Author: 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.

Hyundai Motor Company has revealed the first teaser images of its forthcoming IONIQ 6 N, the marque’s next high-performance electric vehicle, ahead of its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Following the success of the IONIQ 5 N, which has earned critical acclaim and motorsport victories since its 2023 launch, the IONIQ 6 N is expected to raise the bar for electric performance sedans. The new model promises to embody Hyundai N’s signature pillars: Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sports Car. The teaser images suggest a sleek, aggressively styled four-door sedan, complete with flared fenders, lightweight wheels,…

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The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is on course for a tourism surge, with international and domestic travel spending expected to reach a combined US$6.8 trillion by 2029, according to new research by Euromonitor International. Outbound travel from the region is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%, with intra-regional travel set to comprise 61% of all trips by the end of 2025. By 2029, nearly one-third of all APAC-originating trips are predicted to be intercontinental, as 75% of bookings move online. The projections were a key topic during a high-impact panel at Arabian Travel Market (ATM)…

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Mastercard has announced a strategic collaboration with enza, a payment solutions provider, to expand access to embedded payment technologies for fintech companies across Africa. The partnership aims to accelerate digital innovation and financial inclusion across the continent by giving fintech innovators easier access to Mastercard’s global payment network. The collaboration comes amid a sharp rise in fintech activity on the continent. According to the European Investment Bank, the number of fintech companies in Africa has nearly tripled since 2020, driven by a growing demand for inclusive financial services and alternatives to traditional, costly banking models. Through this partnership, fintechs operating…

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Seventy-five percent of new analytics content will be contextualised for intelligent applications through generative AI (GenAI) by 2027, according to a new forecast from Gartner, Inc. The firm predicts a transformation in how businesses consume and act on data, with AI playing a central role in enabling dynamic, perceptive and autonomous decisions. “We’re moving from an era where analytic tools help business people make decisions, to a future where GenAI-powered analytics becomes perceptive and adaptive,” said Georgia O’Callaghan, Director, Analyst at Gartner. “This will enable composable connections between insights and actions, with the potential to transform enterprise and consumer software,…

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The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global biopharma company Sanofi at the BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston, USA, to accelerate vaccine research and development while strengthening local manufacturing capabilities. The agreement was signed by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the DoH, and Baptiste de Clarens, General Manager Greater Gulf, Vaccines at Sanofi. It was witnessed by H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the DoH, and Laurie Gery, Global Head of Business Development, Vaccines at Sanofi. The partnership aimed to leverage…

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Emirates and Uber have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance travel experiences through digital integration and loyalty benefits, in a bid to provide more seamless and connected journeys for passengers across the Emirates global network. The agreement was inked by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Anabel Diaz Calderon, Vice President and Head of EMEA Mobility at Uber, marking the start of a wide-ranging collaboration. The partnership aims to deliver several travel-focused solutions including an integrated booking experience, where Emirates customers can combine Uber ride vouchers with flight bookings, streamlining airport transfers and…

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Airbus Defence and Space has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cluster 2, a key operator of 22 international and domestic airports in Saudi Arabia, to deliver next-generation digital solutions aimed at improving airport operations, efficiency, and security. The agreement was formalised during the Paris Air Show, in a ceremony attended by H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), alongside Wouter Van Wersch, EVP of Airbus International, and Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in the Middle East and Africa. Representing Cluster 2, Mr. Saad A. Alajlan, General Manager of Commercial Operations and Business Development,…

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The first-ever Dubai Open Table Tennis Academies Championship (DOTTA) concluded at the ISD courts in Dubai Sports City, with UAE’s Mayed Nawaf Al Kaabi emerging as a standout talent, clinching the Under-12 title in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Organised by the Dubai Sports Council, in cooperation with the UAE Table Tennis Federation and operating partner ISD Dubai, the tournament marked a promising addition to the emirate’s grassroots sporting calendar. The event is part of Dubai’s broader initiative to identify and nurture young sporting talent across various disciplines. The championship, held at the ISD Table Tennis courts, attracted a full…

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Azizi Developments, a prominent private UAE developer, has announced a strategic partnership with Thomsun Industries, a local leader in construction support services. The collaboration will bolster site operations across Azizi’s major developments in Dubai South, Al Furjan, Dubai Healthcare City, and Dubai Sports City—notably including its landmark project, Azizi Venice. The agreement positions Thomsun Industries to deliver a full spectrum of site support services, reinforcing Azizi’s rapid construction momentum and project delivery capabilities. Thomsun, known for operational reliability across the UAE’s built environment sector, is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless workflow and efficient on-ground execution. Farhad…

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Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, one of Dubai’s most centrally located hotels, is inviting guests to enjoy a refined summer escape with a limited-time seasonal offer that blends modern comfort, convenience, and exceptional value. Perfectly positioned on Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel places travellers within minutes of iconic attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Museum of the Future. Whether visiting for business, leisure, or a local staycation, the property offers a smart base for making the most of the city. The hotel’s Business Suites and One-Bedroom Apartments provide expansive city views and a harmonious…

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