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.
Russian streaming service Start has premiered Feofan, the country’s first comedy series featuring characters created entirely by artificial intelligence. The release marks a milestone in the growing overlap between technology and entertainment. The show, unveiled at the “New Season” streaming festival in Sochi from 15–20 September, began streaming on Start on 17 September. Aimed at adult audiences, each episode runs under ten minutes and satirises aspects of modern culture – from celebrity obsessions to digital lifestyles. Old ways vs. modern life The story centres on Feofan, a young man from St Petersburg who abandons urban life to build a community…
Gold prices have surged to new record highs both globally and in Jordan, driven by continued demand for safe-haven assets amid global market uncertainty. According to CNN Business, gold reached an unprecedented $3,716.13 per ounce in instant transactions on Monday, marking the highest level ever recorded. Spot silver also gained, rising 1% to $43.49 per ounce, approaching a 14-year high. Jordan market follows global trend In Jordan, the General Syndicate of Owners of Trade and Jewelry Shops confirmed that local gold prices climbed to their highest point in history on Monday. Prices increased by 70 piasters per gram, reflecting global…
Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor of Nissan in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra Region, has unveiled a new campaign aimed at making car ownership more accessible and stress-free for customers. The initiative includes 0% finance across a range of Nissan’s most popular models, with monthly instalments starting from just AED 888. Models featured in the campaign include the Magnite, Altima, X-Trail, Pathfinder, X-Terra, KICKS, and the iconic Nissan Z. To bolster customer confidence, the offer is backed by extended warranty and roadside assistance packages. Most models come with five years of coverage, while the Magnite offer…
Kia’s PV5 WKNDR Concept has won a Silver Award in the Automotive & Transportation category at the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious design competitions. The PV5 WKNDR is inspired by Kia’s upcoming range of Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs) and is designed around versatility and sustainability. Its standout feature, the ‘Gear Head’, is an off-board storage solution that doubles as a mobile pantry, offering outdoor enthusiasts space for gear or cooking facilities without reducing interior capacity. Equipped with solar panels and hydro turbine wheels, the vehicle is capable of generating its own power even…
Nike has teamed up with SKIMS to launch a new women’s activewear line, NikeSKIMS, which debuts globally on 26 September. The collaboration promises to merge high-performance sportswear with style-driven design, offering a new “system of dress” that aims to redefine what it means to be an athlete today. The collection features 58 silhouettes across seven lines, providing more than 10,000 outfit combinations. Ranging from foundational bras and leggings to layering pieces and accessories, the designs focus on both performance and versatility, aiming to transition seamlessly from gym to everyday life. “Our mission is simple: to redefine the rules of women’s…
The American University in Cairo (AUC) welcomed Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, First Lady of Singapore, for a special visit to its New Cairo campus. She was accompanied by a Singaporean delegation and received by Ehab Abdel-Rahman, AUC provost; Hala El Said, university counsellor; and Hania Sholkamy, associate professor at the Social Research Center. “AUC is honored to host Mrs Ittogi and her delegation. This visit is powerful evidence of the role universities play in connecting cultures, nurturing dialogue, and advancing knowledge across borders,” said Provost Abdel-Rahman. The delegation toured the Rare Books and Special Collections Library (RBSCL), including Mining the…
Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), is celebrating its 7th anniversary under the theme #GearUpTo7, marking a new era of integrated finance. Over the past seven years, the platform has expanded globally through strategic partnerships and community initiatives. High-profile collaborations with Lionel Messi, Juventus FC, MotoGP, LaLiga, and the UNTOLD music festival have helped Bitget connect with mainstream audiences. Its Blockchain4Youth and Blockchain4Her programmes have reached more than 15,000 students across 60 universities. In addition, Bitget’s partnership with UNICEF aims to educate 1 million people on blockchain by 2027. The next chapter of Bitget’s journey is its transformation into…
Etihad Airways has once again been recognised as a Five-Star Global Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for 2026, following direct feedback from passengers. The announcement was made on 11 September at the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony during the global expo in Long Beach, California. The accolade is based on ratings from almost one million flights across nearly 600 airlines, with results verified by an independent auditing firm. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised once again as a Five-Star Global Airline. This honour is particularly meaningful as it comes…
Orange Jordan has announced a new set of exclusive “Humat Al Watan” offers for members of the Jordanian Armed Forces and security agencies, reinforcing its 29-year strategic partnership with the Arab Army. The initiative, unveiled this week, provides access to the Humat Al Watan Max lines starting from JD 5.5 per month. Packages include unlimited calls, monthly internet bundles of up to 60 GB, and free access to the operator’s 5G network, which covers the widest area in the Kingdom. Subscribers will also be eligible for discounts of up to JD 77 on 5G smartphones and access to the company’s…
Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has expanded its offering with the launch of Gran Tour Emilia, a new restaurant inspired by Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, home to both Ferrari and some of the country’s most celebrated culinary traditions. The venue officially opened on 19 September, welcoming VIP guests, media, stakeholders and Diamond Passholders for an exclusive preview. Designed to combine authentic regional cuisine with Ferrari’s design legacy, the restaurant aims to deliver a gourmet experience infused with motorsport flair. A journey through Emilia-Romagna Dishes on the menu highlight local specialties from towns across Emilia-Romagna, with each plate presented as a…