AGP Executive Report

TV & Film: Tunisian actress Hend Sabry is set to star in the drama series “Darba Hora” (“Free Kick”), a 15-episode project by Yahya Ismail and Mohamed Nayer, originally planned for Ramadan 2027 before moving to the off-season. Music: France-based Tunisian artist Azadi turns Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” into a glam-rock single, “Sarsour,” blending French and Arabic lyrics with a hypnotic, alienation-driven sound. Sports (Tunisia): At the Diamond League in Lausanne, Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani took third in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, while Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi set a new meet record. Sports (Tunisia football): Cologne re-signed Tunisia midfielder Ellyes Skhiri from Bundesliga rival Eintracht Frankfurt, keeping him until June 2028. Human stories: Search and rescue continues after migrant boats sank off Tunisia, with reports ranging from 13 to 14 missing and at least one rescue so far. Public life: Protests in Tunis demand President Kais Saied’s departure amid water and electricity cuts, medicine shortages, and rising prices. Gaming/TV: Winamax launches “The Last Table,” a poker-and-adventure TV format hosted by Moundir, with filming planned in Tunisia.

TV & Film: Tunisian star Hend Sabry is set to return to the drama marathon with “Darba Hora” (“Free Kick”), a 15-episode series produced by United Studios and directed by Yahya Ismail, with filming planned after a Ramadan 2027 slot was pushed back. Sports (Tunisia): Marwa Bouzayani helped put Tunisia on the Diamond League map in Lausanne, finishing third in the women’s 3000m steeplechase behind Winfred Yavi’s meet-record run. Sports (Football): Ellyes Skhiri is back in the Bundesliga after Cologne re-signed the Tunisia midfielder from Eintracht Frankfurt on a deal running to June 2028. Sports (Basketball): Nigeria’s D’Tigers unveiled their 12-man roster for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers window, with NSC boss Bukola Olopade urging unity and discipline. Sports (Volleyball): Tunisia will host the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship, and Nigeria named 22 players for the camp ahead of the tournament. Sports (Swimming): Mahdia officially kicked off construction of a new municipal swimming pool, a TND 11.7m project aimed at expanding local access to the sport. Human Stories: Tragedy at sea continues to hit the Mediterranean route, with reports of migrants missing after boats sank off Tunisia’s coast.

Migration Tragedy: At least 13 Tunisians are missing after a migrant boat sank off Tunisia while heading toward Italy; two survivors were rescued, one in critical condition, as rights groups warn the Mediterranean crossing remains deadly despite tighter controls. Protest Wave: Extreme heat has pushed Tunisia’s water and electricity shortages to a breaking point, sparking major rallies in Tunis led by the new Nafas movement calling for President Kais Saied to step down and for medicine supplies, freedoms, and basic services to improve. TV & Entertainment: Tunisian star Hend Sabry has signed to lead the drama series “Darba Hora” (“Free Kick”), a 15-episode project slated for the off-season after being postponed from Ramadan 2027. Sports (Tunisia): Cologne have re-signed Tunisia midfielder Ellyes Skhiri from Eintracht Frankfurt on a deal running to June 2028. Sports (Athletics): Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani took third in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Diamond League Lausanne, behind meet-record winner Winfred Yavi. Sports (Tunisia in the spotlight): Mahdia has kicked off construction of a new municipal swimming pool, part of a wider push to expand sports infrastructure. Poker TV: Winamax is launching “The Last Table,” a Tunisia-set televised poker adventure hosted by Moundir, with qualifiers selecting two players for an eight-day shoot and a €50,000 prize.

TV & Film: Tunisian star Hend Sabry is set to return to the drama marathon with “Darba Hora” (“Free Kick”), a 15-episode series produced by United Studios and directed by Yahya Ismail, after her last small-screen appearance in “Manaa.” Sports (Tunisia-linked): Tunisia hosts key basketball action as the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers second round kicks off in Radès, with Nigeria drawn alongside Cameroon, South Sudan, Guinea, Tunisia and Cape Verde. Arts & Culture: Gabès’ United Artists Company of Gabès brought “The Resurrection of Shakespeare” to the Miroirs des Arts Summer Festival in Kalâa Kebira, turning the stage into a symbolic courtroom where characters rebel against their creator. Local Culture & Lifestyle: Riyadh’s JAX cultural district welcomes Lift, a hybrid gallery/café/co-working space designed to support emerging regional talent across visual arts, design, film, photography and fashion. Sports Infrastructure (Mahdia): Mahdia launched construction of a new municipal swimming pool, a TND 11.7m project with sports and training pools plus spectator stands.

Protest Wave in Tunis: Hundreds hit the streets in Tunis calling for President Kais Saied to step down, as extreme heat worsens power rationing and drinking-water shortages; the Nafas movement says medicine shortages, rising costs and restrictions on freedoms are pushing people to the edge. Ceuta Migration Fallout: Human Rights Watch urges Spain to urgently shelter migrants and asylum seekers left unsheltered after the Morocco–Ceuta crossings, warning of a “legal vacuum” marked by lack of food, sanitation and safety. Tunisia Sports & Transfers: Ellyes Skhiri moves closer to a Bundesliga reunion, with reports linking him to Cologne after agreeing terms with Eintracht Frankfurt. Athletissima Spotlight: Winfred Yavi leads a Bahrain trio at the 51st Athletissima in Lausanne, with Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani among the key steeplechase challengers. Culture & Theatre: Gabès’ United Artists Company of Gabès brings “The Resurrection of Shakespeare” to the Miroirs des Arts Summer Festival in Kalâa Kebira, turning the stage into a rebellion against the author. Local Arts & Heritage: A feature looks at how African film festivals keep cultural conversations alive worldwide, with Tunisia’s Carthage Film Festival highlighted.

Tunisia Protest Watch: A new opposition collective, Nafas, is set to rally in Tunis over extreme heat that’s left many people short of water and electricity, with STEG rationing and power cuts hitting water pumping and daily life. Basketball (Tunisia on the court): Nigeria’s D’Tigers kick off the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers second round in Radès, Tunisia, with a strengthened squad led by NBA guard Josh Okogie, facing Cameroon, South Sudan, Tunisia and Cape Verde in the window. Football Transfers: Tunisian midfielder Ellyes Skhiri is reportedly set to reunite with Bundesliga side Cologne after agreeing terms with Eintracht Frankfurt, with a deal worth €1m plus add-ons. Arts & Culture: Gabès’ United Artists Company of Gabès brought “The Resurrection of Shakespeare” to the Miroirs des Arts Summer Festival in Kalâa Kebira, turning the stage into a courtroom-style rebellion against the author. Local Economy (Gold): Sfax gold market traders say demand is steady after recent global price swings, with 9-carat and 18-carat gold quoted in dinars per gram as shoppers shift toward back-to-school spending. Film & Media: A book spotlighting African film festivals highlights how events worldwide keep African cultural conversations alive.

Art & Memory: Algerian-born artist Rachid Koraïchi is drawing fresh attention for his Jardin d’Afrique in Zarzis, a cemetery he built to give dignified burials to Mediterranean migrants who drown—turning grief into a lasting cultural landmark. Sports (Tunisia): Olympique de Béja has unveiled its new technical staff under head coach Nassif Beyaoui, with the team set to open the season by traveling to Zarzis to face Espérance Sportive de Zarzis. Football (Tunisia-linked): Josh Okogie will lead a strengthened Nigeria D’Tigers squad in Tunisia for FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers, bringing NBA experience into the campaign. Local Culture: Sfax gold market remains steady week-to-week as global prices dip slightly; artisans say demand may soften with back-to-school spending. International Film Spotlight: The Arab Film Festival in South Korea includes Tunisian titles and features screenings tied to “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” while Israel announces criminal probes into the case. Tech for Students: Google is offering one free year of AI Pro/AI Plus to eligible college students, alongside expanded study tools for the new semester.

Tunisia Arts & Culture: Tunisian abstract ceramics keep turning heads with intricate patterns and vibrant color, as modern designers remix hand-painted traditions with fresh shapes and glazes. Local Economy: In Sfax, gold market leader Wajih Mesfar says demand is steady despite global price swings, with 9-carat gold around 130–140 TND per gram and 18-carat ranging roughly 290–310 TND, though back-to-school spending may cool purchases soon. Film & Human Stories: Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania’s “The Voice of Hind Rajab” is tied to a new Israeli military probe into the deaths of Hind Rajab and 15 aid workers in Gaza, spotlighting the real phone calls that fueled the film. Sports (Regional): Morocco’s U20 men and U17 women squads depart for Taranto for the Mediterranean Games, with Tunisia in the men’s U20 group and Spain/Portugal in the women’s U17 group. Volleyball (Qatar): Qatar opens the FIVB U17 World Championship in Doha against Venezuela, with Tunisia set to play on Aug. 23. Diplomacy via Media: China-Africa audiovisual cooperation is set to deepen people-to-people ties ahead of the 7th Media Cooperation Forum.

Volleyball Spotlight: Qatar officially confirms it’s ready for the FIVB U17 World Championship in Doha, opening Group A against Venezuela today, with France on Aug. 21 and Tunisia on Aug. 23 at Aspire Zone’s Women’s Sports Hall. Regional Culture & Dialogue: Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby initiative wrapped up a three-city “BilAraby in…” tour across Damascus, Amman and Djerba, drawing nearly 1,000 attendees and featuring Tunisian, Syrian and Jordanian voices on youth, art and heritage. Tunisia Tourism Buzz: UNESCO’s World Heritage listing for Sidi Bou Said is already boosting international interest, with local artisans and merchants hoping for stronger sales and fresh investment. Travel Deals (UK): New KAYAK data says UK holidaymakers can find shoulder-season fares up to 52% cheaper this September/October, with Tunisia among the biggest drop-offs. Heritage in the Spotlight: The Frick’s 2026–27 concert season blends museum art with live classical music, including pop-up garden performances—another reminder of how culture events keep drawing audiences.

UNESCO Tourism Boost: Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said is drawing more international visitors after its late-July UNESCO World Heritage listing, with local artisans and merchants hoping the surge brings fresh sales and investment. Volleyball Spotlight (Qatar): Qatar’s organizing committee says preparations are fully wrapped for the FIVB U17 World Championship in Doha, with matches set for Aspire Zone and Al Arabi Sports Club and Tunisia listed among Pool A teams. Film & Culture: German director Nikias Chryssos talks about his Locarno-premiered horror-comedy “Bloody Tennis,” including his fascination with tennis and reclusive settings. Art & Fashion/Beauty: Miss Arab World contestant Muna Almohamad shares her take on beauty as self-confidence and presence, while Morocco’s passport news notes 82 visa-free destinations. Tunisia Watch: Algeria’s beverage producers deny exporting mineral water to Tunisia amid local shortages blamed on heat-driven demand and rising bottle-plastic costs. Sports (Tunisia-linked): Tunisia’s youth volleyball and wider regional handball camps keep fans watching as tournaments and qualifiers ramp up.

UNESCO Boost for Tunisia’s Arts Tourism: Sidi Bou Said is seeing a fresh wave of international visitors after its late-July UNESCO World Heritage listing, with locals hoping the spotlight will translate into higher sales for artisans and renewed preservation efforts. Creative Industries & AI in the Region: Abu Dhabi’s Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries is spotlighting Arabic IP value, Arabic-language AI tools, and new financing models for creators, with Egyptian singer-songwriter Hamza Namira set to perform. Tunisia on Stage in Global Culture: The China National Peking Opera Company brought “Havoc in the Heavenly Kingdom” to Carthage during the 60th festival, delighting Tunisian audiences with classic roles and drum-led spectacle. TV Drama Casting News: Egyptian actress Sawsan Badr has joined the Ramadan 2026 series “Rehla Taher El Masry,” starring alongside Khaled El Nabawy and featuring Tunisian actress Aïcha Ben Ahmed in a special appearance. Sports Spotlight (Tunisia in the mix): Tunisia is drawn in Pool A for Qatar’s FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship, running Aug. 19–29 in Doha. Assumption Celebrations in La Goulette: The Madonna of Trapani procession in “Little Sicily” continues to draw mixed communities in Tunis, blending Catholic ritual with Tunisia-Italy cultural heritage.

Volleyball Spotlight: Qatar is in the final stretch to host the FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship in Doha (Aug 19–29), with Tunisia drawn in Pool A alongside France and Venezuela. Tunisia in the Sports Mix: Tunisia’s Houda Afifen is set as second assistant for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, while VAR duties go to Dorsaf Ganouati—another big moment for Tunisian officiating. Arts & Culture: Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said is seeing a tourism surge after its UNESCO World Heritage listing, with locals hoping the spotlight brings both economic lift and stronger preservation. TV Casting: Egyptian actress Sawsan Badr has joined the Ramadan 2026 series “Rehla Taher El Masry,” starring Khaled El Nabawy and featuring Tunisian actress Aïcha Ben Ahmed in a special appearance. Public Art: Lowell Arts’ “Muralocity” campaign is rolling out five new murals, including one celebrating Lowell’s industrial history. Music & Community: Cairo’s independent music scene is struggling as public spaces for collective performances shrink under pressure, even as artists keep finding ways to gather.

UNESCO Boost for Tunisia’s Heritage: Sidi Bou Said is drawing a surge of international visitors after its late-July UNESCO World Heritage listing, with locals hoping the spotlight brings tourism money while also raising the stakes for preservation. Culture on Stage in Tunis: The China National Peking Opera Company brought “Havoc in the Heavenly Kingdom” to the ancient theatre of Carthage during the Carthage International Festival, turning the night into a big applause moment for Tunisian fans. Assumption Celebrations in La Goulette: In “Little Sicily,” the Madonna of Trapani procession and Mass at Saints Augustine and Fidel highlighted Tunisia’s Italian roots and the theme of human dignity. Tunisia in Regional Sports Spotlight: Tunisia’s Houda Afifen is set as second assistant in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final officiating team, with VAR handled by Tunisia’s Dorsaf Ganouati. Digital Transformation Watch: A restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed Tunisia’s digital transformation push across public services and investment procedures, aiming to cut corruption and narrow regional gaps. Tech & Entertainment Buzz: A new novel, “Carbon Zero,” imagines a worst-case AI scenario, adding fuel to the ongoing debate about how far the technology could go. Arts & Film Around the World: Locarno Film Festival’s Pardo d’Oro went to Florin Șerban’s “You Don’t Belong Here.”

Tunisia in the spotlight: Tunisia’s Houda Afifen and Dorsaf Ganouati are set for major roles in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco, with Ganouati handling VAR as Egypt’s Shahenda El Maghraby takes charge—an historic first for an Egyptian and Arab woman at WAfCON’s showpiece. Digital public life: A restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed Tunisia’s digital transformation push across administration and services, stressing transparency, anti-corruption, and “smart administration” goals. Sports drama: Olympic champion Ahmed Hafnaoui has withdrawn from the Mediterranean Games in Taranto after a meeting cited “lack of mental and physical readiness,” reigniting debate with the Tunisian Swimming Federation. Arts & culture: La Goulette’s “Little Sicily” community marked the Assumption with a Madonna of Trapani procession and Mass, including a stop at a Claudia Cardinale mural—culture and faith in one public celebration. Film buzz: Locarno Film Festival’s Pardo d’Oro went to Florin Șerban’s “You Don’t Belong Here,” while Monica Bellucci won Best Performance for “Ketticè.”

Digital Transformation Watch: Tunisia’s Cabinet reviewed progress on digital transformation projects across administration, economy and society, stressing smarter public services, transparency, anti-corruption and measurable performance indicators. Faith & Culture: In La Goulette, the Assumption Mass and the Madonna of Trapani procession drew the community together, with “human dignity” at the heart of the message. Film & Festivals: Locarno Film Festival crowned Florin Șerban’s drama “You Don’t Belong Here” with the Pardo d’Oro, alongside major acting and directing wins including Monica Bellucci. Sports Spotlight: Tunisia’s Ahmed Hafnaoui is listed among top names in the European 1500m freestyle build-up, while European Championships coverage also highlights record-breaking swims by Johannes Liebmann and Zalan Sarkany. Local Football Update: Club Athlétique Bizertin denied rumours of exclusion from Ligue 1, confirming it will play the 2026-27 season and opening at home to Avenir Sportif de La Marsa. Music & Pop Culture: Multinational girl group MEPC returned with the single album “PROTECTORS,” continuing its sci-fi storyline with a new “seekers to guardians” theme.

European Swimming Championships: Johannes Liebmann of Germany stunned the men’s 1500m freestyle with a new world record 14:26.79 in Paris, while Zalan Sarkany took silver with a Hungarian national record 14:39.45. Star Wars News: George Lucas has revealed he cut a Star Wars scene involving the Jawas that fans say would’ve changed the franchise’s vibe. Tunisia Sports & Federation Drama: Olympic champion Ahmed Hafnaoui has withdrawn from the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, citing “lack of mental and physical readiness,” as the Tunisian Swimming Federation points to missed coordination and alleged negligence. Local Football: Club Athlétique Bizertin denies rumours of exclusion from Tunisian Ligue 1 and confirms its season opener at home on Aug. 23. Arts & Culture: The China National Peking Opera Company performed at the ancient theatre of Carthage during the 60th Carthage Festival. Film Awards: Locarno Film Festival winners include Florin Șerban’s “You Don’t Belong Here,” with Monica Bellucci among the prize recipients. Global Entertainment: Switzerland selected Gaza documentary “Who is Still Alive” for the Oscars’ international feature race.