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.
Academy Award-winning actor Tilda Swinton has been unveiled as the face of Tom Ford’s latest fragrance, Black Orchid Reserve, in a cinematic campaign that highlights themes of rarity and transformation. Swinton, celebrated for her fearless artistry and transformative screen presence, described the collaboration as “a profound honour.” She added:“Transformation, the blurring of boundaries and the celebration of magical properties have always drawn me close; Black Orchid Reserve is precisely such an enchantment.” The campaign, launching on 1 September, was created under the direction of Tom Ford’s creative director Haider Ackermann. Shot by photographers Inez and Vinoodh, the visuals portray Swinton…
In a spectacle that blended sport, culture, and community pride, Times Square turned into a cricket pitch for the first time in history during India Day celebrations on August 16, 2025. The event, led by Cricmax Connect and the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE, marked a symbolic moment in cricket’s growing journey across the United States. The three-day India Day celebrations began on 15 August, with a ceremonial flag hoisting at the Consulate General of India in New York. Dignitaries and community leaders attended the ceremony, which also honoured U.S. national players Saiteja Mukkamalla and Jessy Singh for their…
Turkish star Kerem Bürsin is returning to the small screen with Çarpıntı, a new drama on Star TV that promises a deeply emotional storyline and a strong ensemble cast. The series, produced by OGM Pictures, is set to premiere on 7 September. Bürsin, best known internationally for his role in Sen Çal Kapımı (Love is in the Air), takes on a lead role alongside rising actress Lizge Cömert. The series also features acclaimed actors Sibel Taşçıoğlu and Deniz Çakır, adding further weight to the production. A story of survival and fate At the heart of Çarpıntı is the story of…
Emma Stone has returned to the Venice Film Festival with Bugonia, one of the year’s most talked-about films, reuniting with director Yorgos Lanthimos in a darkly comic tale of conspiracy theories, captivity and fractured belief systems. Stone plays Michelle Fuller, a powerful pharmaceutical CEO taken hostage by Teddy, a troubled young man portrayed by Jesse Plemons, who blames her company for his mother’s illness and the collapse of bee populations. Assisted reluctantly by his cousin Don (Aidan Delbis), Teddy imprisons Michelle in his basement, convinced she is an alien and holds the key to saving humanity. The film, a loose…
US rapper Cardi B has become the subject of viral memes and online commentary after her courtroom testimony in Los Angeles took unexpected turns — including a mid-session wig change. The Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, is facing a civil lawsuit filed by former security guard Emani Ellis. The suit alleges Cardi B assaulted Ellis in the hallway of a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office in 2018. The rapper has denied the claims. Court documents reviewed by NBC News and Today.com state Ellis accused Cardi B of hitting her in the head and body, spitting on her,…
A significant leak has reportedly revealed details about Sony’s upcoming PlayStation 6, including the development of a dockable handheld console that could challenge Nintendo’s next-generation Switch. While Sony has not yet confirmed the existence of the PS6, reports circulating on social media and in tech communities suggest the gaming giant is preparing three distinct systems. If true, this would mark the first time the PlayStation brand has launched with multiple hardware variations at once. The leak originated from content creator Moore’s Law Is Dead, who shared the information via a YouTube video. According to the claims, Sony is working on…
Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi is preparing to give mornings in the capital a shake-up with a new experience that blends caffeine, music, and community spirit. Partnering with Secret Coffee Parties, the hotel will host an exclusive coffee rave at its Infinity Lounge on Saturday, 6 September, from 11:00 to 13:00. The event aims to reimagine how coffee can bring people together. Guests will be treated to handcrafted brews, live DJ sets, and an upbeat, health-conscious atmosphere, transforming the morning ritual into something closer to a cultural movement. A fresh take on coffee culture Infinity Lounge, overlooking the Arabian Gulf, will…
Dubai – Moscow is preparing to host one of the most significant gatherings in the global fashion calendar: the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, running from 28 to 30 August. This year’s edition will shine a spotlight on the Middle East, with leading figures from the region set to present their latest projects and share insights in high-level discussions. Delegations from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar, Iraq, and Lebanon will take part in the event, reflecting the region’s growing impact on international fashion. The Summit brings together industry experts, designers, and organisers from across 65 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America,…
Signia by Hilton Amman has taken centre stage at the Jordan International Food Festival, presenting an innovative culinary journey that celebrated Jordan’s gastronomic heritage while reimagining it with international flair. Leading the showcase was Executive Chef Mohammad Tanbour, whose approach combined authenticity with creativity. His mission was to honour Jordan’s produce while elevating traditional flavours through refined, modern techniques. Guests were invited to experience Jordanian cuisine in unexpected ways, blending the familiar with the inventive. At the heart of the evening was a six-course tasting menu created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs David and Noelle Faure. Renowned for their bold…
Eighteen women healthcare professionals from across Lebanon have taken part in a first-of-its-kind leadership workshop aimed at strengthening female voices in a sector long dominated by men. The two-day programme, By Women, For Women—Leadership Mastery in Healthcare, was held at the American University of Beirut (AUB). It brought together doctors, nurses, and specialists to learn how to navigate leadership roles, manage teams, and build resilience. The event was jointly organised by the Center for Women in Business at AUB’s Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) and the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the AUB Medical Center (AUBMC).…