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.
The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has issued a recall for three dietary supplements and one medical productin the UAE, citing safety concerns and lack of regulatory approval. Authorities warned consumers against buying or using the products while distributors withdraw affected batches. The products under recall are Super Immune+, WoundVite, Rosabella Moringa Capsule, and Isotonac‑4. The EDE confirmed that none of these items were imported with its authorization, making their sale in the UAE illegal. The agency said the move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer safety and oversight of dietary supplements and medical products in the country. “These products have not been registered with the EDE and…
Allegiance Real Estate has been named Platinum Partner of DAMAC Properties for 2025, marking its fifth consecutive recognition as a top brokerage with the developer. The award highlights the firm’s coordinated global strategy, investor outreach, and role in positioning Dubai real estate on the international stage. In 2025, Allegiance supported 12 major DAMAC project launches across multiple international markets. Each launch was accompanied by structured advisory services, targeted marketing campaigns, and coordinated exposure aimed at connecting international investors with Dubai’s property opportunities. The firm also expanded its global footprint through more than 100 international roadshows, engaging buyers in key cities worldwide. Its…
Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) plans to explore cryptocurrency as a new payment option for passengers, as the UAE’s ride-hailing operator reports a 7 percent rise in net profit to Dh356.1 million in 2025. CEO Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi said the company is working with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce crypto payments “very soon” as part of broader efforts to provide multiple payment gateways. The announcement comes amid wider UAE adoption of regulated digital currencies. Earlier this month, AE Coin became an official payment method for federal government authorities, while Zand AED, the nation’s first multi-chain, regulated stablecoin, launched…
The Indian government’s proposal to officially rename the southern state of Kerala as “Keralam” has sparked debate among the UAE’s large Malayali community, with reactions ranging from cultural pride to practical concerns. The Union Cabinet cleared the renaming plan earlier this month, a move that would align the state’s official designation with its traditional Malayalam pronunciation. For the roughly one million Malayalis living in the UAE—the largest Indian expatriate group in the country—the discussion resonates strongly. Many see the change as a cultural correction similar to Bombay becoming Mumbai or Madras becoming Chennai, reclaiming an endonym over the colonial-era exonym. “The push…
Petrol prices in the UAE may increase in March 2026 following a rise in global oil prices fueled by ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. Brent crude surpassed $71 per barrel in February, reflecting growing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East. In February, the UAE had reduced fuel prices slightly, with Super 98, Special 95, and E-Plus 91 retailing at Dh2.45, Dh2.33, and Dh2.26 per litre, respectively—a decrease of roughly eight to nine fils per litre from the previous month. Analysts now say those prices could be under pressure if oil markets continue to respond to the conflict.…
Pop singer Jason Derulo Abu Dhabi will perform at the closing ceremony of the 30th Dubai World Cup on March 28, 2026, at Meydan Racecourse, organizers announced. He will take the stage after the day’s horse racing events, including the $12 million main race. The total prize pool across nine races is $30.5 million. The concert is included with race tickets, allowing fans to enjoy live entertainment immediately after the final race. Jason Derulo Abu Dhabi returns to Dubai after performing in the region, including at the 2024 Soundstorm festival in Riyadh. Derulo has sold over 250 million singles worldwide and remains a regular…
New Regulations Aim to Ensure Continuous Supply The UAE has introduced a system to prevent monopolies on UAE medical products. The goal is to ensure these products remain continuously available across the country. The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) announced the regulations on February 24, 2026. Under the new rules, pharmaceutical companies must appoint multiple authorized agents for each product. Reducing Reliance on Single Suppliers The measure ensures essential medications remain available even during emergencies or operational disruptions. By diversifying distribution channels, the UAE reduces dependence on single suppliers and strengthens public health protection. Leadership Perspective Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister…
Dubai, UAE – Top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime survived a tense opener at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday, finally overcoming China’s Zhizhen Zhang after six match points to reach the Round of 16, while British No1 Jack Draper marked his return to the ATP Tour with a straight-sets win. Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka also made history, becoming the oldest player to win a match in the tournament’s 34-year history. Auger-Aliassime, ranked No. 8 globally, secured a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory, saving four break points and holding his nerve in a second-set tiebreak. “It’s kind of testing my…
Dubai, UAE – Over 400 students got a firsthand look at professional tennis skills on February 23 as Italian Davis Cup champions Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori hosted a one-hour clinic during the J.P. Morgan Kids Day at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. The event, part of the ATP 500 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, gave children aged seven to ten a rare opportunity to engage with world-class athletes. Bolelli and Vavassori, who together hold four Grand Slam doubles titles and are ranked inside the global top 20, led the children through demonstrations of tennis techniques, competitive rallies, and…
Multiply.co, a Nordic-based AI platform for creative agencies, has signed its first international client, luxury and lifestyle agency network Together Group, marking a significant step in the company’s global expansion. The agreement will see Multiply’s AI-powered Creative Operating System rolled out across Together Group’s 14 agencies, starting with Purple, The Future Laboratory, and Seven Dials City. The platform is designed to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and provide agencies with AI-driven insights to support creative projects at scale. Together Group plans to use the technology to supplement human creativity rather than replace it. “We use AI to empower our creative teams…