AGP Executive Report

Gulf Cup Tickets: The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup is set for Sept 23–Oct 6 in Jeddah, with tickets now on sale via the-gff.com/tickets and the GFF Tickets app. Bahrain, defending champions, face Qatar (Sept 24), UAE (Sept 27) and Yemen (Sept 30) in Group B, with digital tickets downloadable to phones and added to digital wallets. Streaming Upgrade: LG Electronics and stc tv are teaming up across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, adding stc tv Quick Access to LG webOS home screens and offering new LG TV owners a free 3-month stc tv subscription. Kuwait Youth Camp: Kuwait’s Youth and Sports Minister Dr Tariq Al-Jalahma visited the Gadeha Juniors training camp in Bahrain, praising its discipline, teamwork and life-skills focus for ages 10–17. Sports Spotlight: Kuwaiti triathlete Mubarak Al-Jumah set a national Ironman record in Sweden, finishing full-distance in 9:31:04 and earning a World Championship qualification. Art & Culture: Amina Yahia’s large-scale paintings (Re)Invent the Archive are highlighted for their archive-like approach to memory and research, with her work shown across Cairo, Paris, Dubai and Kuwait. Local Health Rules: Kuwait tightens tobacco and nicotine regulations, banning online sales and deliveries and setting the minimum purchase age at 21, with rules taking effect Jan 1, 2027.

Sports Spotlight: Kuwaiti triathlete Mubarak Al-Jumah smashed a national Ironman record in Kalmar, Sweden, finishing the full-distance race in 9:31:04 and earning a spot at the Ironman World Championship. Youth & Community Sports: Kuwait’s Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma visited Bahrain’s Gadeha Junior Training Camp, praising programmes built around challenge, discipline, teamwork and life skills. Handball Focus: The Kuwait Handball Federation met club sports directors to review last season and push stronger club structures for 2026-27, with extra emphasis on youth development and better technical and administrative setups. Entertainment & Tech: LG and stc tv deepened their Gulf streaming partnership, adding a “Quick Access” shortcut on LG webOS home screens in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, plus a 3-month promo subscription for new LG users. Film Festival: Oman’s Dhofar International Film Festival returns for its second edition (Sept 6–9), featuring 32 films from 16 countries including Kuwait. Local Policy: Kuwait issued new tobacco and nicotine rules from Jan 1, 2027—banning online sales/deliveries, setting the purchase age at 21, and extending restrictions to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. Football Governance: Scotland’s FA withdrew support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of the 2027 election, citing a lack of confidence in FIFA leadership.

Tobacco crackdown in Kuwait: The Health Ministry has issued sweeping new rules on tobacco and nicotine products, including a ban on online sales and deliveries, a minimum purchase age of 21, and tighter controls on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco—effective from Jan 1, 2027. Youth & sports ties: Kuwait’s youth and sports minister Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma met Bahrain officials to boost cooperation and exchange successful youth programs. Kuwait volleyball success: Kuwait won bronze at the Arab U-17 Volleyball Championship in Bahrain, beating Algeria 3-0, after a strong prep camp in Cairo. Digital sports push: Kuwait’s “Blue Shirt” platform signed a cooperation agreement with the Public Authority for Youth and Sports to accelerate digital transformation in sports. Community sport in Kuwait: The PBFPK Independence Day Padel Tournament 2026 brought Pakistani banking professionals together, with ARKHAM KNIGHTS taking the title. Arts & culture beyond Kuwait: Qatar took part in the 11th Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair, with Kuwait listed among participating countries.

Sports & Youth Diplomacy: Kuwait’s youth chief Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma met Bahrain’s youth minister in Manama, stressing exchange of successful programs to empower young people and grow talent. Volleyball Spotlight: Kuwait clinched bronze at the Arab U-17 Volleyball Championship in Bahrain, beating Algeria 3-0, with officials crediting training camps in Kuwait and Cairo. Digital Sports Push: The Blue Shirt platform signed a cooperation agreement with Kuwait’s Public Authority for Youth and Sports to build a sports intelligence knowledge base and speed up digital transformation. Padel Community Event: PBFPK hosted its Independence Day Padel Tournament 2026, with ARKHAM KNIGHTS taking the title. Health Regulation (Big Local Impact): Kuwait issued new tobacco and nicotine rules effective Jan 1, 2027—banning online sales/delivery, restricting sales to under-21s, and covering e-cigarettes and heated tobacco across schools, youth venues, cinemas and more. Arts & Creativity: A Kuwait-based artist is running beginner sketchbook workshops to help people break creative blocks through “unfiltered creativity.”

Health Policy: Kuwait’s Health Ministry issued Decision No. 237 of 2026 tightening tobacco and nicotine rules, banning sales, display and distribution in schools, youth spaces, cinemas and sports clubs, and cracking down on vending, kiosks, exhibitions and online channels. Youth & Culture: Kuwait’s youth minister Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma visited Bahrain’s Muharraq Model Youth Centre, highlighting youth empowerment and arts spaces like “Al-Manara” while pushing Kuwait-Bahrain cooperation. Sports Spotlight: Kuwait won bronze at the Arab Youth Volleyball Championship, beating Algeria 3-0, while Kuwait’s artistic gymnastics teams started training camps in Georgia ahead of West Asian events. Community & Business: Weyay Bank picked up three awards for social/community banking and precision credit and lending. Arts & Creativity: A Kuwait-based young artist is running beginner sketchbook workshops to spark “unfiltered creativity” during the summer. Global Entertainment: The 11th Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair opened with regional participation including Kuwait.

Digital Banking Buzz: Weyay Bank, Kuwait’s first digital bank, just grabbed three awards across Kuwait and the region, including Social & Community Banking and Best in Precision Credit and Lending. Youth & Culture: Kuwait’s youth minister visited Muharraq Model Youth Centre in Bahrain, highlighting arts and culture spaces and pushing closer Kuwait-Bahrain youth cooperation. Art for Beginners: Kuwait-based artist Zakiya Al Mahdi is running accessible sketchbook workshops for newcomers, aiming to turn “unfiltered creativity” into a community movement. Sports Camps in Georgia: Kuwait’s artistic gymnastics teams (men and women) started training camps in Georgia ahead of West Asian Championships in Jordan. Local Sports Sponsorship: Zain Kuwait backed the BPC TOUR padel tournament in Marbella for Kuwaiti youth abroad, with champions crowned after a competitive week. Entertainment & Travel: Air India Express launched an Onasadya festive meal for travelers between Kerala and West Asia, running Aug 15–31. Global Football Watch: Newcastle United take on Bayer Leverkusen, with worldwide TV listings shared for fans tracking the season opener.

Kuwait Youth & Sports: Kuwait’s artistic gymnastics teams have started intensive training camps in Georgia (Aug 12–30) ahead of the West Asian Championships in Jordan, aiming to sharpen technique and routine consistency. Creative Community: Kuwait-based artist Zakiya Al Mahdi is running beginner-friendly sketchbook workshops built around “unfiltered creativity,” helping newcomers break through creative blocks during the summer. Art & Culture: A review spotlights Lebanese-American painter Nabil Kanso’s haunting war works, arguing art can make viewers feel the experience rather than just watch the news. Regional Sports Buzz: Bahrain’s youth volleyball and weightlifting headlines keep the GCC in focus, with Bahrain pushing for gold and young lifter Jhon Lopez collecting three medals. Global Entertainment Guide: Newcastle United vs Bayer Leverkusen TV listings are out, plus a film pick for Denzel Washington’s 2004 thriller “The Manchurian Candidate.”

Art & Culture: Lebanese-American painter Nabil Kanso’s haunting war works are spotlighted in a new review that argues art can help us feel what news can’t. Books & Creativity: Artists share what they’re reading this summer, framing reading as fuel for new exhibitions and studio ideas. Middle East Arts/Entertainment (Sports): Kuwait’s artistic gymnastic teams kick off training camps in Georgia ahead of West Asian Championships in Jordan. Youth Sports: Kuwait’s gymnasts and youth athletes are also in the spotlight across regional events, including volleyball action in Bahrain where Kuwait faced tough competition. Sports Integrity: Kuwait’s Nazaha joins a GCC anti-corruption event focused on transparency in the sports sector. Local Sports Business: Zain Kuwait sponsors the BPC TOUR padel tournament in Marbella, backing Kuwaiti youth abroad. Retail & Lifestyle: NBK Rewards adds Best Al Yousifi, letting customers earn points and redeem them on purchases. Global Pop Culture: Paul Pogba invests in Saudi camel racing club Al Haboob, betting on the Gulf’s traditional sport.

Kuwait Youth & Sport: The Public Authority for Youth and Sport, with the Kafa’a platform, announced the “Kafa’a 2026” forum, themed “From Resilience to Development,” set for Oct 26 at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, aiming to boost Kuwaiti youth participation and national talent. Gymnastics Camps: Kuwait’s men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics teams have started intensive training camps in Georgia (Aug 12–30) ahead of the West Asian Championships in Jordan. Integrity in Sports: Kuwait’s Nazaha took part in a GCC event on transparency and anti-corruption in sport, sharing Kuwait’s legislative and institutional approach to integrity. Local Shooting Spotlight: Kuwait Shooting Sport Club honored winners from training-course championships in 10m air rifle, 10m air pistol, and archery, with top finishers across men’s and women’s categories. Handball & Club News: Burgan Club completed the signing of Spanish right-back Angel Hernandez as it builds a stronger squad for the new handball season and an upcoming Club World Championship campaign. Regional Sports: Bahrain beat Kuwait 3-0 in the Arab Youth Volleyball Championship, while Algeria also impressed with a 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia. Arts & Culture (Regional): The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) opened an exhibition of shortlisted works for the Ithra Art Prize, spotlighting contemporary artists across the Arab world.

Youth & Culture: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Youth and Sport and the Kafa’a platform announced “Kafa’a 2026” under “From Resilience to Development,” set for Oct 26 at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, aiming to boost youth participation and national talent. Sports (Gymnastics): Kuwait’s men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics teams have started training camps in Georgia (Aug 12–30) ahead of the West Asian Championships in Jordan, with intensive work on technique, fitness, and routine consistency. Sports (Handball): Burgan Club signed Spanish right-back Angel Hernandez as it builds its squad for the IHF Men’s Club World Championship in Cairo, plus an overseas training camp in North Macedonia. Sports (Padel): Zain Kuwait sponsored the BPC TOUR padel tournament in Marbella, crowning Khalifa Al-Khalifa and Fahad Al-Husayan. Anti-Corruption in Sport: Nazaha joined a GCC sports integrity event on transparency and anti-corruption, sharing Kuwait’s legislative and institutional approach. Shooting Spotlight: Kuwait Shooting Sport Club honored winners from summer training-course competitions in 10m air rifle, 10m air pistol, and archery. Retail & Lifestyle: Harvey Nichols has been rescued from administration by Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, with Kuwait listed among its international outlets.

Maritime Shift: With tensions disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Gwadar Port is seeing a surge—record container handling in April and big cargo milestones in May—positioning it as a fresh transhipment alternative for global lines. Kuwait Sports Integrity: Nazaha joined a GCC transparency event focused on fighting corruption in sport, highlighting Kuwait’s legislative and institutional efforts to protect integrity. Shooting Spotlight: Kuwait Shooting Sport Club honored winners across 10m air rifle, 10m air pistol, and archery for both men and women, with competitions continuing through the summer. Handball Transfer News: Burgan Club completed the signing of Spanish right-back Angel Hernandez as it builds for the IHF Men’s Club World Championship campaign. Retail & Lifestyle: NBK Rewards welcomed Best Al Yousifi, letting customers earn points and redeem them instantly on purchases. Youth Focus: Kuwait marked International Youth Day with calls to empower young people as real partners in shaping the nation’s future. Regional Sports: Bahrain beat Kuwait 3-0 in Arab Youth Volleyball, extending their unbeaten run.

Sports Integrity Spotlight: Nazaha joined a GCC anti-corruption sports event, presenting Kuwait’s integrity and transparency framework and how it tackles corruption risks in clubs and federations. Shooting & Community Sports: Kuwait Shooting Sport Club honored winners across 10m air rifle, 10m air pistol and archery, with Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi praising ongoing summer competitions for both men and women. Handball Transfer Buzz: Burgan Club signed Spanish right-back Angel Hernandez as it gears up for the IHF Men’s Club World Championship in Cairo, adding local players too. Banking Perks: Best Al Yousifi joined NBK Rewards, letting customers earn 1% points on eligible spending and redeem points instantly at participating outlets. Youth Day in Kuwait: Kuwait’s Youth and Sports minister urged young people to shape the future through initiative and hard work as International Youth Day is marked worldwide. Local Arts for Teens: NCCAL’s “National Works” workshop at the Museum of Modern Art helped ages 12–17 paint “ancient and modern Kuwait,” aiming to build loyalty and belonging through art. AFC Champions League Two (Kuwait in Focus): Al-Arabi face East Bengal in a crucial ACL Two qualifier in Kolkata, with the winner moving into the group stage.

International Youth Day: Kuwait’s Youth and Sports minister Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma marked Aug 12 by urging young people to shape the future through initiative, hard work, and real opportunities, echoing the UN theme on shared dreams. Local Arts & Culture: At Kuwait’s Museum of Modern Art, the NCCAL’s “National Works” workshop (ages 12–17) has young artists painting “ancient and modern Kuwait,” aiming to build loyalty and belonging through art. Youth Empowerment Camp: The “Homeland… Giving and Loyalty” camp at Jaber Al-Ahmad Youth Center is running for two months, training 150 Kuwaiti girls with sports, skills, awareness, and field visits. Tech & Aviation Rules: Kuwait’s Cabinet approved a draft decree-law regulating drones and light aircraft, setting licensing, permits, and penalties under the Public Authority of Civil Aviation. Cinema Night for Elite Customers: Burgan Bank hosted an exclusive Spider-Man: Brand New Day family premiere for Elite customers at Grand Cinemas – Al Andalus. Sports (Kuwait on the regional stage): Kuwait’s junior volleyball team faces Bahrain in the Arab Junior Volleyball Championship, while Kuwait’s senior handball team begins Asian Games prep friendlies in Slovenia. Regional Spotlight: Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed unless US accepts its conditions as shipping attacks continue.

Aviation & Safety: Kuwait’s Cabinet approved a draft decree-law to regulate drones, unmanned aircraft, light sport aircraft and air sports, setting rules for registration, licensing, permits, obligations, bans and penalties, with the Public Authority for Civil Aviation leading oversight. Youth & Culture: NCCAL’s “National Works” workshop at the Museum of Modern Art is helping 12–17-year-olds paint “small tales of Kuwait,” while the “Homeland…Giving and Loyalty” two-month camp at the Jaber Al-Ahmad Youth Center empowers 150 Kuwaiti girls through sports, health, culture and skills programs. Entertainment & Community: Burgan Bank hosted Elite customers and families for a Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiere with activations and a family-focused cinema experience. Sports (Local): Kuwait’s junior volleyball team faces Bahrain in Manama after early setbacks, and the senior handball team begins Asian Games preparations with friendlies in Slovenia. Public Holiday: Kuwait announced Thursday, Aug 27 as a public holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (1448 AH). Global Football Buzz: Trump backed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, calling it a “terrible mistake” to replace him amid a widening leadership crisis.

FIFA Fallout: US President Donald Trump called it “a terrible mistake” to replace embattled FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, backing him despite a fresh push from UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC over a World Cup commercial plan. Football Scandal: South Korea’s football authorities face mounting fallout after allegations of using corporate funds for massage-parlour visits for foreign referees, with police weighing possible criminal charges and Japan probing whether its referees were involved. Kuwait Education Update: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education is moving toward new dress and conduct rules for teachers and students in government schools, stressing modest, non-conspicuous attire and tighter appearance standards. Local Talent & Culture: Kuwait placed sixth globally at the FIAP Black-and-White Photography Biennial in Brazil, with ten Kuwaiti photographers representing the country. Retail & Lifestyle: Apparel Group is partnering with Knowledge Economic City to bring 24 retail and dining brands to Multaqa Al Madinah Mall, including Nando’s, Wagamama, Levi’s and Rituals. Youth & Wellness: Kuwait’s energy drink restrictions are pushing young people toward alternatives like coffee and matcha, as the debate on healthier caffeine habits grows. Travel Disruption: UAE airline cancellations and service changes are affecting routes to Kuwait and Bahrain, with passengers urged to check flight status before heading out.

Education & Appearance Rules: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education is drafting new dress and conduct regulations for government school staff and students, pushing modest, non-conspicuous clothing (with dishdasha/ghutra for men and modest formalwear for women) and banning sportswear, revealing or ripped garments, plus covering tattoos. Kuwait Sports Update: Kazma is preparing for the 2026-27 volleyball season after Indonesian player Farhan withdrew for national-team duties; the club is close to signing a Colombian replacement and has added Brazilian fitness coach Renato Santos and statistician Daniel Melo. Football Governance Shock: The Korea Football Association scandal over alleged “sexual bribery” for foreign referees is widening, with Japan’s FA probing four Japanese referees tied to the Korea-Kuwait 2012 qualifier. FIFA Crisis Watch: Infantino’s World Cup commercial plan fallout continues as UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC publicly challenge his leadership, while at least 20 federations—including Kuwait—back him. Local Business & Lifestyle: NBK launched a “Plus” package for young customers moving from its Youth Package after first salary, including cinema and restaurant perks. Arts & Culture: Kuwait placed sixth globally at the FIAP Black-and-White Photography Biennial in Brazil, with ten local photographers representing the country.