Arabesque (1966)

Oxford hieroglyphics professor David Pollock finds his academic life upended when he's thrust into a dangerous game of international intrigue. Recruited to decipher a coded plot targeting a powerful Middle Eastern figure, Pollock must navigate a treacherous landscape of ancient secrets and modern betrayals. His path crosses with the enigmatic Beshraavi, a man shrouded in mystery, and the alluring Yasmin Azir, Beshraavi's lover. Yasmin offers assistance, but Pollock is left questioning her true allegiances in a world where trust is a luxury he cannot afford. The fate of nations may hinge on his ability to discern truth from deception.