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.
Flydubai has inaugurated its new service to Chișinău, becoming the only UAE-based carrier to operate direct flights to Moldova. The twice-weekly route marks a significant milestone for both countries, opening up fresh opportunities for trade, tourism and cultural exchange. The inaugural flight touched down at International Airport “Eugen Doga” Chișinău on Wednesday, where it was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute. Local officials, including Sergiu Spoială, General Director of the airport, welcomed the arrival of the Dubai-based airline. Strengthening connectivity Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said the launch reflected the carrier’s…
Dubai is known for its beautiful buildings and high-end shopping, but the heart and soul of the city may be found in the wide and beautiful desert that surrounds it. One of the most significant things for first-time visitors to Dubai to do is go on a desert safari. This is the best way to combine a journey that is full of adventure, culture, and stunning natural beauty. A Dubai Desert Safari is exactly what it sounds like A desert safari in Dubai is, at its most basic level, a trip into the untouched nature of Arabia. This tour will…
As the 2025 World Athletics Championships unfold in Tokyo, thousands of athletes are competing across track and field disciplines for 147 medals. Yet fans may notice something unusual: medal ceremonies often don’t happen immediately after the final whistle. Instead, the championships use a distinctive two-step process designed to give both athletes and fans a more inclusive celebration. The two-step medal process While television viewers may see winners draped with medals moments after their race or event ends, these are usually symbolic awards. The engraved medals, along with the national anthem for each gold medallist, are reserved for a formal ceremony…
Cardi B has revealed she is expecting her fourth child, her first with New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The Grammy-winning rapper confirmed the news during an interview with CBS Mornings on Wednesday, ending weeks of speculation about her personal life. The 32-year-old, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, said she was “excited” and “happy” as she prepared for both motherhood and her first stadium tour, Little Miss Drama, which begins in February 2026. She added that the baby is due before the tour begins. Balancing music and motherhood Cardi B spoke candidly about juggling her music career…
Lebanese journalist Youmna Sherry, a familiar voice of Future TV and one of the country’s most respected media figures, has died after a long illness. Sherry, who had been living in Canada in recent years, passed away following a prolonged battle with cancer. Colleagues and friends described her as a trailblazing broadcaster whose calm manner, professionalism, and warmth left a lasting mark on Lebanese television. Her death was announced by fellow journalists and media figures, who shared tributes on social media. Many recalled her pioneering role during her years at Future TV, a channel that played a central role in…
Uber has announced plans to launch helicopter services from 2026, marking its boldest step yet into the fast-emerging market for urban air mobility. The San Francisco-based company confirmed a partnership with Joby Aviation, a US electric air taxi maker, to deliver the service, which will allow passengers to book flights directly through the Uber app in some of the world’s most populated cities. JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said the project would allow Uber customers to “feel the magic of seamless urban air travel,” signalling a new era of convenience for city commuters. A strategic partnership The…
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Riyadh for an official state visit at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking his third trip to the Gulf within a week. Mr Sharif was received at King Khalid International Airport on Wednesday by Riyadh’s Deputy Governor Prince Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, and senior Saudi officials. Streets in the Saudi capital were lined with Pakistani flags to mark the occasion. At Al-Yamamah Palace, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formally welcomed the prime minister…
Dubai-based aviation services company dnata has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with Dubai Basketball, becoming a Founding Partner of the city’s first professional basketball franchise. The deal, dnata’s first major sports sponsorship, places its brand at the heart of one of the most ambitious sporting projects in the region. Dubai Basketball is preparing to compete in both the EuroLeague and the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League, marking a significant milestone for the club and the emirate’s sporting ambitions. Branding and travel partnership As part of the agreement, dnata’s logo will feature on the team’s official jerseys, at the Coca-Cola Arena…
Dubai-based airline flydubai has announced plans to expand its presence in East Africa with the launch of flights to Nairobi and the introduction of a daily service to Mombasa. The low-cost carrier will begin operating four weekly flights to Nairobi International Airport (NBO) from Dubai International’s Terminal 3 starting 15 October 2025. In parallel, its services to Mombasa will rise from four times weekly to daily beginning 1 October 2025, bringing its total number of flights to Kenya to 11 per week. The expansion underscores the growing importance of the Kenyan market to airlines in the Gulf region, with demand…
The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South has recorded strong growth in private jet traffic in the first half of 2025, underscoring Dubai’s rising profile as a global centre for business aviation. According to newly released figures, MBRAH registered 9,753 private jet movements between January and June, representing a 15% increase compared with the same period in 2024. The results strengthen Al Maktoum International Airport’s position as the busiest hub for international business aviation movements in the Middle East. Strategic role for Dubai The steady rise in movements highlights Dubai’s role in attracting global investors, entrepreneurs and…