AGP Executive Report

Kuwait Culture Spotlight: The Kuwait National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) kicked off the 18th “Cultural Summer” festival at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, with officials stressing culture’s role in identity and unity. GCC Fashion Expansion: Gap Inc. is teaming up with Chalhoub Group to bring Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta online across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait this year, with physical stores planned for 2027. Kuwait Film Buzz: Sci-fi coming-of-age “Alien Boy” has wrapped filming in Canada, starring Waleed Zuaiter and Sarah Gadon, with production partners including Echo Lake Entertainment and Mongrel Media. Regional Music: Kuwait-based Gulf Voice of Goa winner Romeo Braganza is collaborating with Gulf Voice of Mangalore champion Gladys on a new Konkani tribute celebrating culture and unity. Sports Scandal Watch: South Korea’s football federation has apologised and pledged “sweeping reform” after allegations it provided sexual services to foreign referees, tied to a 2016 government audit. Football Power Play: FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s re-election fight is intensifying as more countries withdraw support following the fallout from his World Cup sell-off plan. UAE Live Events: The UAE’s concert calendar is heating up with major rescheduled shows and fresh announcements, including performances by Shakira, Trevor Noah and Mo Amer.

FIFA Crisis Watch: Gianni Infantino’s World Cup sell-off plan is dead, but the fallout is getting louder—UEFA and a growing list of European associations have withdrawn support and renewed calls for him to go, while FIFA says it apologized and will review processes after the backlash. Football Scandal: South Korea’s FA is accused of using corporate cards to pay for “sexual entertainment” for foreign referees at massage parlours in 2011–2012, with a government audit report now fueling a police probe. French Football Revelations: Mehdi Benatia’s “France Football” confessions promise fresh claims from his Marseille spell, mixing admitted mistakes with sharp criticism of club leadership and players. Kuwait Arts & Culture: NCCAL kicked off the 18th “Cultural Summer” festival at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, framing culture as a pillar for identity and unity. Film & Local Screen Buzz: Sci-fi coming-of-age “Alien Boy” wrapped in Canada, starring Waleed Zuaiter and Sarah Gadon. Fashion in the Gulf: Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta are expanding across the GCC with online launches including Kuwait, via Chalhoub Group. Cinema Marketing: Empire Entertainment says its Spider-Man: Brand New Day campaign helped drive a record Middle East opening weekend.

GCC Fashion Expansion: Gap Inc. is teaming up with Chalhoub Group to roll out Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta across the Gulf—online launches in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait this year, with physical stores planned for 2027. Kuwait Theatre Spotlight: A fresh review highlights “Al-Teatro” at El Salam Theater, praising director Ahmed Fouad and the production’s message about theatre as a mirror of civilization and identity. Football Scandal Watch: South Korea’s football federation is under scrutiny after a government audit said it provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees and match supervisors during international matches in 2011–2012. Sports Fixtures: West Ham and Portsmouth kick off their EFL Cup campaigns this weekend, with West Ham missing Tomas Soucek. Culture in Kuwait: NCCAL launched the 18th “Cultural Summer” festival at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, framing culture as a pillar for unity and national identity. Konkani Music: Gulf Voice winners Romeo Braganza (Goa) and Gladys (Mangalore) are collaborating on a new Konkani tribute celebrating language and heritage.

Kuwait Culture Spotlight: The Kuwait National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) kicked off the 18th edition of its “Cultural Summer” festival at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, with officials stressing that culture is more than entertainment—it’s a pillar for identity, unity, and resilience. Konkani Music in the Gulf: Kuwait-based Gulf Voice of Goa winner Romeo Braganza is teaming up with Gulf Voice of Mangalore champion Gladys for a first-of-its-kind Konkani collaboration celebrating language, heritage, and community ties. Media & Entertainment Business: The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority cleared the $110bn Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger after promises meant to protect Channel 5, CNN International, kids programming, and editorial independence, while a major antitrust trial is still set for March 2027. Football Scandal Watch: Korea Football Association allegations say foreign referees and match supervisors were provided sexual entertainment via corporate cards in 2011–2012, raising fresh questions about integrity and why it wasn’t disclosed earlier. Sports in Kuwait & the Region: Kuwait’s Al-Qadsia is set to feature in Sharjah’s U-15 and U-16 youth football tournament, with matches hosted across local clubs.

FIFA Fallout: FIFA has apologized to its member associations over mistakes tied to its scrapped plan to sell a 20% stake in a World Cup commercial rights entity, while leadership reaffirmed full support for Gianni Infantino after a Morocco crisis meeting. Football Power Struggle: The turmoil keeps growing, with Infantino facing mounting opposition ahead of next March’s FIFA presidential vote. US-Iran Diplomacy Watch: Donald Trump said he’d rather strike a deal with Iran than use force, after pausing a planned “biggest attack since World War II” following Iranian requests for talks. Travel Disruptions (Gulf): UAE airlines continue adjusting or cancelling selected routes amid the security situation, with Kuwait services reported cancelled indefinitely by some carriers. Kuwait Sports (Local): Kuwait Shooting Club signed a cooperation protocol with the Police Sports Union to boost training and national team readiness. Kuwait Community Health: Al-Tomouh Sports Club held its Fourth Family Health Forum on Down syndrome and heart problems, partnering with local disability and hospital groups. Cinema Buzz: “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” opened huge across the Middle East, with Kuwait among record-attendance markets.

FIFA Fallout: Gianni Infantino is set for a crisis meeting in Morocco as his scrapped $4.2bn plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights keeps triggering backlash, with UEFA and other federations withdrawing support and staff reportedly told to stay united. Cinema Buzz (Kuwait & MENA): Sony’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day just logged the biggest Middle East opening weekend on record, pulling in $18.4m across the region and strong numbers including Kuwait, with big stunt-and-drone promos boosting hype. Kuwait Sports: Kuwait Shooting Club signed a cooperation protocol with the Police Sports Union to improve training ranges and help feed national teams with qualified shooters. Community Health (Kuwait): Al-Tomouh Sports Club hosted its Fourth Family Health Forum for families of people with intellectual disabilities, focusing on Down syndrome and heart problems. Business/Investments: National Investments Company reported Q2 2026 net profit of KD 12.3m and assets under management of KD 1.3bn. Regional Family Leisure: Mazaya++ benefits were extended to Arab Monetary Fund employees and families via a new partnership. Swim Education (Kuwait): Aqua-Tots Swim School opened in Sabah Al Salem, Kuwait, expanding its Middle East push for year-round water safety lessons.

FIFA Turmoil: Gianni Infantino is scrambling after his World Cup commercial-rights plan collapsed, with UEFA and other football bodies withdrawing support and talk of “non-cooperation” growing as he faces a make-or-break re-election fight in March. FIFA Crisis Meeting: Infantino is set for a crunch meeting in Morocco with top FIFA officials as staff fallout deepens following the shelved $4.2bn proposal. Local Sports (Kuwait): Kuwait Shooting Club signed a cooperation protocol with the Police Sports Union to boost training, facilities, and national-team readiness. Local Sports (Kuwait): Al-Tomouh Sports Club held its Fourth Family Health Forum with a focus on Down syndrome and heart problems, supporting early intervention for families. Cinema Buzz: “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” hit a record Middle East opening weekend, including strong numbers in Kuwait and the wider Gulf. Streaming/Media Law: A US judge set the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery antitrust trial for March 2027, keeping the $110bn merger under legal pressure. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s emir and Trump discussed de-escalation efforts between Washington and Tehran, with Gulf coordination aimed at easing tensions.

Sports Development: Kuwait Shooting Club signed a cooperation protocol with the Police Sports Union to boost shooting training, provide facilities and ranges, and help select athletes for national teams. Community & Health: Al-Tomouh Sports Club (Special Olympics Kuwait) held its Fourth Family Health Forum with a seminar on Down Syndrome and heart problems, pushing early intervention for families. Regional Basketball: The Arab Basketball Federation confirmed teams for the Arab Women’s Basketball Championship in Alexandria, with Kuwait’s Al-Fatah, Al-Qurain and Al-Qadsia among the line-up. Kuwait in International Sport: Kuwaiti handball coach Waleed Al-Enezi said he won’t join Montenegro’s U-18 match vs Israel, citing humanitarian principles over sport. Cinema Buzz: “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” set a Middle East opening-weekend record with $18.4m, including strong Kuwait audience pull, after stunt and drone-show promotions. New in Kuwait: Aqua-Tots Swim School opened a new Sabah Al Salem location, expanding life-saving swim lessons across Kuwait. FIFA Drama: FIFA’s Infantino fallout deepened as executives distanced themselves from his World Cup commercial rights plan and opposition to his re-election grew.

Kuwait & Gulf Diplomacy: Qatar urged stronger Gulf coordination to implement the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, stressing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as regional talks continue. US-Iran Tensions: Trump said talks are ongoing and claimed the Strait could reopen “by tomorrow,” while Iran denied direct negotiations and pointed to discussions with Oman for a temporary safe shipping corridor. FIFA Power Struggle: Gianni Infantino’s re-election fight is getting messier as more football bodies withdraw support over his scrapped plan to monetize World Cup stakes; Kuwait and Qatar are among those still backing him. Local Sports (Kuwait): Kuwait’s beach volleyball teams have headed to Jordan for the West Asia Championship, while Haydokan Academy wrapped the Martyr Fahad Al-Mujammad Cup for amateur players under a cancer-awareness sports initiative. Football & Handball: Al-Arabi’s camp in Türkiye continues with friendlies ahead of AFC Champions League Two playoffs, and Kuwaiti coach Waleed Al-Enezi said he won’t join Montenegro’s U-18 staff for a match against Israel.

Sports & Health: Haydokan Academy wrapped up the Martyr Fahad Al-Mujammad Cup for amateur academies, held under the National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN) and the Public Authority for Sport, with about 260 young Kuwaiti players competing through July. Local Infrastructure: Kuwait’s Central Agency for Public Tenders approved the Ministry of Public Works’ tender to study, design and supervise a new Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) headquarters, planned to house around 1,750 employees plus facilities like a theater, library, mosque and sports areas. Principles in Sport: Kuwaiti handball coach Waleed Al-Enezi said he will boycott Montenegro’s U-18 match against Israel at the European Under-18 Championship, citing humanitarian values and Kuwait’s stance. Football Camp Updates: Al-Arabi ended its Türkiye friendlies with a final warm-up against Pyramids, while Kuwait Club, Al-Qadsia and Kazma continue overseas preparations for upcoming AFC and domestic seasons. Beach Volleyball: Kuwait’s men’s and women’s beach volleyball teams departed for Jordan for the West Asia Championship, then plan to continue to Lebanon for the next round. League Race: Yarmouk and Al-Sulaibikhat moved joint top in the Kuwait First Division after round 16 results, as Al-Sahel slipped to third. Tech Curiosity: A popular explainer broke down why QR codes scan so fast—spotlighting the three corner “finder patterns” and the science behind decoding.

FIFA Fallout: England and Wales have withdrawn support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA re-election after UEFA threatened legal action over his scrapped plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, keeping the leadership fight hot. Middle East Diplomacy: US President Donald Trump says he’s pausing the “biggest attack since WWII” on Iran after Gulf allies urged more talks, with negotiations set to start Monday and a deal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait in the Crossfire: Iran’s military claims attacks on US bases in Kuwait, while Kuwait’s army says it destroyed hostile Iranian drones targeting vital facilities—tensions remain high. Oil & Markets: OPEC+ approved a September production increase of about 188,000 barrels per day, including Kuwait, as the group unwinds earlier voluntary cuts. Sports (Regional Youth): Bahrain named its 15-player squad for the home Arab U17 volleyball championship, with Kuwait among the teams chasing gold. Streaming Buzz: Netflix’s John Wick-esque thriller “The Debt Collector” is climbing charts globally, including Kuwait.

Kuwait Arts & Media: Radio Kuwait is using AI to revive traditional Kuwaiti folk music—reworking styles like Al-Sawt and maritime music with symphonic orchestration and Kuwaiti instruments to reach global audiences. Sports (Local): Kuwait Club kicked off its London training camp with a 1-0 friendly defeat to Milton Keynes, while Al Arabi prepares for a Pyramids FC friendly in Turkey ahead of upcoming AFC Champions League Two plans. Streaming & Pop Culture: Netflix’s John Wick-esque thriller The Debt Collector is surging in charts worldwide, ranking in Kuwait’s top 10, while WWE SummerSlam Night 2 is set for tonight with viewing options via Netflix (outside the US) and ESPN Unlimited (US). Football (Region): Defending champions India were drawn with Pakistan and Maldives in Group B of the SAFF Championship 2026, with the tournament in Dhaka from Nov 4–17. Regional Spotlight (Kuwait-linked): Iran’s military claims attacks on US bases in Kuwait as tensions rise, with Kuwait’s army also reporting drone strikes on vital facilities.

Arts & Culture: Radio Kuwait is using AI to revive traditional Kuwaiti folk music (Al-Sawt, Al-Samri, Al-Khamari and maritime styles), reshaping it with modern orchestral arrangements while keeping its original character—aiming to reach bigger international audiences. Sports (Kuwait): Kuwait Club kicked off its London training camp with a 1-0 loss to Milton Keynes, with more friendlies lined up before the Kuwait Premier League season starts on Aug. 25; Al Arabi also continues its Turkey camp ahead of AFC Champions League Two preparations. Regional Football: Defending champions India were drawn in SAFF Championship 2026 Group B with Pakistan and Maldives, with the tournament in Dhaka from Nov. 4–17. Entertainment (Streaming): Netflix’s John Wick-esque thriller “The Debt Collector” surged globally, ranking in top charts including Kuwait. Sports (Gulf Volleyball): Bahrain announced the Arab U17 Men’s Volleyball Championship (Aug. 9–17) featuring Kuwait among six teams. Global Spotlight: US embassies urged Americans to consider leaving West Asia as Iran tensions escalate.

Arts & Culture: Radio Kuwait is using AI to revive Kuwaiti folk music—Al-Sawt, Al-Samri, Al-Khamari and maritime tunes—reworking them with symphonic orchestration so the heritage can reach global audiences without losing its identity. Sports (Local): Kuwait Club kicked off its London training camp with a 1-0 loss to Milton Keynes, while Al Arabi is set for a friendly against Egypt’s Pyramids FC in Turkey ahead of AFC Champions League Two playoffs. Sports (Regional): Kuwait’s U-18 campaign in Gulf qualifiers continues to be tough, with Oman finishing ahead in the standings; meanwhile, SAFF Championship 2026 group draw puts India with Pakistan and Maldives. Entertainment (Global): WWE SummerSlam 2026 is set for Aug 1-2, with streaming details pointing to ESPN Unlimited. Kuwait & Region (Diplomacy/Security): US embassies urged Americans to consider leaving West Asia amid Iran-related tensions, as Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian drones targeting a government facility. Morocco-Kuwait: Morocco’s ambassador hailed the Morocco-Kuwait relationship as a deep-rooted Arab partnership during celebrations for King Mohammed VI’s accession anniversary.

University Culture Spotlight: Kuwait University says cultural and artistic activities are key to student life, with a dedicated department running theater, poetry, fine arts, exhibitions, innovation and even cybersecurity-themed events across its 16 colleges. Sports Inspiration: India’s Asmita Dey made Commonwealth Games history by winning judo women’s 48kg gold in Glasgow, beating Canada’s Heidi Quach in a Golden Score after overcoming the loss of her father, a bicycle mechanic, last year. Kuwait Sports Roundup: In Gulf U18 basketball qualifiers, Kuwait finished fifth in the standings, while Bahrain and Qatar booked spots for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup. Media & Entertainment Buzz: The Paramount–Warner Bros. antitrust fight is back in focus as Paramount Skydance pushes for a November 2026 trial date while states want April 2027. Regional Headlines (for context): Iran threatens retaliation over alleged strikes, with fresh claims involving Kuwait’s Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base and warnings about targeting energy infrastructure.

Kuwait Security Update: Iran claims it struck the U.S.-run Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait, targeting jet shelters, satellite systems and depots, as the U.S. and Kuwait have yet to confirm details and the wider Iran–U.S. standoff keeps pulling in regional hotspots. Gulf Maritime Defense: Saudi Arabia unveiled a multinational naval alliance to protect Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb shipping, with Kuwait named among founding members, as escort requests rise amid Houthi disruptions. Media & Entertainment: Netflix’s action hit “Agent Kim Reactivated” is surging globally and has climbed to No. 4 on South Korea’s chart, reaching No. 1 in Kuwait and several nearby countries. Sports (Local Interest): Oman’s U18 campaign ended with a 99-74 loss to Saudi Arabia in Doha, while Kuwait finished fifth in the Gulf qualifiers; Bahrain topped the standings and both Bahrain and Qatar booked spots for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup. Travel Disruption: Etihad cancelled some flights involving Bahrain and suspended routes between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait due to operational reasons.