts & Culture: Al Markhiya Gallery opens Print Friends at Fire Station: Artist in Residence, featuring 14 Arab artists responding to Yousef Ahmad’s Arab Nation Street (to Oct. 30). Sport & Pride (Qatar): Qatar’s shooters win two men’s skeet golds at the Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games, including team gold and individual gold for Rashed Saleh Al Athba. FIFA U-17 Qatar 2026: Match officials named for the Nov. 19–Dec. 13 tournament, with New Zealand referee Calvin Berg among the referees. Weekend What’s On: Qatar’s September 24–26 picks include John Achkar’s Arabic comedy special and free Gulf Cup live screenings at the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum.

Diplomacy & Humanitarian Voice: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim told the UNGA that Qatar always seeks peace and dialogue, calling what happened in Gaza “genocide” and urging a diplomatic Gulf crisis solution, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar 2036 Olympics: Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari said Doha can deliver an “exceptional” Olympic and Paralympic Games, citing Qatar’s hosting track record and infrastructure. Doha Arts & Culture: The Great Mosque of Rome immersive exhibition opened at the Museum of Islamic Art, using VR and documentary storytelling to promote dialogue across faiths. Science for Everyday Life: Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine hosted a Science Café on safe use of medications and supplements. Fashion Spotlight: Nepali fashion visionary Sonya Gurung brought Himalayan heritage to the Doha Fashion Summit with a theatrical runway blending Dhaka textiles and modern silhouettes. Tech & AI: Google Cloud Summit Doha 2026 highlighted Qatar’s AI push, including MCIT’s Innovation Lab and national skilling with Qatar Digital Academy. Sport (Gulf Cup 27): Gulf Cup 27 kicks off in Jeddah with Bahrain starting against Qatar; group details and match schedules set the stage for the tournament. Education Support: CBSE announced special Class 12 exams for West Asia students whose 2026 boards were disrupted.

Qatar Gulf Cup Watch Party: Football fans can catch Arabian Gulf Cup 2026 live at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum in Doha, with free screenings from Sept 23 to Oct 6 (Level 7, outside the Esports Lounge). Qatar’s group matches include vs Bahrain on Sept 24 (9pm), vs Yemen on Sept 27 (6:55pm), and vs UAE on Sept 30 (8:30pm), plus semifinals on Oct 3 and the final on Oct 6. Digital Safety for Families: Qatar’s Ministry of Social Development and Family launched the 14-week “Digitally Aware Family” campaign (Sept–Dec) to help children and parents manage smartphone, social media, and gaming risks through guidance, dialogue, and workshops. Science Café Health Talk: Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine hosted the “Beyond the Label” Science Café on medication and dietary supplement safety, focusing on evidence-based communication between patients and healthcare providers. Arts & Culture Exchange: Katara’s “Dialogue of Papers” exhibition brings together Qatari, Japanese, and Indonesian artists exploring paper, identity, and environment through handmade papermaking and calligraphy. Sports Spotlight: Qatar’s handball team beat China 30-25 at the Asian Games, while Qatar’s beach volleyball pairs started strong with straight-sets wins.

Asian Games Spotlight: Qatar’s beach volleyball pairs started strong at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, with Qatar 1’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan beating the Philippines 2-0, and Qatar 2’s Mousa Al Khair and Mohamed Ihab downing South Korea 2-0. Qatar Sports Momentum: Qatar’s handball team also notched a win over China 30-25 as the campaign heats up. QC Talks (Culture & Diplomacy): Sheikha Al Mayassa and Anne-Claire Legendre will join QC Talks on Sept 24 at the Museum of Islamic Art for “Culture as Diplomat,” exploring how museums and cultural partnerships build lasting international ties. Music & Heritage: The Music Salon seminar on Sept 24 will dive into Arabic maqam—its intervals, ajnas and branches—featuring live oud performances. Qatar Arts & Exchange: Uzbek master artist Davlat Toshev, currently in residence at the Museum of Islamic Art, says Qatar and Uzbekistan can expand collaboration through exhibitions, artist exchanges and research. Tech Meets Daily Life: Samsung begins rolling out One UI 9 on Sept 26, adding AI features like My FanCam for auto-centering subjects in videos. Global Media Industry: Paramount’s Warner Bros. Discovery takeover clears a major US legal hurdle after states settle lawsuits, with Qatar-linked sovereign wealth funds reported in the financing.

Qatar in the spotlight: Egyptian squash star Amina Orfi, who won the QTerminals Qatar Classic in Doha last week, has become the youngest women’s World No.1 at 19—after beating Hania El Hammamy in a dramatic five-game final. Sports & tickets: Fans looking ahead to the AFC Champions League Elite clash can find guidance on how to get Al Qadsiah vs Al-Sadd tickets, with sales routed through the official Webook platform. Regional arts & culture: Egyptian artist Wael Shawky—who previously led Art Basel’s first Qatar fair—has been named to TIME100 Art 2026, highlighting his Arab-history-focused film and installation work. Qatar education: VCUarts Qatar (Qatar Foundation partner) opened 2027–28 applications and announced a new merit scholarship for incoming undergraduates worth up to $40,000 a year. Media cooperation: Qatar Media Corporation joined the ASBU Executive Council session in Tunisia, discussing AI in media and preparations for the Arab Radio and Television Festival. Tech & phones: Samsung began rolling out One UI 9, featuring AI video tools like My FanCam, with availability varying by market.