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.
In the wake of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Australia and the United Arab Emirates coming into effect in October, CEPA Connect: Bridging Business between the UAE and Australia welcomed policymakers and leading industry figures to assess the agreement’s role in reinforcing economic ties. The gathering, co-hosted by the Australia UAE Business Council alongside Aspen Medical, GHD Global and Aurora The Agency, offered a detailed overview of CEPA’s broad agenda, covering trade liberalisation, innovation, sustainability and educational exchange while removing most tariffs and trade barriers. During his keynote speech, His Excellency Ridwaan Jadwat described CEPA as a breakthrough…
CRUSH AGENCY has announced the debut of ICONS. by CRUSH, a new global Talent & Audience division that strengthens its international footprint. Since launching in Paris in 2009, the agency has established itself as a leader in luxury experiential production, delivering high-profile projects such as the TIME100 Impact Awards in Dubai, Bvlgari Le Gemme Sahare in Riyadh, and the regional launch of Mercedes-Maybach. With a permanent base in the Middle East since 2015, this newest division marks a pivotal step in the agency’s continued expansion. ICONS. by CRUSH emerges from over a decade of high-impact collaborations that have shaped the…
Riyadh will host the Development Finance Conference “MOMENTUM” from 9 to 11 December 2025 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center. The event, organised by the National Development Fund (NDF), will be held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the NDF. This year’s edition carries the theme “Leading Development Transformation.” H.E. Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, Vice Chairman of the NDF Board of Directors, extended his thanks to His Royal Highness for supporting the conference. He noted that the event symbolises the Kingdom’s continuing transformation efforts and…
The 13th Saudi Trade Finance Summit wrapped up in Riyadh after two days of high-level conversation, collaboration, and market-focused dialogue. Bringing together senior representatives from major banks, corporates, government authorities, fintech firms, and technology companies, the summit highlighted the Kingdom’s continued commitment to scalable financial ecosystems, industrial development, and innovation-led progress. The programme commenced with a keynote from Dr. Said Alshaikh, who assessed Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape heading into 2026 and shared approaches for building resilience in the face of global uncertainty. Eng. Majid Al Rafae addressed how strategic finance continues to shape industrial and energy-sector growth, while Afzal Hussain…
RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, the Public Investment Fund-owned master developer and a Foundation Partner of Cityscape Global 2025, has signed six major Memorandums of Understanding with partners from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and the United States. These agreements support international collaboration and further momentum for the flagship King Salman Gate development in Makkah. The MoUs reflect the company’s dedication to engaging the global Muslim community in shaping the next chapter of Makkah’s growth. By embracing investment and cooperation from a diverse collection of countries, RUA AlHaram AlMakki Co. aims to deliver inclusive and globally connected destinations that serve pilgrims,…
Presight has kicked off its Eureka 2.0 R&D programme, announcing that employees from across the business submitted 87 AI and data innovation proposals, reflecting strong internal momentum for idea generation. The Eureka 2.0 initiative is part of Presight’s ‘Future Ready Employees’ framework, which aims to accelerate the development of AI-powered tools by tapping into the creativity and technical capability of its workforce. Through a structured process of evaluation, investment, and scaling, the programme promotes a vibrant internal innovation culture. Dr. Adel Al Sharji, Chief Operating Officer of Presight, commented: “I share my congratulations to the initial shortlist of the Eureka…
The 10th SPNS Conference has drawn 600 paediatric neurology professionals from local, regional, and international institutions to Riyadh for a comprehensive exchange of scientific expertise and clinical best practice. The event aims to support the advancement of paediatric neurological care through knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and evidence-based application. In keeping with the goals of Vision 2030, the conference serves as a catalyst for innovation and health-sector development, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional leader in medical research and technological integration in healthcare. Prof. Fahad Bashiri, Professor and Consultant Pediatric Neurologist at the College of Medicine and King Saud University…
Cariva, the forward-thinking multi-brand pre-owned vehicle retailer supported by A.A Al Moosa Enterprises, has officially launched its state-of-the-art showroom on Damascus Street in Dubai. The new facility promises a more transparent, reliable and seamless route for customers purchasing used cars. Spread across 30,000 square feet, the centre features a carefully selected line-up of more than 100 vehicles spanning various makes and models. Its opening aligns with the surge in demand for trustworthy, tech-driven buying experiences in the UAE’s fast-growing pre-owned car market. The UAE’s used car sector, valued at US$20 billion in 2022, is projected to expand to US$48 billion…
Presight, a globally recognised AI and data analytics company, has formalised a new Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi Aviation Group of Companies (ADA Group), the UAE’s largest commercial helicopter operator and aviation services provider. The agreement aims to fast-track the nation’s transition toward AI-enabled aviation and Industry 4.0 capabilities. Through the MoU, both parties will work together to embed artificial intelligence, advanced analytical tools and sovereign data systems across ADA Group’s aviation and industrial portfolio. The collaboration is designed to enhance operational efficiency, reinforce fleet reliability and support national strategies focused on technological independence within critical industries. A key…
A programme of cultural breakfasts, patriotic décor and grand cake-cutting ceremonies brings the spirit of the Union to life across all three properties. In honour of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, Central Hotels & Resorts, one of the country’s leading homegrown hospitality groups, is set to celebrate the momentous occasion with an array of engaging cultural experiences across Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, Royal Central Hotel The Palm and C Central Resort The Palm. The Group’s celebrations reflect deep national pride, warm Emirati hospitality and a commitment to sharing the country’s cultural heritage with guests. Guided by the 2025…