Author: Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock is a seasoned media professional and content strategist with a passion for storytelling across digital platforms. As a contributor to Abu Dhabi Week, Sam brings a sharp editorial eye and a deep appreciation for the culture, innovation, and lifestyle that define the UAE capital. With over a decade of experience in journalism and public relations, he covers everything from local events and business trends to travel, dining, and community highlights. When he's not writing, Sam is exploring the hidden gems of Abu Dhabi, always on the lookout for the next story worth sharing.
As Dubai enters the festive period, Riva Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah invites guests to celebrate by the sea. Offering golden beaches, calm waters and an effortlessly chic atmosphere, Riva is unveiling a curated calendar of experiences, including weekly gatherings, Christmas dining and a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration. Early bird pricing is available until 10 November 2025 for those looking to secure their spot with added value. Christmas Day Brunch – Celebrate in True Riva Style Gather your loved ones for a spectacular Christmas feast that blends beachside charm with festive cheer. Indulge in an unlimited buffet of holiday…
Phoenix Group PLC (PHX: ADX), an IHC-backed leader in digital asset computing infrastructure, has confirmed the activation of its hydropower-supported 30MW mining operation at Ethiopia’s Bole Lemi Industrial Park, developed in partnership with Ethiopian Electric Power. The milestone reflects Phoenix Group’s expansion into markets rich in renewable energy and supports its trajectory toward scaling to a full 1GW of compute capacity. The initiative also highlights the UAE’s continued commitment to fostering innovative and sustainable global technology projects. Carried out under the patronage of Abu Dhabi leadership, the collaboration merges Ethiopia’s hydropower capabilities with Phoenix Group’s operational and deployment expertise in…
Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy is set on finally claiming the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title as the tournament marks its 20th edition this week, targeting the Falcon Trophy to complete his impressive record in the UAE. The Northern Irishman has enjoyed remarkable success across the region, with seven of his 20 DP World Tour titles secured in the Emirates. His victories include four Hero Dubai Desert Classic trophies and three DP World Tour Championship wins since first competing in the UAE in 2006. Yet despite contending regularly in Abu Dhabi, including four runner-up finishes, McIlroy has yet to…
KSA, November 4, 2025 – The Saudi Film Commission (SFC), one of the 11 cultural sector commissions overseen by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, has introduced a next-generation virtual production soundstage at JAX Film Studios in Riyadh. The film-ready virtual production volume has been custom-designed by Pixomondo and utilises Sony’s latest VERONA Crystal LED panel technology, marking a major step forward in the Kingdom’s production infrastructure. The stage features: The wider JAX Film Studios complex provides a fully integrated filming environment, including two 1,500-square-metre soundstages, executive lounge facilities, a professional-grade screening theatre, and comprehensive office and preparation spaces for film…
Microsoft and G42 are set to enhance the UAE’s digital infrastructure with a 200-megawatt (MW) boost in datacenter capacity. Building on Microsoft’s $15.2 billion UAE investment commitment, the company is expanding its strategic collaboration with G42 to accelerate the UAE’s digital transformation. Both organisations confirmed a 200MW datacenter expansion to be delivered via Khazna Data Centers, a subsidiary of G42. The first stages of this expanded capacity are expected to come online by the end of 2026, representing a notable step in strengthening the nation’s technology landscape. The initiative is driven by a mutual focus on secure and responsible innovation.…
Hitit and Pegasus Airlines have reached a significant milestone in the advancement of airline retailing. Using Hitit Oxygen—acknowledged as the world’s leading live Modern Airline Retailing platform—Pegasus can now offer a diverse range of travel products both through its direct digital channels and across international third-party distribution networks. This represents a major enhancement for customer experience and reinforces both companies’ leadership in aviation’s digital transformation. Hitit, recognised among the top three global technology suppliers for the airline and travel industries, has partnered with Pegasus Airlines, one of Türkiye’s most progressive carriers in adopting new technologies. Together, they are presenting a…
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has revealed plans for the inaugural Digital Heritage Forum, a global gathering designed to advance cultural preservation through innovative digital technologies. Scheduled to take place from 3 to 5 November at the Cultural Foundation, the closed event will assemble 250 regional and international participants, featuring 132 expert speakers and representatives from 128 leading institutions worldwide. The Forum will welcome cultural authorities, technology pioneers and key voices in the field of heritage documentation. By providing a shared platform for practitioners across areas such as digital humanities, heritage conservation and…
Ten years after winning consecutive jiu-jitsu world titles in the UAE capital, the Brazilian-American returned on October 25 to secure her first UFC championship and make history in the region. For Mackenzie Dern, Abu Dhabi has always been more than just another competition venue. It is where her name first began to resonate across the global jiu-jitsu community. Now, a decade later, it has also become the place where she reached the pinnacle of her MMA career. Competing in the co-main event of UFC 321, Dern faced fellow Brazilian Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight title. After five hard-fought rounds,…
Portfolio Growth Extends into Ras Al Khaimah and Europe The First Group Hospitality has confirmed multiple new hotel management deals signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World, highlighting its ongoing advancement as a major player in the regional hotel management landscape. A signing ceremony on the summit’s first day included the unveiling of rebranding plans for three major Dubai properties, now joining Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio and Autograph Collection. The hotels are The First Collection Marina, Dubai, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; The First Collection Waterfront, Dubai, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; and Hotel Local Dubai, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Autograph Collection.…
The second edition of Manar Abu Dhabi, part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has launched in Al Ain for the first time, opening to the public on 1 November 2025. Centred on the theme “The Light Compass” and curated by Khai Hori (Artistic Director), Alia Zaal Lootah (Curator), Munira Al Sayegh (Curator), and Mariam Alshehhi (Assistant Curator), this edition showcases light-based artworks by six Emirati and international artists. The installations illuminate Al Jimi and Al Qattara oases, which are part of Al Ain’s cultural…