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.

Swiss-Belhotel International, a globally recognised hospitality management group, showcased its expanding presence across Africa at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2025, held in Nairobi from 1 to 3 October. As one of the continent’s leading travel trade events, MKTE provides a key platform for connecting international and regional tourism partners. The 2025 edition once again reinforced MKTE’s reputation as a premier event for Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector, drawing representation from major destinations, hotel brands, tour operators, and investors. Swiss-Belhotel International participated with a dedicated stand supported by its Group Sales and Marketing Department, the EMEA Regional Sales Office,…

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The Cultural Foundation, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has inaugurated two new exhibitions that spotlight both established and emerging voices in the region’s creative landscape. Titled ‘Two Clouds in the Night Sky’ and ‘And After’, the shows will run from 9 October 2025 until 22 February 2026. ‘Two Clouds in the Night Sky’ is a milestone solo exhibition by pioneering Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim. A leading figure in the UAE’s contemporary art movement, Ibrahim is celebrated for his meditative and process-oriented practice deeply influenced by the natural surroundings of his…

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Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in collaboration with Zayed University (ZU), has announced the open call for participation in the International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art 2026 (ISEA2026). Scheduled from 10 to 19 April 2026 across various venues in Dubai, the event will bring together global leaders in art, science, and technology to envision the future of digital creativity. ISEA2026 supports the ambitions of Dubai’s Digital Arts Strategy, a core element of the Authority’s broader cultural roadmap aimed at empowering emerging talent, enhancing digital capabilities, and advancing education and innovation in the creative sector. The symposium also reflects Zayed…

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The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the start of the evaluation phase for the Dubai Youth Performing Arts Festival — a pioneering initiative that, for the first time, brings together three flagship youth events: the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, the Dubai Festival for Youth Music, and the Dubai Youth Folk Arts Festival. The festival serves as a dynamic new platform for young performers to express their creativity, build their artistic capabilities, and contribute to the emirate’s thriving cultural scene. It also reflects Dubai Culture’s vision to position the city as a leading global destination for…

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ARIA Commodities’ institutional asset management platform today announced a reverse takeover agreement involving Kibo Energy PLC (AIM: KIBO; AltX: KBO), the dual-listed energy developer. The US$135 million acquisition, carried out in partnership with ARIA’s group asset management business, will be financed through the issue of around 966 million new Kibo shares at an implied price of £0.104 per share, following a proposed 1,600-to-1 share consolidation. The transaction qualifies as a reverse takeover under AIM Rule 14 and signals Kibo’s strategic realignment towards large-scale global renewable and decarbonisation initiatives. A Portfolio with Global Potential Carbon Resilience, an Australian renewable energy platform,…

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Flagship showcase opens at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, on 7 October 2025 for a six-month run Abu Dhabi, UAE – 8 October 2025: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the launch of “Golden Ink: A Journey through Arabic and Islamic Manuscripts”, a landmark travelling exhibition created in collaboration with McGill University, Canada. The exhibition honours the rich heritage, artistic beauty, and global influence of Arabic and Islamic manuscripts. It will debut at Qasr Al Watan on 7 October 2025, remaining on display for six months before moving to Montreal in January…

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King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh’s premier hub for business and lifestyle, has officially welcomed The Executive Centre (TEC), Asia’s leading premium flexible workspace provider, unveiling its first location in Saudi Arabia. The arrival of TEC brings world-class workspaces to KAFD that serve the needs of multinational businesses as well as freelancers, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking adaptable coworking solutions, reinforcing KAFD’s role as a prominent hub for talent and enterprise across the Kingdom and beyond. This opening underscores KAFD’s growing profile as a vibrant business and innovation destination in the region. Occupying approximately 36,500 sqft, TEC’s state-of-the-art coworking centre sets…

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Dubai Home Festival (DHF) 2025 has launched an exciting retail innovation aimed at design aficionados, bargain hunters, and first-time home buyers. The first-ever DHF Daily Home Drops will bring a thrilling line-up of exclusive daily flash discounts on must-have home and electronics items across the city’s leading brands from 8 to 16 October. Hosted by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the Daily Home Drops promise a fresh surprise every day – but with a twist: each deal is available for one day only, at a single location, starting at 10am and valid while stocks last. Each deal will be…

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Anticipation is rising as five UAE golfers gear up for a historic outing at the 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, taking place on the celebrated Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club from 23–26 October 2025. Representing the UAE will be Ahmad Skaik, Rayan Ahmad, Abdulla Kalbat, Jonathan Selvaraj and Sam Mullane. The prestigious Championship returns to the UAE for only the second time, having last been held at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in 2021. Ahead of the tournament, four of the players met with the local media at Emirates Golf Club to discuss their preparations, signalling a landmark moment…

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Diriyah Company has signed a landmark partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Holding, a leading name in retail, leisure, and communities across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. This collaboration will see the launch of a cutting-edge VOX Cinemas multiplex and seven leading international brands at the iconic Diriyah Square, a flagship lifestyle destination in Saudi Arabia. The agreement makes Majid Al Futtaim Holding the first key lifestyle and entertainment partner for Diriyah Square, introducing a vibrant mix of fashion, beauty, and homeware brands to the district. The new retail outlets will occupy approximately 5,534.48 sqm, while the VOX Cinemas…

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