AGP Executive Report

Kuwait Travel Disruptions: Etihad cancelled flights EY653/EY654 between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait for operational reasons, while Air Arabia cancelled several Sharjah routes to Kuwait and Bahrain; EASA also extended a safety advisory for airlines over the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and parts of the Gulf of Oman until Aug 31. Regional Sports Buzz: Bahrain is set to host the second Arab Youth Volleyball Championship (Aug 9–16) with Kuwait among six teams; meanwhile in FIBA U18 Gulf qualifiers in Doha, Qatar thrashed Kuwait 81–53, handing Kuwait a third straight defeat. Business & Community: Kuwait temporarily suspended new freelance business (single-owner) license applications while it reviews rules; Al-Tumooh Sports Club honored volunteer doctors supporting Special Olympics’ Healthy Athletes Program. Entertainment & Streaming: OSN+ will become the exclusive Middle East streaming home for Kuwaiti-created superhero series THE 99, debuting Season Two and remastering Season One in 4K. Retail in the Gulf: Swiss sportswear brand On opened its first UAE store in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates, with plans for more GCC locations.

Sports (U18 Basketball): Kuwait’s U18 team took a tough hit in the GCC Zone qualifiers, suffering a third straight defeat as Qatar beat them 81-53 in Doha, after earlier losses to Oman (62-59) and Bahrain (106-51). Local Business (Freelance Licenses): Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry temporarily paused issuing new single-owner “freelance business” licenses while it reviews and updates the rules; existing license holders are not affected. Community & Health (Special Olympics): Al-Tumooh Sports Club honored volunteer doctors behind its Healthy Athletes Program, spotlighting foot, eye, physical therapy, and ENT services for athletes. Entertainment (Streaming): OSN+ will become the exclusive Middle East streaming home for Kuwaiti creator Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa’s superhero series THE 99, with remastered Season One and new Season Two launching for subscribers. Arts & Culture (Charity Art): Iraqi artist Dia Azzawi donated a major work to an online charity auction, “Hold Beirut,” supporting displaced families in Lebanon. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s foreign ministry condemned drone attacks targeting Jordan and reaffirmed solidarity with Amman.

FIBA U18 Gulf Qualifiers: Qatar kept rolling with an 81-53 win over Kuwait at Al Gharafa Sports Hall, moving level at the top with Bahrain and putting them closer to one of the two qualifying spots for the Asian Championship in Ahmedabad. Local Sports: Kuwait’s U18 campaign has been tough so far, with Bahrain also hammering Kuwait 106-51 in the Gulf Basketball Association U18 event in Doha. Streaming & Kids TV: OSN+ will become the exclusive Middle East streaming home for Kuwaiti-created superhero series THE 99, with remastered 4K Season One and new Season Two launching across OSN+’s 22-country footprint. Live Music (UAE): Gulf pop legends Miami Band are bringing Miami Show Dubai to Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday 29 August 2026, with audience participation and classic hits in the mix. Kuwait in Sports Abroad: 16-year-old Kuwaiti driver Jaber AlSabah made history by winning a British Formula 4 race at Thruxton, the first Kuwaiti to take the checkered flag in F4. Health & Medicine: Adan Hospital in Kuwait says it has treated a rare congenital bile duct condition using advanced therapeutic endoscopy, highlighting growing local specialist capability.

FIBA U18 Gulf Qualifiers: Qatar kept momentum in the race for the FIBA U18 Asian Championship spots, beating Kuwait 81–53 at Al Gharafa Sports Hall after earlier edging Saudi Arabia 80–76; Qatar led early (20–14, 26–13 in Q2, 25–14 in Q3) with Abdullah Yassin top-scoring on 21, while Kuwait’s Ali Al Hindal had 11. Sports (qualifiers): Bahrain also crushed Kuwait 106–51 in Doha, while Oman opened with a comeback win over Kuwait 62–59, setting up a tight five-team round-robin for direct qualification to Ahmedabad. Sustainability in youth sports: Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority and Public Authority for Youth and Sports signed a memorandum to build the country’s first national system to measure and improve environmental performance across youth and sports clubs, with annual sustainability reporting and a national database of indicators. Medical breakthrough: Adan Hospital treated a woman in her 40s with a rare congenital bile duct obstruction, using advanced therapeutic endoscopy; the patient recovered fully and was discharged. Defense cooperation: Kuwait ratified a broad defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan (Decree-Law No. 73/2026), covering training, intelligence sharing, logistics, defense tech, research, and even cultural and sports activities. Arts & charity: Iraqi artist Dia Azzawi donated a major work to an online charity auction “Hold Beirut” supporting displaced families in Lebanon via the Lebanese Red Cross and Beit El Baraka.

Kuwait-Pakistan Defense Deal: Kuwait has ratified a five-year, wide-ranging defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan, signed in June 2023, covering military training and education, intelligence sharing, logistics, defense technology, research, and even cultural and sports activities, with a joint military committee overseeing implementation. Sports Spotlight (U18 Basketball): In Doha’s FIBA U18 Gulf Qualifiers, Qatar kicked off with an 80-76 win over Saudi Arabia, while Bahrain crushed Kuwait 106-51 to stay unbeaten after two games. Local Health Win: Adan Hospital treated a woman in her 40s with a rare congenital bile duct obstruction, using advanced therapeutic endoscopy, and she made a full recovery. Regional Tensions: Iran says it continues exchanging messages with the US but insists talks can’t happen under current conditions, accusing Washington of undermining diplomacy through military actions.

Kuwait–Pakistan Defense Deal: Kuwait ratified a wide-ranging defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan (Decree-Law No. 73/2026), covering training, education, intelligence sharing, logistics, tech and research, plus a joint committee to oversee exercises and visits. Medical Spotlight: Adan Hospital treated a woman in her 40s with a rare congenital bile duct obstruction, restoring normal liver function and discharging her fully recovered. Basketball (U18 Gulf Qualifiers): Qatar opened strong in Doha with an 80-76 win over Saudi Arabia, while Oman edged Kuwait 62-59 and Bahrain beat Saudi 62-54—setting up a tight race for direct qualification spots. Sports Recognition: Kuwait’s Olympic Committee praised Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah for honoring outstanding athletes, while sports officials also lauded leadership efforts in Kuwaiti sport. Regional Tensions: Commentary and reports continue to swirl around Iran–US escalation, including claims tied to attacks affecting civilian infrastructure and the wider Gulf security picture.

Gulf Shipping Update: Qatar has fully resumed maritime navigation for all vessel types after a two-week suspension tied to Strait of Hormuz security worries, urging everyone to follow maritime rules. Regional Sports Buzz: In Doha’s FIBA U18 Asia Cup Gulf Qualifiers, Oman stunned Kuwait 62-59 with a big second-half comeback, while Bahrain beat Saudi Arabia 62-54 to start strong; the tournament runs until July 30 with Kuwait and Oman next in the spotlight. Kuwait Sports Recognition: Kuwait’s Olympic Committee VP Sheikh Mubarak praised the Prime Minister’s support for an athletes’ honor ceremony, while sports media coordinator Manawer Al-Mutairi lauded PA Sports chief Bashar Abdullah’s role in pushing progress. Fitness Trend in Kuwait: Wearables like Apple Watch, Garmin and smart rings are booming in local gyms and universities, with WHOOP drawing extra debate over its subscription pricing. Entertainment/Media: Paramount Skydance agreed to postpone its Warner Bros. Discovery merger until after legal fights, keeping the deal in limbo for now.

FIBA U18 Gulf Qualifiers: Oman and Bahrain kicked off their campaigns in Doha with wins, as Oman rallied from an 11-point halftime deficit to beat Kuwait 62-59, while Bahrain edged Saudi Arabia 62-54—setting up a tight round-robin for the two India-bound spots. Sports Recognition in Kuwait: Sheikh Mubarak praised the Prime Minister’s support for a ceremony honoring top Kuwaiti athletes, highlighting continued leadership backing for sports. Sports Media & Leadership: Manawer Al-Mutairi lauded Acting Public Authority for Sports chief Bashar Abdullah, calling for his appointment as Director General after the merger. Volleyball Season Plans: Yarmouk Club retained coach Khaled Al-Mutairi for the new season, with preparations focused on fitness and squad strengthening ahead of the First Division League. Fitness Tech in Kuwait: A local report tracks how wearable fitness gear is booming among Kuwait’s youth, with debate over subscription-based devices like WHOOP. Regional Tensions: Iran and the U.S. traded claims of attacks across the region, while experts questioned whether escalation can force concessions. Entertainment & Media: Paramount Skydance agreed to delay its Warner Bros. Discovery merger until after an antitrust trial, keeping the deal in legal limbo. Arts & Culture: A roundup looked at why famous films get banned worldwide, from politics to religious outrage.

Kuwait Citizenship Shock: Kuwait has reportedly stripped citizenship from up to 300,000 people over two years, leaving prominent cultural figures stateless, including novelist Talib al-Rifai and composer duo Youssef and Abdul Muhsin al-Muhanna. Regional Arts & Nostalgia: Bahrain hosted Tarek Alarabi Tourgane at the Summer Toy Festival, reviving childhood theme songs from classics like Captain Majid and Remi for packed, multi-generation audiences. Gulf Sports Buzz: Bahrain kick off the Gulf Basketball Association (GBA) U18 Championship in Doha against Saudi tonight, with Kuwait set to play Bahrain tomorrow as the tournament also serves as a qualifier for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup. Entertainment Business: Paramount Skydance agreed to postpone its Warner Bros. Discovery merger until after an antitrust trial, keeping the $110bn deal in legal limbo. Middle East Tensions (Kuwait-linked): Iran says it carried out retaliatory drone strikes targeting US assets in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, while Trump weighs further escalation even as talks are said to continue.

Kuwait Citizenship Shock: Kuwait has stripped citizenship from up to 300,000 people over two years, including major cultural figures like novelist Talib al-Rifai, historian Hisham al-Awadi, and the composer duo Youssef and Abdul Muhsin al-Muhanna, as authorities call it a “correction” tied to a 1959 nationality framework. Regional Security & Kuwait: Iran says it carried out drone strikes targeting U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait in retaliation for U.S. strikes, with claims including hits on Camp Udairi, Camp Doha, Camp Arifjan, and Ali Al Salem Air Base—while Kuwait and others report interceptions and sirens. Oil, Shipping, and Tension: The Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea routes remain under pressure as Trump weighs a “massive attack” on Iran, oil spikes above $100 before easing, and the UN urges rescue for thousands of stranded mariners. Sports (Kuwait in the mix): Gulf FIBA U-18 qualifiers kick off in Qatar with Kuwait among the teams chasing three spots for the Asian finals in India. Fashion/Wellness: On opens its first UAE retail store, expanding further across the Gulf after earlier Kuwait and Riyadh openings.

Kuwait Sports Spotlight: HH the Prime Minister honored 771 Kuwaiti athletes at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, praising the push to back national talent and boost sports across 39 federations, clubs and committees. Regional Basketball: Bahrain’s Under-18 team jetted to Doha for the Gulf Basketball Association U18 Championship (July 25–30), with Kuwait among the five-team field and the event also acting as a qualifier for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in India. Football at the Asian Games: Kuwait landed in a tough Group B for the 20th Asian Games men’s football, alongside Bahrain, South Korea, Iran and Kazakhstan, as preparations continue in Kuwait. Handball Draw: Kuwait’s handball campaign faces a major test after being placed in a challenging Asian Games setup, while Bahrain were drawn in a tough group for the same event. Community & Youth: Kuwait’s Education Ministry says summer school clubs are exceeding expectations, with enrollments hitting 100–250 students and new AI-related activities added for the next phase. Sports Club Watch: Al-Salmiya coach Ali Ashour says the team aims to chase all domestic honours, with pre-season camps and new signings lined up. Aviation & Adventure: A Guinness record-holder in aerial sports is inspiring more Kuwaitis into skydiving and paragliding, highlighting the growth of aviation sports locally. Middle East Tension (Local Angle): Reports claim US Army command facilities in Kuwait were targeted by “resistance factions,” as the wider Iran conflict keeps spilling into the region.

Kuwait Sports Spotlight: HH the Prime Minister honored 771 Kuwaiti athletes at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, praising their achievements and reaffirming support for young talent. Football & Clubs: Al-Salmiya coach Ali Ashour says the club is targeting every domestic honour as pre-season ramps up, with new signings and training camps underway. Handball & Asian Games: Kuwait landed in a tough Group B at the 20th Asian Games, while the Kuwait youth handball team faces a key quarter-final showdown for World Youth Championship qualification. Sports Media: Kuwait University hosted a workshop on professionalism in university sports media, featuring a lecture by Kuwait FA’s Dr. Sattam Al-Sahli and a sports photography exhibition. Community & Lifestyle: Education Ministry summer clubs are exceeding expectations, with enrollment surging and new AI-related offerings planned. Aerial Sports Inspiration: Brig Gen (Ret) Fahad Al-Yaqoub, a Guinness record-holder in aerial sports, continues to inspire skydiving and paragliding in Kuwait. Regional Tensions: Iran-US escalation and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are driving oil prices above $100, with Kuwait reporting drone and missile intercepts.

Sports Media Deal: beIN Media Group and the French Tennis Federation extended their exclusive Roland-Garros broadcasting partnership across MENA and Asia for 2027–2031, keeping beIN SPORTS and OTT coverage in 34 territories. Basketball Qualifiers: Kuwait will face Oman in the FIBA U18 Asian Championship Gulf qualifiers in Doha (Al Gharafa Sports Hall) from July 25–30, with Kuwait also set to play Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar in a single round-robin for three qualifying spots. Kuwait Football Youth: The Aura U-20 League wrapped up in Kuwait with officials from the Kuwait Football Association and Alshaya Group praising the push for youth talent and club development. Handball & Volleyball Focus: Kuwait’s Burgan handball club drew a tough Group B at the IHF Men’s Handball Club World Championship (Egypt 2026), while Kuwait’s volleyball team finished fourth at the West Asia Men’s Volleyball Championship in Muscat. Gulf Identity Campaign: GCCJPPI launched “Our Gulf Flourishes,” a musical production aimed at strengthening shared Gulf identity for families and children. Regional Tensions: Iran-US escalation kept headlines hot as Kuwait reported intercepting hostile drones/missiles and Iran-backed Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.

Gulf Arts & Media: Kuwait’s GCC Joint Program Production Foundation chief Sheikh Mubarak Fahad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah announced “Our Gulf Flourishes,” a new musical campaign aimed at Gulf families and kids, using modern production tech and Gulf creative talent to push shared identity, unity and resilience. Kuwait Sports — Volleyball: Kuwait finished fourth at the 2nd West Asia Men’s Volleyball Championship in Muscat after a 3-1 loss to Iraq; Kuwait’s federation president Dr. Jaber Al-Merri called it a useful tune-up ahead of the Arab Championship in Jordan. Kuwait Sports — Handball: Kuwait’s Burgan drew a tough Group B at the IHF Men’s Handball Club World Championship (Egypt 2026), facing Al Ahly and Füchse Berlin. Kuwait Sports — Junior Handball: Kuwait starts the Asian Junior Handball Championship main round in Suzhou, needing a big result as it faces unbeaten Saudi Arabia for World Junior qualification. Kuwait Football Youth: The Aura U-20 League’s inaugural season wrapped up at Alshaya Tower, spotlighting youth development and private-sports partnership. Regional Security: Iran and the US traded fresh strikes as Trump warned he’s “not finished,” with air-defense activity reported around Tehran and US security alerts issued for Americans in Jordan.

Middle East Tensions: The US carried out fresh strikes on Iran for an 11th straight night after Trump said he’s “not finished,” while Iran broadened attacks across the Gulf, including claims of hits on Kuwait and Bahrain. Kuwait Under Pressure: Kuwait said Iranian strikes targeted power and desalination plants for a fourth consecutive day, sparking fires and forcing repairs as the country relies on desalination for most drinking water. Diplomacy Still Alive: Despite Trump downplaying talks, top US diplomat Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s openness to negotiations, while Pakistan pushed to salvage the collapsed interim deal after Iran’s interior minister met mediators in Islamabad. Travel Safety: The US State Department issued a “worldwide caution” alert for Americans, warning of possible escalation, flight disruptions, and airspace closures. Sports (Kuwait): Kuwait’s national volleyball team finished fourth at the West Asian Championship, and Kuwait is set to face Oman in volleyball semifinals. Entertainment & Lifestyle: NBK marked “247 Day” with discounts and a limited screening of Spider-Man: Brand New Day for cardholders, while streaming picks highlighted new Netflix and Hulu releases.

Kuwait–Sports: Kuwait’s men’s volleyball team finished fourth at the West Asian Championship in Muscat, losing 3-1 to Iraq in the bronze match after earlier wins over Syria and a semifinal defeat to Oman. Kuwait–Security: Iran’s strikes on Kuwait escalated again, with Kuwait saying power and desalination plants were hit for a fourth consecutive day, sparking fires and forcing repairs—while Kuwait’s air defences intercepted incoming missiles and drones. Regional–War Update: The US carried out its 10th straight night of strikes on Iran, as Iran’s IRGC and army claimed attacks on US-linked sites across Bahrain and Kuwait, keeping the Strait of Hormuz tensions front and center. Diplomacy–Pakistan: Iran’s interior minister met Pakistani mediators in Islamabad as both sides sought a way to cool the renewed fighting, even as attacks continued. Entertainment–Style: Egyptian star Yasmin Abdel Aziz turned heads during her film promotion with a “quiet elegance” look, including a navy suit with bold white buttons and silver accents. Banking–Lifestyle: NBK announced 247 Day offers for NBK 247 Cashback Visa Platinum Prepaid Card holders, including big discounts on Talabat and Xcite plus a limited Cinescape screening of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”