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.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced an open call for public nominations for the Urban Treasures 2026 awards, celebrating the emirate’s long-standing cultural and commercial institutions. The initiative, now in its fifth year, recognises establishments that have played a lasting role in shaping Abu Dhabi’s heritage and community life. Members of the public can submit nominations until 30 November for businesses that have been operating in the emirate for 20 years or more. These may include cafés, restaurants, bakeries, sweet shops, textile outlets, tailors, perfumeries, jewellers, pharmacies, and photography studios. After a…
Presight, a global leader in artificial intelligence and big data analytics, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai-based ALPHA X, a pioneering research and consultancy firm specialising in digital transformation technologies and advanced data infrastructure. The agreement was formalised during a ceremony attended by Dr. Adel Al Sharji, Chief Operating Officer of Presight, and Waleed Al Aryan, Managing Director of ALPHA X. The new partnership outlines a framework to advance global digital transformation by pooling technical expertise, skilled talent, and resources. The collaboration will see both firms work together to build a next-generation AI data centre and innovation…
CIPS MENA–EcoVadis roundtable identifies regulation, CFO alignment, and supplier partnerships as central to sustainable progress Procurement leaders from across the UAE are embracing a new era of responsible sourcing, moving decisively beyond traditional sustainability initiatives to embed ethical and environmental principles throughout supply chains. The theme took centre stage at a recent Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Roundtable hosted by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) MENA in partnership with EcoVadis. Held in Dubai, the roundtable brought together senior procurement leaders from prominent organisations to discuss how the UAE is setting new standards for sustainable procurement. The country’s evolving…
Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), operating under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has revealed a new strategic alliance with Forbes Middle East to co-host the Future Growth Nexus Summit in March 2026. The summit will act as a global convening point for leaders across government, enterprise, and investment, as they engage in dialogue around the shifting dynamics of global trade. The partnership was formalised through an agreement signed by Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone, and Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, with senior representatives from both entities in attendance. Representing a landmark…
Championing innovation, ethical transformation, and regional talent development through collaborative AI leadership TRACCS, the region’s leading independent communications consultancy, has partnered with Ainigma, a London-based boutique AI advisory, to promote human-centred innovation and accelerate Generative AI (GenAI) adoption across the Middle East. This collaboration seeks to redefine how organisations harness AI to enhance creativity, efficiency, and growth responsibly. The partnership, announced during Athar – Saudi Festival of Creativity, merges TRACCS’ established communications acumen with Ainigma’s expertise in ethical and strategic AI deployment. Their joint mission is to help organisations unlock new opportunities, elevate performance, and shape a future-ready digital landscape…
Nestled in Dubai’s vibrant city centre, PAUSE SPA Château Berger at Paramount Hotel Midtown — an award-winning sanctuary of wellness — welcomes guests to enjoy two exclusive weekly promotions crafted to refresh and harmonise both body and mind. Each offer has been thoughtfully curated to deliver a holistic sense of rejuvenation, inviting visitors to pause from daily life and immerse themselves in a soothing experience of luxury, serenity, and complete wellbeing. Monday Bliss Every Monday, from 11 AM to 4 PM, guests can escape the Monday blues and enjoy a 30% discount on facials and 20% on massages. This exclusive…
Blending multimodal AI with the power of an open platform, Galaxy XR signals the beginning of the Android XR ecosystem — redefining how users explore, play, and work in the digital age. Samsung Electronics has unveiled Galaxy XR, a groundbreaking addition to its product portfolio that introduces a new category of AI-driven devices. Designed to deliver deeply immersive, intuitive experiences, Galaxy XR is built on the new Android XR platform, developed jointly by Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm Technologies. This launch represents a major milestone in the evolution of the XR landscape, bridging innovation in artificial intelligence and extended reality to…
Qatar welcomes the 2025 MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup, celebrating the spirit of grassroots motorsport FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has said that this year’s MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup will create fresh opportunities for aspiring drivers across the region, as the much-anticipated event begins this week in Qatar. Hosted by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), the 2025 edition once again brings the spotlight to the region’s thriving karting scene. Proceedings begin with Thursday’s official opening ceremony, following two days of practice ahead of competitive racing scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the Lusail Karting Circuit. Young talents…
The world’s foremost beauty exhibition, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, will open its doors from 26–29 March 2026, returning for its 57th edition with renewed focus on the dynamic growth of the Middle East’s beauty industry. As regional participation reaches record levels, the event underscores the GCC’s expanding influence within global beauty and wellness markets. According to Euromonitor International, Lebanon currently leads global beauty market growth, with sales rising 15.1% between 2024 and 2025, and continued growth projected at 12.2% annually through 2029. Saudi Arabia also features among the world’s top ten fastest-growing markets, recording a 6.9% increase year-on-year and a forecast…
Riyadh will make history this year as it plays host to ARTDOM RIYADH 2025, an international gathering of the world’s most influential interior and product designers. The event will serve as a premier destination for celebrating creativity, innovation, and luxury craftsmanship within the global interiors industry. The Business Programme showcases an impressive lineup of pioneering voices shaping the design world today: Esteemed product designers will delve into the creation of signature collections for globally recognised brands such as Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Baxter, Kenzo, Issey Miyake, Giorgio Armani, Poliform, Flou, Moroso, Antonio Lupi, Chloé, Kiehl’s, Knoll, Lalique, L’Oréal Luxe, and Nina…