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 Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s flagship award honouring transformative solutions to global sustainability challenges, has officially announced the finalists for its 2026 edition following an extensive evaluation by the Prize’s esteemed Jury. Winners will be announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, taking place on 13 January 2026 during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The Jury shortlisted the 33 finalists from a record 7,761 entries submitted across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools – representing a 30% increase in submissions compared to the previous year. H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister…
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has concluded a high-profile programme at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 25th Global Summit in Rome. The summit brought together global leaders, policymakers and industry experts to shape the future of international tourism, with Saudi Arabia taking centre stage as a driving force for innovation, collaboration and workforce transformation. Across the three-day event, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, played a key role in advancing the discussion on workforce development and industry evolution. He co-launched the much-anticipated “Future of Work” report and joined the panel discussion titled “Bridging Continents: Collaborative…
For the fifth consecutive year, the top-ranked PGA TOUR University player at the conclusion of the autumn college golf season in the United States will earn a coveted exemption into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which will be staged at Emirates Golf Club from 22–25 January 2026. Previous PGA TOUR University stars who have teed it up at the Rolex Series event include North Carolina’s David Ford, Stanford’s Michael Thorbjornsen, Texas Tech’s Ludvig Åberg and Texas A&M’s Sam Bennett. Ford (T72/2025), Thorbjornsen (T11/2024) and Åberg (T70/2023) all made the cut at Emirates Golf Club, with Åberg’s performance coming just months…
Located in Nad Al Sheba, this family-run hidden gem is where food lovers can enjoy authentic Mexican dishes that are as flavourful as they are affordable. Craving authentic Mexican cuisine that won’t break the bank? Meet your new favourite Mexican diner, El Moreno Taqueria. Tucked away in Nad Al Sheba, this family-owned restaurant serves up classic Mexican dishes that focus on real flavour – no frills, just authenticity. From creamy guacamole to irresistible tacos, every dish on their modest yet tempting menu is crafted to deliver genuine taste in every bite. El Moreno opened its doors in April 2025, founded…
Since its launch in 2016, Expand North Star has grown into the world’s largest startup and investor event, enabling thousands of digital innovators to secure multi-million-dollar funding and strategic partnerships. Organized by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the 2025 edition will take place from 12–15 October at Dubai Harbour, celebrating the exhibition’s tenth anniversary. The event has become a vital launchpad for global startups, connecting entrepreneurs with capital, markets, and industry expertise while strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a capital of the digital economy. Over the years, Expand North Star has produced success stories…
Amazfit, the global smart wearables brand by Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP) and the Official Timing & Wearable Partner of HYROX, has announced an expanded athlete roster for the 2025/26 season. Returning to the team is Hunter McIntyre (USA), joined by four standout competitors: Rich Ryan (USA), Joanna Wietrzyk (Australia), Emilie Dahmen (Netherlands), and Linda Meier (Germany). The roster reflects Amazfit’s dual commitment to supporting both proven champions and emerging talent in functional fitness racing, while integrating direct athlete feedback into product innovation. “Our partnership with HYROX is about helping athletes maximize every moment of training, performance, and recovery,” said Scott…
Meetup, the digital platform known for fostering real-world connections for over 20 years, has launched its most significant redesign to date. The updated look, now live on Web with Mobile coming soon, blends a refreshed visual identity with a more intuitive user experience. The redesign introduces a new logo, brighter color palette, modern fonts, and expressive icons, alongside high-quality photography highlighting people connecting in real-life scenarios. The interface has been refined for readability, with improved spacing, stronger contrast, and simplified navigation to make event discovery faster and more engaging. “We wanted to make Meetup feel even more inviting and intuitive,…
WHOOP, the human performance company, has introduced WHOOP Advanced Labs, a new feature that integrates blood testing with continuous wearable data for a more complete view of health. Members can either upload past bloodwork or schedule WHOOP’s curated lab panel, which tests a wide range of biomarkers. Since its preview in May, over 350,000 members have joined the waitlist, underscoring strong demand. The feature is rolling out today in the US, with global expansion planned. Founder and CEO Will Ahmed described it as a bridge between lab diagnostics and 24/7 monitoring, enabling members to see how biomarkers connect with daily…
ALTAWKILAT Motorsport, the motorsport division of ALTAWKILAT, has officially confirmed the return of the F4 Saudi Arabian Championship with a five-round FIA-certified calendar set between October and December 2025. Launched in 2024 under the authority of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), the F4 Saudi Arabian Championship is the Kingdom’s first and only FIA-sanctioned single-seater national series. It provides an affordable, professional entry point for young drivers transitioning from karting into single-seater racing. The 2025 season begins with two back-to-back rounds at Bahrain International Circuit: the opening test and race weekend on October 10–12, followed by the second round…
Emaar, the developer of some of the world’s most iconic destinations, is preparing to unveil its most exclusive project yet — Dubai Mansions, a new ultra-luxury residential enclave set to redefine elite living in the city. Located adjacent to Dubai Hills Estate, the collection comprises limited-edition mansions offered in 10,000, 15,000, and 20,000 sq. ft. layouts, each crafted to reflect prestige, privacy, and timeless sophistication. Inspired by international benchmarks in luxury design, the community is designed to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusivity in both lifestyle and location. Positioned within one of Dubai’s most desirable corridors, Dubai Mansions promises an unprecedented…