AGP Executive Report

UAE Arts & Culture: Emirati musicians Tahrir Saleh, Hamda Al Raisi, Alia Al Shamsi and Khawla Al Raihi lit up the Arab Media Summit with a live set blending Arabic and international sounds, spotlighting young women’s talent and culture-bridging creativity. Tourism & Experiences: Miral is set to pour more than AED12bn into Yas Island over five years, expanding theme parks, adding immersive rides and boosting hotel capacity. Outdoor Leisure: DCT Abu Dhabi launched the Abu Dhabi Islands and Water Sports Guide, a new digital hub for island-hopping, kayaking and operator listings across 200+ islands and marine areas. Arts Education: A.R.M. Holding’s Children’s Programme rolls on with the Bigfoot Project, bringing artist-designed, AI-era creativity workshops to 80 schools nationwide. Aviation & Entertainment: flydubai marked its 100+ aircraft milestone with 11 new Boeing deliveries and a new cabin retrofit push. Sports-Entertainment Crossover: Brett Lee has been named Chief Celebration Officer of The UAE Lottery, meeting winners and bringing cricket star power to responsible, regulated entertainment.

UAE Tourism & Leisure: Miral says it will invest over Dhs12 billion across Yas Island in the next five years, expanding theme parks, adding immersive rides and boosting hospitality. Abu Dhabi Travel Planning: DCT Abu Dhabi launched an Islands and Water Sports Guide, a digital map and itinerary hub for more than 200 islands and maritime experiences, with operator listings and marine-protected area info. Dubai Hospitality Spotlight: Emaar Hospitality Group is showcasing its expanding hotel, dining and leisure portfolio at Arabian Travel Market 2026. Sports & Culture in the Region: Dubai’s Women’s Asia Cup win story continues to ripple, with India’s team refusing to accept the trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi after beating Sri Lanka in the final in Dubai. Arts & Local Stories: Abu Dhabi’s 35th International Book Fair highlights Emirati literary figure Mohammed Al Murr through a dedicated pavilion and cultural programme. Human-interest UAE: A profile spotlights Emirati blacksmith and welder Hajar Al Hosani, training the next generation of women for the workshop.

Yas Island Tourism Boost: Miral says it will pour over Dh12 billion into Yas Island over the next five years, adding new immersive rides and upgrading theme parks and hotels (separate from the Disney plan). Abu Dhabi Film Buzz: IIFA is set to return to Abu Dhabi, with the long-awaited dates expected to be announced Friday—another big spotlight for Bollywood in the UAE. Dubai Hospitality Update: NH Collection Dubai Ibn Battuta has launched after a major transformation of the 396-room property, expanding dining, leisure and social spaces. UAE Sports & Culture: Seashore Phoenix Games 2026 wrapped up in Qatar with men’s competitions, drawing 400+ athletes from 40+ countries. Cricket in Dubai, Politics in the Spotlight: India’s women refused to accept the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi at Dubai International Cricket Stadium; BCCI calls it a “conscious, institutional” decision. UFC Headline: Tom Aspinall vacates the UFC heavyweight title after ongoing eye complications prevent him getting cleared to fight. Dubai Travel Numbers: DET reports hotel occupancy at 66% in August and 21.61 million occupied room nights in the first eight months, signaling strong momentum heading into late 2026.

Women’s Cricket in Dubai: India beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs to win the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 for a record eighth time, after Shafali Verma (68 off 39) and Smriti Mandhana (59 off 39) powered a 129-run opening stand and India posted 183/5 before Shree Charani (4) and Deepti Sharma (3) bundled Sri Lanka out for 111. Trophy-Talk Turns Tense: The post-match ceremony turned controversial as India refused to accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, while Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu accepted the runners-up cheque—another India-Naqvi clash mixing sport and politics. UAE Book Culture: Under the patronage of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Abdullah bin Zayed inaugurated the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, running until Sept 18 at ADNEC, themed “Turn The Page, Read The World.” Local Sports Spotlight: Kuwait stepped up preparations for Gulf Cup 27 with intensified training in Doha, while Seashore Phoenix Games 2026 wrapped up its men’s competitions at Aspire Zone.

Book Culture: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2026) opened at ADNEC under President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, running Sept 13–18 with 1,500+ events, Balkan Culture as Guest of Honour, and “Turn the Page, Read the World” as the theme. Sports—Cricket (UAE): The Women’s Asia Cup final lands in Dubai International Cricket Stadium as India take on Sri Lanka in an unbeaten rematch, with coverage on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV. Sports—Cricket (Dubai): DP World ILT20 Season 5 officially launched in Dubai with Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar, spotlighting the league’s Gulf growth. Entertainment—Film: Chris Rock’s “Misty Green” is out in festival buzz, with Rosalind Eleazar praised for a gritty Hollywood hustle performance. Wellness: World Wellness Weekend returns to the UAE with Rayya Wellness and Wellbeings Holistic Healing hosting free experiences across Abu Dhabi and Dubai from Sept 18–20. Arts & Society: A debate piece asks why cultural destruction shocks the world while cultural theft can get romanticised. Cinema—Sharjah: Mammootty drew a huge crowd at Sharjah’s “Rajakeeyam – Celebrate with Legends,” celebrating his 50-year career.

BRICS Culture & Diplomacy: India’s 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, calling for WTO dispute-settlement restoration and pushing UN reform, trade stability and people-to-people ties—while leaders also urged maximum restraint in West Asia. BRICS Bazaar & Arts: The summit’s BRICS Bazaar at the National Crafts Museum runs Sept 10–15, spotlighting crafts from across member and partner countries, from embroidery and weaving to jewellery and leatherwork. BRICS Symphony Gala: PM Modi hosted a leaders’ gala featuring “Navarasa” and a “BRICS Symphony” orchestra using traditional instruments from countries including the UAE (qanun). UAE in Focus (Humanitarian): The UAE Search and Rescue team in Nepal located 10 more missing people in flood-hit areas, bringing the total found to 18, with new aid flights supporting local teams. UAE Sports & Community: Dubai’s New Star Mangaluru will reveal its official jersey at Zabeel Park on Sept 27. Women’s Cricket in Dubai: India and Sri Lanka meet in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup final at Dubai International Stadium on Sept 13, with India banking on Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma. Books & Media: Abu Dhabi’s 35th International Book Fair opens Sept 13 at ADNEC, and Dubai Press Club announced themes for the Arab Youth Media Forum (Sept 15–17).

BRICS Summit, UAE in the room: Leaders meet in New Delhi as the US-Iran war deepens, with China’s Xi set for talks with Modi and the expanded bloc including the UAE among 11 members. Public art diplomacy: At the summit venue, BRICS artists unveiled a “Sangam: Confluence of Cultures” mural, a people-to-people showcase of member-country crafts and traditions. UAE sport spotlight: Nepal set UAE 314 in the ACC Premier Cup final after Asif Sheikh’s century; the UAE chase is underway. Abu Dhabi pop culture boom: MEFCC’s director says Abu Dhabi’s creative scene is growing fast, with pop culture drawing fans and opening doors for Emirati and expat creators. UAE entertainment in Dubai: Mouni Roy met Rahat Fateh Ali Khan at a Dubai birthday event, calling the experience “godliness.” Cricket legends in the UAE: World Championship of Legends Season 3 lands in Dubai and Sharjah from Oct 3–18 with Yuvraj, Afridi, Gayle and Warner. Equestrian expansion: Abu Dhabi Turf and Equestrian clubs push a major next chapter, with redevelopment plans aimed at upgrading the emirate’s racing and horse culture.

UAE–Germany Deal: During Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s first state visit to Germany, both sides launched a Strategic Dialogue and unveiled a €40bn UAE investment package, including about 1GW of new data-centre capacity, plus defence, energy and AI cooperation. Women’s Cricket in Dubai: India booked the Women’s Asia Cup final in Dubai after a 40-run semi-final win over Bangladesh, setting up a Sunday showdown against defending champions Sri Lanka. AI in Entertainment: Peter Luo’s Stars Collective and Dubai-based LH International announced an AI content joint venture and a target $300M fund to develop and finance film, TV and digital projects for global audiences. Emirates A380 Upgrade: Emirates’ retrofit of a two-class A380 into a three-class layout adds 76 Business seats, 56 Premium Economy seats and 437 Economy seats, with the program due to finish by November. Dubai Tourism Push: Dubai’s DET will lead the emirate’s tourism ecosystem at Arabian Travel Market 2026 (Sept 14–17), with 115+ co-exhibitors on the stand. Space Spotlight: UAE Space Agency chairman Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi led the UAE delegation at Paris’s inaugural International Space Summit 2026, stressing international partnerships. Humanitarian Aid: IFRC is sending additional emergency supplies from its Port Klang warehouse to support flood-hit Nepal, including tarpaulins, shelter kits, blankets and water purification systems.

UAE Arts & Events: Abu Dhabi Festival ramps up with Hans Zimmer’s “The Next Level” tour at Etihad Arena on Nov 13, plus American Ballet Theatre at Emirates Palace (Nov 21) and the Arab world premiere of “Algarabía” (Nov 26). Family Culture: A new Children’s Biennale lands at Umm Al Emarat Park (Nov 6–Dec 6), billed as the Middle East’s first outdoor children’s biennale, with touch, sound, movement and light. Dubai Nightlife Guide: Secret Room Dubai returns as a music-first hideaway inside FIVE Palm Jumeirah—house/electronic lean, smart dark dress, and RSVP/table minimums recommended. Sports & Culture Crossovers: F1’s new Madring circuit debuts in Madrid for the Spanish GP, with drivers calling it “a car killer.” UAE Community Pop Culture: The Little Things brings limited-edition collectibles and cosplay programming back to MEFCC Abu Dhabi (Sept 11–13). Global Spotlight: Barcelona’s finances get a boost via UAE-linked Ohana Development and a stadium entertainment concession with Babylon Park.

UAE–Germany Deal: Berlin says the UAE will invest €40bn in Germany, including new data centres, and both sides will set up an Investment Council to deepen ties. Women’s Cricket in Dubai: India beat Bangladesh by 40 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium; Shafali Verma hit 64 and Deepti Sharma led the bowling as India booked the final. UAE Sports Business: The DP World ILT20 Season 5 was launched in Dubai for Nov–Dec, with Desert Vipers defending and matches across UAE venues. Fashion Retail: Primark confirmed its first Saudi store will open in March 2027 in Riyadh’s The Avenues with Alshaya. Tech & Transport: Elon Musk’s The Boring Company raised $3bn in a UAE-led Series D, pushing Dubai Loop tunnel work forward. Arts & Culture: Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi plans three new Harry Potter-themed lands for 2029, adding to the park’s expansion.

Dubai Opera 10th Anniversary Season: Downtown Dubai’s landmark venue turns 10 with a 2026–27 programme starting Sept 12, led by Egyptian soprano Fatma Said, the UAE National Orchestra and Maestro Ahmed Farag, plus a world premiere by Mohamed Medhat and a packed run of opera, ballet, comedy and international concerts. Abu Dhabi Festival 2026: The 23rd edition kicks off Oct 10 with Hans Zimmer’s THE NEXT LEVEL tour at Etihad Arena, alongside UAE National Orchestra performances and Emirati talent across major cultural venues. Creativity Week in Dubai: Dubai Lynx reveals its Oct 6–7 Content Sessions at Dubai Media City, ending Oct 8 with the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony at Emirates Golf Club. UAE Arts & Culture on Stage: Hakkasan Group spotlights how it builds Cantonese culture through food, design and music—an approach that’s shaped its global entertainment identity. Sports in the UAE spotlight: Women’s Asia Cup semi-final action heads to Dubai International Stadium today as India take on Bangladesh, with streaming and TV details driving local interest. Sharjah Chess for Schools: Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club launches an online Hamda Bint Taryam School Chess Championship (Oct 7–Nov 3) on Lichess, with Dhs 60,000 in prizes.

UAE Sports Spotlight: Kuwait grabbed third overall at the AJP Tour Asia Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi, with coach Ahmad Al-Rashed crediting disciplined training and Olympic Committee support as the UAE hosted more than 2,000 athletes from 90 countries. Combat Sports in Dubai: Vault Fight League is counting down to its first Dubai show on September 12 at Dubai Media City’s The Agenda, pitching a storytelling-first fight night built around fighter personalities and rivalries. Ryder Cup Business Tie-Up: Qashio became an official supporter of the Ryder Cup 2027, aligning its Dubai base with the sport’s global decision-makers ahead of the 100th anniversary in Ireland. Sharjah Club Culture: Al Thiqah Club unveiled a new visual identity after 38 years, aiming to reflect continuity and determination for future sporting and cultural wins. Tech & Lifestyle: Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, plus iPhone 18 Pro models and AirPods 5, are set to land in the UAE on September 18. Space & UAE Pride: UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi is in Paris for an international space summit focused on low Earth orbit governance and partnerships. Entertainment: Mirzapur: The Movie makes its big-screen debut after moving from streaming, with the cast framing it as a fan-driven “family” story.

UAE Arts & Culture: Abu Dhabi Festival returns for its 23rd edition from October 10, with a global line-up spanning music, opera, ballet and contemporary arts, including UAE National Orchestra at Etihad Arena (Oct 10) and Hans Zimmer’s THE NEXT LEVEL tour (Nov 13). UAE Performing Arts: UAE National Orchestra launches Season Two with “To This Land, We Belong” on Sept 18 (NYU Abu Dhabi) and Sept 20 (Dubai Opera), featuring three Emirati world premieres and poet Arif Al Khajah. Contemporary Art: Lawrie Shabibi (Alserkal Avenue) hosts Egyptian artist Nada Elkalaawy’s solo show “The Butterfly’s Burden” (Sept 23–Nov), exploring memory, loss and regeneration through collage and painterly processes. Local Heritage in Focus: A rare early photo of Zayed the Great is on display in Berlin, highlighting deep UAE–Germany cultural ties as President Sheikh Mohamed visits Germany. Sports with a UAE angle: The UAE National Orchestra and Abu Dhabi Festival headline the arts calendar, while UAE sport news includes the Emirates Champions Season kick-off: the UAE Kickboxing Championship (Sept 11–13) at Mubadala Dome in Abu Dhabi. Dubai Lifestyle & Entertainment: Dubai Metro turns 17, with fresh highlights on its iconic design and ridership milestones.

UAE Sports & Community: Abu Dhabi’s Family Park B is powering a new fitness movement after three Kerala karate instructors launched “Positive Fit,” growing from a small morning workout into a community of 2,000+ participants. UAE Youth Football: The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup returns in January with more teams and a bigger girls’ programme, plus new individual awards and a prize draw that includes a trip to a City Football Group club. Falconry & Heritage: Katara’s 10th Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition, S’hail 2026, opened with 15 countries and 158 exhibitors, running until Sept 12 and blending heritage with outdoor tech. Women’s Sport Spotlight: The Fatima Bint Mubarak Women Sports Award has received 343 nominations, with entries extended to Oct 6 for Asian Games participants. Cricket in Dubai: Deepti Sharma’s Asia Cup form is lifting her ICC women’s T20I bowling ranking, moving her up to 6th. Global Arts & Lifestyle: Maison Crivelli opens its first Paris boutique on Sept 19, while Karim Benzema shares Umrah photos from Makkah. Regional Politics: Israeli opposition leaders are calling Netanyahu “unfit” after a report that the UAE warned him about a Hamas operation before Oct 7, which Netanyahu’s office denies.

UAE Arts & Culture: Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi has unveiled its September–December 2026 programme, packed with international performances, art exhibitions, community events and a new literary track, including Peking Opera, Irish dance, flamenco Romeo & Juliet, anime music nights and a children’s theatre run. UAE Entertainment & Pop Culture: Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is set to expand with three Harry Potter-themed lands (including a Forbidden Forest area), with new rides planned for 2029. Dubai Live Music: Ely Buendia and Chito Miranda sold out Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena for an OPM concert, adding to a busy week of regional touring acts. Sports in the Emirates: PFL returns to Dubai with a heavyweight title defence—Vadim Nemkov vs Sergei Bilostenniy—on Nov 14 at Coca-Cola Arena. Tech & Lifestyle: Emirates launched the world’s first electric Premium Economy privacy screen on its A350s, while Dubai’s Metro station ONPASSIVE has been renamed Garmin under a 10-year deal. Global Arts: Artists Jenny Holzer and Andy Goldsworthy are among the Praemium Imperiale winners, each taking home about $95,000.

UAE Sports & Culture: Emirati ultra-runner Ahmad Al Janahi became the first Emirati to finish the 174km UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix, battling severe stomach pain and fatigue before reaching the finish after 37 hours 50 minutes. Women’s Empowerment in Dubai: Dubai Municipality launched “Athar,” an exhibition celebrating Emirati women’s impact, with workshops spanning fashion, perfume-making, handicrafts and more from Sept 7–21. Theme Parks (Abu Dhabi): Miral and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences confirmed three new Harry Potter-themed lands—Diagon Alley, Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest—at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, targeting completion in 2029. Metro Branding: RTA granted Garmin 10-year naming rights for the ONPASSIVE Metro Station, with signage updates rolling out from September to end-November 2026. Entertainment & Events: Middle East Film and Comic Con added Simu Liu, Charithra Chandran and Shameik Moore to its Abu Dhabi line-up at ADNEC (Sept 11–13). AI in Business: Bukhatir Group and Magure launched DIWAN, a secure enterprise AI assistant now live for employees across the group. Racing & Leisure: Tickets are on sale for the 2026–27 Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan (Nov 6–Mar), with new hospitality venues and packages.