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.
Canon’s President and CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Shinichi ‘Sam’ Yoshida, has completed his first official visit to the company’s regional headquarters in Dubai since taking up the role in March 2025. The visit underscores Canon’s commitment to the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye, which the company describes as one of its fastest-growing markets. The trip comes as Canon forecasts double-digit growth across the Middle East & Türkiye as well as Central and North Africa this year. The projections align with regional economic growth estimates of 3.5% for the Middle East, 3% for Türkiye, and more than…
Specialist physicians from around the world gathered in Doha for a two-day medical summit on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a serious complication of type 2 diabetes. The event, titled CONNecting Experts for Clinical besT practice in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (CONNECT-DPN), was coordinated by Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar (WCM-Q) and endorsed by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). It brought together ten senior clinicians from South-East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Mexico. Sharing global expertise The opening day took place at WCM-Q, with sessions dedicated to the latest developments in early diagnosis, screening tools, and treatment approaches for DPN. Experts…
Kia has secured two major honours at the 2025 What Car? Electric Car Awards, with the EV3 named Best Electric Small SUV and the Sportage recognised as Best Used Hybrid Family SUV. The dual success highlights the South Korean carmaker’s growing strength in both new and used markets, with the EV3 building on its status as the UK’s best-selling electric vehicle in 2025, and the Sportage continuing its longstanding popularity with family buyers. EV3 – a record-breaking electric SUV The Kia EV3, launched last year, has quickly become the company’s fastest-selling electric model of all time. The compact SUV is…
IFF, the US-based leader in flavors, fragrances and biosciences, has inaugurated an expanded LMR Naturals facility in Grasse, France, following a €10 million investment aimed at accelerating innovation in natural ingredients. The expansion increases the site’s footprint by 75 percent to 4,687 square metres and includes a new pilot hall to speed up the development of sustainable natural ingredients. A nearby experimental field will provide direct access to plant materials, giving researchers the ability to explore botanical potential and fast-track new product pipelines. IFF said more than 30 research and development experts will now be brought together under one roof,…
Luxury Swiss watchmaker Movado has launched the second chapter of its Always in Motion. Since 1881 campaign, bringing together five cultural icons in a cinematic showcase of design, heritage and individuality. The campaign reunites musician and actor Ludacris, actress Jessica Alba, American football star Christian McCaffrey, Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore, and NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton. Each figure was selected not only for their influence in their respective fields but also for how their personal journeys reflect Movado’s philosophy of timeless motion. Celebrating heritage through icons Margot Grinberg, President of Movado, said the brand sought to deepen its storytelling for the…
Global sports brand PUMA has unveiled its “Future of Fast” campaign in Tokyo, presenting a bold vision of innovation and athlete-driven performance ahead of the World Athletics Championships 2025. The initiative includes athlete-led events, immersive experiences, and a showcase of cutting-edge product design, reinforcing PUMA’s commitment to redefining speed in track, field, and road racing. Athlete-centred innovation PUMA’s Vice President of Innovation, Romain Girard, said the brand’s approach focuses on practical solutions shaped by elite athletes. “Innovation isn’t about chasing flashy ideas—it’s about solving real problems. At PUMA, we start with the athletes. We listen, build, test, and learn,” Girard…
ROX Motor, the international luxury new energy vehicle brand, has completed the Iraq stage of its ambitious 25,000 km Silk Road Tour, highlighting the company’s growing global presence and commitment to sustainable mobility. The convoy entered Iraq after travelling 9,500 kilometres across China, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, tracing historic routes through Mosul, Erbil, and Baghdad. The journey combined extensive test drives with cultural exchanges, underscoring the brand’s mission to connect history with modern innovation. Showcasing all-terrain innovation Central to the tour was the performance of the ROX 01 luxury all-terrain SUV, which navigated Iraq’s diverse terrain of plains, mountain…
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has unveiled a new global campaign for its luxury brand Alila, designed to invite travellers to explore not only new destinations but also deeper personal journeys. The campaign, titled “A World Awaits,” highlights immersive guest experiences called Alila Moments, crafted to connect visitors with local culture, tradition, and nature. A focus on immersion and connection Hyatt describes the campaign as a reflection of how travel can be both outward and inward. Guests are encouraged to “experience place with presence,” pairing the beauty of Alila’s natural settings with intimate, mindful activities. The campaign imagery juxtaposes sweeping landscapes with…
Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have announced a major expansion of their codeshare partnership, increasing flight frequencies between Doha and Beijing ahead of China’s Golden Week holiday. The move strengthens connectivity between China and more than 170 destinations worldwide through Doha’s Hamad International Airport, which was voted the “Best Airport in the Middle East” by Skytrax in 2025. Expanded flights and codeshares From 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will place its code on China Southern’s three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing International Airport and Doha. At the same time, China Southern will extend its “CZ” code to Qatar…
Show TV has begun production on one of the season’s most anticipated dramas, Bereketli Topraklar (Fertile Lands), starring Engin Akyürek and Gülsim Ali. The series has already generated strong interest from both viewers and industry insiders, underlining the continued global appeal of Turkish television. Produced by Süreç Film, the drama officially went on set this week. It is written by Hasan Tolga Pulat, Ozan Ağaç, and Seçil Çömlekçi, with creative supervision by Yağız Alp Akaydın, a director and producer best known for shaping some of Turkey’s most successful screen projects. A story of love, power and sacrifice Described by producers…