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.
Schneider Electric has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PARA, a Sidara member firm specialising in digitally enabled building design, to accelerate the adoption of smart, energy-efficient buildings in fast-growing global markets. The agreement was signed in Dubai by Walid Sheta, Schneider Electric’s Zone President for the Middle East and Africa, and Faysal Shair, Partner and Director of Digital Solutions at Dar, the founding member of Sidara. The signing took place at Schneider Electric’s new regional headquarters, The Nest, in the presence of senior representatives from both companies. The partnership comes as demand for sustainable building technologies rises sharply.…
Saudi low-cost carrier flynas has announced that it will resume direct flights between Jeddah and Kuwait from 1 November, expanding its regional network in line with the Kingdom’s aviation and tourism strategies. The airline will operate three weekly flights between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Kuwait International Airport. This will raise flynas’ total flights between the two countries to 10 per week, as the carrier already runs daily services on the Riyadh–Kuwait route. The expansion forms part of flynas’ long-term growth plan, launched under the theme “We Connect the World to the Kingdom”. The strategy is aligned with…
Cisco has called on healthcare providers in the UAE to take urgent action to strengthen cybersecurity and safeguard patient data as the sector rapidly embraces digital transformation. The technology company outlined five priority actions designed to help hospitals and medical institutions build resilience, manage risks, and maintain trust in an increasingly digital-first environment. Healthcare is one of the world’s most targeted industries for cyberattacks due to the high value of patient data, reliance on outdated systems, and vulnerabilities linked to human error. Globally, phishing remains the most common entry point for breaches, while weak passwords and shadow IT continue to…
Axis Communications, the global surveillance technology leader, has highlighted its partnership with Moro Hub, Dubai’s premier digital infrastructure provider, in a new customer success story that underscores the role of integrated security in the city’s digital transformation. The collaboration illustrates how Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, is deploying Axis’s multi-layered security solutions across its smart, sustainable data centres to protect assets while aligning with Dubai’s ambitions for autonomy and innovation. Ettiene van der Watt, Regional Director at Axis Communications, said the rapid growth of cloud services and the Internet of Things was intensifying the need for secure data…
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), one of the world’s leading international business districts, has signed a strategic partnership with Swedish financial technology company Vermiculus, in a move aimed at accelerating innovation and reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global hub for technology and trade. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed this week and will see DMCC, which supports nearly 26,000 companies across its ecosystem, work with Vermiculus to deploy advanced fintech solutions. The focus will be on critical infrastructure such as exchanges, clearing houses, and central securities depositories (CSDs). The collaboration also includes joint projects and knowledge-sharing initiatives, and comes…
The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is inviting families and travellers from the Middle East to enjoy a last summer escape in the heart of Mayfair, offering premium accommodation, curated dining, and cultural experiences before the back-to-school season begins. Prime location in MayfairWith rates starting at GBP 499 per night in August, inclusive of VAT, the five-star property provides access to some of London’s most popular attractions. Situated steps away from Green Park and Buckingham Palace, the hotel offers guests proximity to the city’s cultural landmarks and shopping destinations, including Bond Street, Regent Street and Oxford Circus. The hotel combines…
Orange Jordan and Proparco, the private sector financing arm of Agence Française de Développement (AFD Group), have celebrated the graduation of the final cohort from the Coding Academy at the Orange Digital Center in Aqaba. The closing ceremony, held under the patronage of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), marked the completion of an initiative designed to boost digital skills and expand employment opportunities for Jordanian youth. 100% success rateThe programme achieved a 100% success rate among its participants, who completed five months of intensive training totalling 800 hours, followed by a one-month placement at partner companies. Graduates developed expertise…
Emirates is expanding the reach of its Premium Economy and refreshed Business Class cabins, with new aircraft deployments across Amman, Mumbai, Muscat and Bahrain later this year. The move will see the Dubai-based carrier introduce more of its next-generation Airbus A350s and retrofitted Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s on services to the four cities, providing passengers with greater access to the airline’s upgraded cabin products. Enhanced fleet rolloutFrom 26 October 2025, flight EK903/904 to Amman will operate with a four-class Airbus A380 fitted with refreshed interiors, including Premium Economy. Both daily services to the Jordanian capital will soon feature Emirates’…
Drydocks World, part of Dubai-based DP World, has secured a landmark Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract to deliver the world’s largest Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility. The deal was awarded by AMIGO LNG, a joint venture between Texas-based Epcilon LNG LLC and Singapore’s LNG Alliance Pte Ltd. The project is set to transform Mexico’s role in the global LNG market by creating a major new export hub on the Pacific coast. Record-breaking projectThe development will include the conversion of two LNG carriers into Floating Storage Units (FSUs) and the construction of two newbuild FLNG barges at Drydocks World’s…
The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced an exclusive package for travellers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), aiming to attract families, couples, and groups looking for an island escape before the year ends. The promotion, available for bookings until 23 December 2025, includes complimentary Half Board dining, Club InterContinental privileges, and free stays for children. Extended visits bring added benefits, such as resort credits and discounted seaplane transfers, making the offer particularly attractive for National Day holidays and winter getaways. Luxury with convenienceLocated on the Raa Atoll, the resort is accessible via a short international flight followed by a…