AGP Executive Report

Tunisia–China Education Talks: Education Minister Noureddine Nouri met Chinese Ambassador Wan Li to boost Tunisian-Chinese cooperation, with a focus on expanding Chinese language teaching in secondary schools, strengthening Arabic instruction, and using AI to improve teaching and learning quality. Family & Screens: Tunisia’s Ministry of Family, Women, Children and the Elderly urged parents and childcare providers to limit children’s screen time, prioritize play, dialogue, physical and artistic activities, and set clear device rules for healthier development. Art & Culture in Motion: The Three Cultures Foundation kicks off its autumn programme with Monia’s Quartet Arab Flamenco Project, led by Tunisian-born flamenco singer Monia Abdelali, blending Arabic modes, Mediterranean music and flamenco on 23 September. Global Tech for Africa: TICON Africa’s 4th conference in Zambia (23–25 Sept) will tackle AI rollout, digital governance, cybersecurity and talent pipelines under the theme “Africa Rising.” Sports Spotlight: Ghana’s Black Spikers beat Kenya 3-0 in Tunis to advance in the Africa Nations Volleyball Championship, while Nigeria booked a quarter-final ticket after a five-set win over Algeria. Arts Market Buzz: Saatchi Art named its 2026 Rising Stars cohort of 30 emerging artists.

Art & Culture: The Monia’s Quartet Arab Flamenco Project kicks off the Three Cultures Foundation’s autumn programme with a Mediterranean fusion concert on Sept. 23, led by Tunisian-born flamenco singer Monia Abdelali. Contemporary Art Spotlight: Saatchi Art names its 2026 Rising Stars, spotlighting 30 emerging artists across mediums, as the platform doubles down on art as a “living collection.” Local Arts Scene: A critic’s guide highlights fresh fall gallery picks in San Francisco, including Nexus SF/Bay Area Black Art Week (Sept. 30–Oct. 4). Tunisia in the Spotlight: Tunisian journalist Zied el-Heni faces new terrorism charges, with rights groups calling for his release and dropping of cases. Music & Identity: A new wave of queer cinema fall guides leans into stories of identity, love, family, and survival. Sports (Tunisia-hosted): At the Africa Nations Volleyball Championship in Tunis, Ghana beat Kenya 3-0 to advance, while Nigeria sealed a quarter-final ticket after a five-set win over Algeria. Environment & Community: QNB Group launches Marine Life Awareness Month to cut plastic pollution through beach clean-ups and education across coastal markets. Gold & Craft: In Sfax, jewelry artisans discuss shifting gold prices and the long-awaited “Master’s Hallmark” examination.

Art & Auctions: Christie’s is set to hold its first fine-art auction in Abu Dhabi on November 1, with “MAWASIM: 20 Years of Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art” featuring 70+ works from across MENA, including artists linked to Tunisia and the region. Culture & Film: A fall queer film guide is out, spotlighting titles that tackle identity, love, family, aging, and darker mysteries—perfect for movie nights as Halloween creeps closer. Local Arts & Music: Tunisian artist Latifa praised the UAE’s cultural and developmental progress, saying her artistic breakthrough began in Abu Dhabi and urging other Arab countries to follow the model. Sports (Tunisia in focus): Tunisia’s summer of discontent made headlines again as rolling blackouts and water shortages hit daily life hard. Media Freedom: Tunisian journalist Zied el-Heni faces new terrorism charges, with rights groups calling for his immediate release and an end to escalating cases. Entertainment & Society: Tunisia’s family ministry urged parents to cut children’s screen time and push more play, dialogue, physical activity, and artistic activities.

Tunisia Media Rights: Imprisoned journalist Zied el-Heni faces new terrorism charges, with the Committee to Protect Journalists calling it a dangerous escalation and urging Tunisia to drop the case and release him. Tunisia Arts & Culture: Tunisian artist Latifa praised the UAE’s cultural and developmental progress, saying her career breakthrough began in Abu Dhabi and urging other Arab countries to follow the UAE’s “renaissance” model. Tunisia Economy & Craft: In Sfax’s gold market, jewelry artisans are calling for the long-delayed “Master’s Hallmark” examination, citing years of waiting and ongoing price swings tied to gold supply. Entertainment & Tech: Apple expands iCloud+ into a bigger bundle in 100+ countries by adding Apple TV and Apple Arcade (with Apple Music Select in some markets), while Tunisia readers may want to watch which regions are included. Sports (Regional): Nigeria opened the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship with a 3-0 win over Chad in Tunis, setting up a key next match against Algeria. Music (Africa): Davido, Tems and Phyno led Nigerian wins at the 2026 AFRIMMA Awards in Dallas.

Volleyball Spotlight: Nigeria kicked off the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship in Tunisia with a 3-0 win over Chad, cruising 25-17, 25-17, 25-6 and setting up a key next match against Algeria as they chase Olympic qualification. Screen & Society: German drama series “Blindspot Berlin” returns to the 2016 Christmas market attack, spotlighting institutional failures tied to Tunisian attacker Anis Amri. Art Market Buzz: Christie’s is set for its first Abu Dhabi fine-art auction on Nov. 1, featuring 70+ works from across MENA and marking 20 years since the UAE’s inaugural sale. Music & Awards: Nigeria dominated the 2026 AFRIMMA Awards in Dallas, with Davido winning Album of the Year for “5ive,” Tems and Phyno also taking major prizes. Tunisia in the Spotlight: Tunisian artist Latifa praised UAE progress at the Arab Media Summit, urging other Arab nations to follow its renaissance model. Tech for Creators: Apple expands iCloud+ into a bigger bundle in 100+ countries, adding Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no extra charge. Sports Health Watch: An Arab Media Award-winning investigation in Al Bayan flags steroids and unsafe sports supplements as a “silent danger” to youth.

Tunisia in the spotlight: Tunisian artist Latifa praised the UAE’s cultural tolerance and development during the Arab Media Summit, crediting Abu Dhabi as a key early breakthrough for her career. Streaming & gaming: Apple expanded iCloud+ in 100+ countries by bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade (plus Apple Music Select stations) at no extra charge, with Tunisia included in the rollout list. Media & culture in Tunisia: The Arab States Broadcasting Union will host the 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival in Tunisia (Sept 21–24), with Nassif Zeytoun and Rahma Riad headlining the opening at Carthage and a closing premiere at the City of Culture. Sports medicine across the region: The fifth Arab Military Seminar on Sports Medicine convened in Doha with Tunisia among participating delegations. Palestinian education crisis: ALECSO and Tunis-based events highlighted the collapse of schooling in Gaza, with Palestinian officials warning that most schools and universities are out of reach. Travel drama: Turkish Airlines passengers reported terrifying turbulence and a sudden drop during a storm landing at Tunis-Carthage. Tech & mobility: A new analysis focuses on safer school-zone traffic management as the academic year ramps up.

Arab Media & TV: The Arab Radio and Television Festival returns to Tunisia (Sept 21–24) with the Carthage Amphitheatre opening show starring Nassif Zeytoun and Rahma Riad, plus honours for major Arab media figures and a closing-night premiere at the City of Culture in Tunis. Aviation & Travel Safety: Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul–Tunis flight hit severe storm turbulence during landing attempts, with viral passenger videos showing panic and a diversion to Enfidha-Hammamet. Sports Medicine in the Region: Doha hosted the 5th Arab Military Seminar on Sports Medicine with delegations from 16 Arab countries including Tunisia, focusing on fitness, readiness, and cooperation. Tunisia–Canada Links: Canada announced an expanded air transport agreement with Tunisia, boosting weekly passenger-combination flights and adding all-cargo rights. Film & Culture Clash: Venice’s Gaza documentary “NAZA” won a Special Jury Prize, but Israeli officials responded by calling for citizenship revocation for its directors—fueling fresh controversy around the film’s impact. Music Event in Carthage: Lebanese pop star Yara’s Carthage Off debut was postponed due to storms, with tickets staying valid for Sept 14. Sports (Tunisia-linked): Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien is mentioned in CAF Confederation Cup context as Shooting Stars’ exit came despite a reported $100,000 reward.

Detention Watch: Tunisia’s investigating judge extended the detention of the “Sumud 4” flotilla activists by four more months, keeping Wael Naouar, Ghassen Henchiri, Ghassen Boughdiri and Nabil Chennoufi behind bars on money-laundering charges; Naouar is reported in critical condition after a hunger strike. Aviation & Travel: Canada announced an expanded air transport agreement with Tunisia, adding up to seven weekly passenger-combination flights per side and unlimited weekly all-cargo flights. Arab Media Spotlight: The Arab Radio and Television Festival returns to Tunisia (Sept 21-24) with Nassif Zeytoun and Rahma Riad headlining the Carthage opening ceremony. Music & Culture: Yara’s “Carthage Off” debut at the Ancient Theatre of Carthage was postponed to Sept 14 due to severe storms, with tickets still valid. Sports Medicine: The fifth Arab Military Seminar on Sports Medicine took place in Doha with Tunisia among participating delegations. Film & Politics: Israel’s culture minister threatened to revoke citizenship of Venice prize-winning Gaza documentary “NAZA” directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, sparking fresh international film-world backlash. Air Safety Buzz: Viral reports described frightening turbulence on a Turkish Airlines flight approaching Tunis, with passengers screaming as landings were aborted and the plane diverted.

Music & Culture: Tunisian organizers rescheduled Lebanese pop star Yara’s Carthage debut at the Ancient Theatre of Carthage to Sept. 14 after severe storms forced a postponement; tickets stay valid, with the show part of the “Carthage Off” festival lineup featuring Haifa Wehbe, Nancy Ajram, and Cairokee. Film & Awards: Palestinian-focused documentary NAZA won the Venice Film Festival 2026 Special Jury Prize, with Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania praising its brave documentation; meanwhile May el-Toukhy’s Woman Unknown took the Golden Lion. Local Music Loss: Tunisian musician Mohamed Garfi died at 78; the Ministry of Cultural Affairs highlighted his decades of experimentation, orchestral work, and contributions to theatre, cinema, and TV. Sports (Tunisia on the continent): CS Sfaxien advanced in the CAF Confederation Cup after beating Shooting Stars 2-0 in the second leg; in CAF Champions League, Rivers United crashed out after a 2-2 draw on away goals. Entertainment on the ground: The Casablanca-Settat Amazigh Theatre Festival returns Sept. 30–Oct. 4, with troupes from Morocco, UAE, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, and Tunisia. Viral Travel Horror (Tunisia route): Turkish Airlines flights to Tunis faced terrifying storm turbulence during landing attempts, with passengers screaming as the aircraft reportedly “started to plummet,” and one report says the flight diverted to Enfidha-Hammamet. Sports (Handball): National Elite Handball Championship Round 2 results saw Espérance, Club Africain, and Etoile du Sahel lead early standings.

Tunisia Sports: Shooting Stars are out of the CAF Confederation Cup after a 2-0 second-leg loss to CS Sfaxien, with Sfaxien overturning the tie 2-1 on aggregate. Tunisia Football & Talent: Rangers’ Old Firm demolition of Celtic (3-0) puts Tunisian winger Sebastian Tounekti under fresh scrutiny, as debate grows over his impact since joining the Scottish champions. Tunisia Arts & Culture: Tunisian musician Mohamed Garfi has died at 78; the Ministry of Cultural Affairs praised his experimental career spanning orchestras, theatre, cinema and TV. Venice Film Festival: Kaouther Ben Hania’s Gaza documentary work continues to resonate as Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor’s NAZA wins the Venice Special Jury Prize, while May el-Toukhy’s Woman Unknown takes the Golden Lion. Music & Live Shows: Lebanese pop star Nancy Ajram returns to Tunisia’s Roman Amphitheatre of Carthage after a year away, with a Carthage concert and a Dubai date also on the calendar. Tourism: Tunisia launches a National Tourist Caravan Programme from Khoms, spotlighting Leptis Magna and cultural heritage to boost regional travel. Human Interest: Rights groups warn that at least 23 prisoners have died in Tunisia in recent weeks due to extreme heat, citing overcrowding and poor detention conditions. International Buzz: Angelina Jolie says she’s ready for a new, more nomadic chapter now that all six kids are adults.

Venice Film Festival Buzz: Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania praised the Gaza documentary “NAZA” after it won the Special Jury Prize at Venice, while May el-Toukhy’s “Woman Unknown” took the Golden Lion and Mathilde Arcel won Best Actress. Tunisia Arts & Culture: The Casablanca Amazigh Theatre Festival announced highlights for its 8th edition, with Tunisian participation among international acts. Music in Tunisia: Lebanese pop star Nancy Ajram is set to return to Tunisia’s Roman Amphitheatre of Carthage after a year-long break, with a concert date in mid-September. Sports (Handball): Round 2 results in Tunisia’s National Elite Handball Championship saw Espérance beat Hammamet and Club Africain top El Menzah, with provisional standings tightening at the top. Human Rights (Local): Rights groups say at least 23 prisoners have died in Tunisia in recent weeks due to extreme heat, as NGOs warn of overcrowding and poor detention conditions.

Venice Film Festival 2026: Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania sat on the Golden Lion jury as May El-Toukhy’s Woman Unknown won Best Film, with NAZA taking a Special Jury Prize and multiple acting awards also landing in the spotlight. Tunisia Music: Lebanese pop icon Nancy Ajram returns to Tunisia for a Carthage Roman Amphitheatre show after a year away, with more regional dates lined up. Tunisia Arts & Culture: Mahdia-Rejiche indie duo Suversa and Nana announced Tape 101 for Steam on Sept 18, turning the Kübler-Ross grief stages into eerie, navigable architecture in a liminal horror experience. Local Entertainment & Community: Aiken’s Makin’ wrapped its 50th anniversary arts-and-crafts run, drawing big crowds and boosting downtown businesses—an upbeat reminder of how festivals keep local culture and commerce moving. Sports (Tunisia-linked): Celtic’s struggles keep featuring Tunisian winger Sebastian Tounekti in coverage, while Tunisian coach Fathi Labidi’s East Riffa notched a dramatic win in Bahrain. Human angle: Rights groups warn Tunisia prison deaths are rising amid extreme heat, adding pressure to an already tense detention situation.

Human Rights Alarm: NGOs say at least 23 prisoners in Tunisia have died in recent weeks from the heatwave, citing overcrowded cells, poor ventilation, and limited access to water, while authorities have not yet released official figures. Press Freedom Under Pressure: RSF is calling for the release of Tunisian investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi, jailed after a water-crisis programme, with claims he was targeted through a social media smear campaign. Music Spotlight: Lebanese pop icon Nancy Ajram returns to Tunisia’s Roman Amphitheatre of Carthage for a concert after a year away, with more regional dates lined up. Tunisia in the Spotlight: Tunisian-French progressive metal band Myrath drops a new single, “Shape Of My Heart,” ahead of a UK/EU tour. Film & Culture: The Gaza documentary “NAZA” from Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor set a Venice Film Festival record with a 24.5-minute standing ovation, adding fresh international attention to the debate around Gaza. Local Creative Scene: Indie Tunisian developers Suversa and Nana announce “Tape 101” for Steam on Sept 18, turning grief stages into eerie architectural spaces. Sports Note: East Riffa in Bahrain secured a dramatic stoppage-time win, with Tunisian coach Fathi Labidi’s side twice clawing back from a two-goal deficit.

Tunisia Media Crackdown: RSF says investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi was arrested on 4 September outside Express FM in Tunis while preparing to discuss the water crisis, with his case tied to a Facebook smear campaign and charges including “illicit enrichment” and money-laundering allegations; his detention was extended before he was brought before a financial judicial division. Music Spotlight: Tunisian-French progressive metal band Myrath drops a new single, “Shape Of My Heart,” a bold rework of Sting ahead of a UK/EU tour. Film & Culture: Gaza documentary “NAZA,” by No Other Land directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, scored a record 24.5-minute standing ovation at Venice, with the film examining alleged systems behind civilian deaths in Gaza. Local Arts & Design: Indie Tunisian developers Suversa and Nana announce liminal horror game “Tape 101” for Steam on 18 September, turning grief stages into navigable architectural spaces. Faith & Coexistence in Tunis: La Goulette revives the Marian procession, inviting Christians, Jews, and Muslims to celebrate peaceful coexistence amid wider regional tensions.

Tunisia in the spotlight: The Marian procession in La Goulette is back, with Christians, Jews and Muslims joining in a public show of peaceful coexistence as the country faces wider crackdowns. Venice Film Festival buzz: “NAZA,” the Gaza-focused documentary by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor (with Jonathan Glazer among producers), stunned audiences with a record 24.5-minute standing ovation, featuring interviews with Israeli military intelligence personnel. Music & culture: Tunisian star Latifa teased a new surprise tied to her successful album “Shibhi Bil-Milli,” promising fresh sounds with engineer Amir Mahrous. Local media pressure: Tunisia’s journalists’ unions and the NUJ renewed calls for the immediate release of journalist Mohamed El Yousfi, arrested after social media posts and questioned over his work. Arts industry investment: FIPA-Tunisia and the Tunisia Investment Authority visited Mediwood Studios in Hammamet, pointing to nearly $5 million expected for a Saudi historical series production push. Sports-to-entertainment: Volleyball’s Wafalme Stars squad includes Felix Ogembo, whose Tunisia tournament call-up highlights a growing African beach and indoor talent pipeline.

Tunisia Film & Investment: FIPA-Tunisia and the Tunisia Investment Authority say nearly $5 million is expected to flow into Mediwood Studios in Hammamet over the next three months for a Saudi historical series, with talks focused on turning foreign productions into lasting local opportunities for logistics, construction, accommodation and technical services. Music Spotlight: Tunisian star Latifa teased a “wonderful surprise” tied to her hit album “Shibhi Bil-Milli,” promising new techniques and featuring sound engineer Amir Mahrous. Fashion & Pop Culture: Angelina Jolie says she wants to live “out of the States” and be “a bit nomadic,” while also insisting her six children are “definitely individuals” and she’s proud not to get in their way. Global Screen Buzz (Venice): Gaza doc “NAZA” from Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor reportedly drew a record 24.5-minute standing ovation at Venice. Media Freedom in Tunisia: The NUJ joined international calls for the immediate release of journalist Mohamed El Yousfi, arrested after Facebook posts and linked to independent outlet Al-Qatiba. Entertainment Tech/AI Summit: Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy opened Tunisia’s AI Summit, urging responsible tech, governance and closing digital divides. Local Arts/Community: Tunisia’s coastline development plan from Bizerte to Djerba also includes major coastal works like Bizerte’s Corniche beach redevelopment—an arts-adjacent boost for public spaces.