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.
Canon has officially launched the RF 75-300mm F4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens, adding a versatile and lightweight option to its expanding RF lens lineup. Designed for the EOS R System, the new lens is aimed at entry-level users looking to explore wildlife, sports, and action photography with more creative flexibility. With a flexible 75-300mm focal length range, this full-frame lens delivers strong reach for photographing distant subjects without physically getting close — a crucial benefit for shooting wildlife or capturing fast-moving sports scenes from the sidelines. When paired with an APS-C camera such as the Canon EOS R100, the lens provides…
OMODA&JAECOO, one of the world’s fastest-growing smart mobility brands, has launched a striking new campaign at Dubai International Airport (DXB), signaling its ambitious expansion in the Middle East and solidifying its connection with global travelers. As part of its rapid international growth — with presence in 41 global markets and over 540,000 units sold in just two years — the brand has taken over premium advertising space at DXB, one of the busiest and most luxurious airports in the world. From digital screens to high-visibility banners, the brand now dominates key touchpoints, aiming to capture the attention of business travelers,…
Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” has secured five prestigious awards in 2025 from three leading global financial institutions — EMEA Finance, Euromoney, and MEED — highlighting the firm’s consistent institutional excellence and innovative investment strategies. The accolades span a wide range of financial services, recognising Markaz’s strong performance in asset management, investment banking, advisory, and real estate. This year’s wins mark another milestone in the company’s long-standing reputation as a regional financial leader with more than five decades of industry experience. At the EMEA Finance Middle East Banking Awards 2025, held earlier this year in Dubai, Markaz was awarded Best Asset…
Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) has announced the launch of its latest savings campaign — the Millionaire Draw — beginning 1 July 2025. The initiative is part of the bank’s strategy to promote a culture of saving while rewarding customers with major cash and luxury prizes worth up to AED 20 million. Aimed at encouraging sustainable financial habits, the campaign will be open to all savings account holders, including children and students. Customers will automatically enter the draw for every AED 10,000 maintained daily in their savings accounts throughout the month. The campaign includes a series of monthly and seasonal prize…
The Dubai Sports Council has announced the winners of the fifth edition of the Dubai Schools Games, the emirate’s largest inter-school sporting event. GEMS Modern Academy emerged as the dominant force, securing first place in both the primary and secondary school divisions. Held under the patronage of the Dubai Sports Council and operationally managed by ESM, the 2024–2025 edition saw record participation, with over 84,000 students from 165 public and private schools across Dubai competing in 22 sports over nine months. The closing ceremony, attended by top dignitaries including H.E. Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council,…
Mastercard has unveiled two new sonic anthems tailored for African audiences, marking a bold expansion of its global sonic brand in a region where music is a powerful cultural currency. The anthems, “Wami” in the Afrobeat genre and “Amazwe” in Amapiano, feature Nigerian pop star Mayorkun and South African icon Sho Madjozi, respectively. The initiative highlights Mastercard’s strategic focus on embedding its identity within popular culture, particularly among the continent’s young, music-savvy population. The songs were officially released this week and will be accompanied by music videos and a TikTok dance challenge. The move is part of Mastercard’s broader ambition…
Markets opened the week on a cautious note as geopolitical tensions and oil supply concerns weighed on investor sentiment. Volatility surged across asset classes, with bitcoin falling below $100,000, equity futures sliding, and gold climbing as investors rushed into safe-haven assets. The heightened risk environment follows rising fears of retaliation in sensitive regions, particularly around oil infrastructure and maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for global oil supply. Analysts warn that any disruption could severely impact oil flows, rattling energy markets and broader investor confidence. Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro, noted that this…
For families looking to combine everyday comfort with exceptional peace of mind, two new SUVs from General Motors are standing out in 2025. The GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse have each earned the coveted Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)—a mark of excellence in vehicle protection and reliability. These awards, announced in March and April respectively, reflect GM’s long-standing emphasis on designing vehicles that prioritise safety as much as style, comfort, and functionality. Whether it’s school runs, road trips, or daily commutes, these vehicles are tailored to meet the demands of modern family life…
Visa, the global digital payments giant, has announced a major expansion of its stablecoin initiatives across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA), alongside a new strategic partnership with African fintech firm Yellow Card. The move signals Visa’s deepening commitment to blockchain-based payment infrastructure and its belief in stablecoins as a critical tool for the future of global money movement. The latest developments aim to accelerate Visa’s stablecoin settlement capabilities in the CEMEA region, bringing enhanced speed, security, and liquidity management to cross-border transactions. In particular, Visa is enabling selected issuers and acquirers in the region to…
Telecom provider Ooredoo has joined in celebrations marking the 2025 Philippine Independence Day in Oman, taking centre stage as the official telecommunications sponsor for the event. The occasion, which drew hundreds from the Filipino community and beyond, was held last week in Muscat and served as a vibrant display of national pride and cultural heritage. The annual event, commemorating the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spain in 1898, has become a key date on Oman’s multicultural calendar. This year’s edition included traditional music and dance performances, Filipino cuisine, and a colourful showcase of heritage, underscoring the strong presence of the…