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.
Adidas, the global German sportswear giant, is under legal scrutiny after a former employee filed a $6.2 million lawsuit, accusing the company of racism, retaliation, and workplace discrimination. April Burton, who worked at Adidas in a full-time role, alleges she was referred to as a “monkey” by colleagues and that the Human Resources (HR) department internally labelled her as “Ape.” When she raised concerns about the terminology, she claims HR dismissed it as a coincidence — insisting “Ape” was merely an abbreviation of her first name, April. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the corporate world, particularly given Adidas’ public…
North Korea has inaugurated a grand new seaside resort on its eastern coast, with President Kim Jong Un attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony of what state media is calling a “national treasure-level tourism city.” Yet questions remain over who will actually be allowed to visit. The Kalma Beach Resort, officially known as the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, features luxury hotels, waterparks, and vast lodging facilities capable of accommodating up to 20,000 guests at a time. The launch ceremony was held on 24 June, and local reports confirm that services for domestic visitors will begin on 1 July. According to North Korea’s…
In an innovative twist on traditional hiring practices, Saudi-based event staffing company Shine is inviting aspiring recruiters to join its Recruiter Challenge — a competitive, multi-stage selection process where candidates interview the company, not the other way around. Instead of standard job interviews, the company has devised a real-time test of recruitment skills through practical challenges such as CV scanning, conducting interviews, and situational assessments. The campaign tagline says it all: “We’re hiring, but we don’t want to interview you — we want you to interview us.” The Recruiter Challenge reflects Shine’s broader approach to talent acquisition — one that…
OPPO is set to launch its much-anticipated Reno14 Series in the United Arab Emirates on July 31, introducing advanced AI-powered features, bold new design aesthetics, and a deeper integration with Google’s Gemini AI. The latest lineup includes the Reno14 F 5G, Reno14 5G, and Reno14 Pro 5G, all built to enhance mobile photography, productivity, and creativity. Positioned as a fusion of form, function, and smart imaging, the Reno14 Series brings to the region cutting-edge mobile photography backed by OPPO’s proprietary AI Flash Photography and AI Livephoto 2.0 technologies. According to Lay Ren, President of OPPO MENA, the new phones are…
Uber has launched a new feature designed to support older adults in the Middle East and North Africa, offering increased independence and accessibility for seniors using the ride-hailing app. Senior Accounts, now available across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Lebanon, are part of Uber’s ongoing efforts to serve users across all age groups. The feature simplifies the Uber app interface for older adults, allowing them to travel more easily to medical appointments, visit loved ones, or complete everyday errands. The new rollout includes Simple Mode, a streamlined version of the app with larger text, fewer steps,…
OMODA&JAECOO UAE has officially announced the arrival of the JAECOO J5, a new urban SUV set to launch in August 2025. With a design language that draws inspiration from luxury off-roaders like the Land Rover Discovery Sport, the JAECOO J5 is tailored for the UAE’s urban drivers seeking bold aesthetics, modern features, and competitive pricing. Striking a Balance Between Ruggedness and RefinementThe JAECOO J5 is set to appeal to drivers looking for a visual statement. Designed by a team that includes former Land Rover experts, the J5 carries a muscular stance, squared edges, and adventure-inspired styling—positioning it as a stylish…
Samsung Gulf Electronics has launched its latest generation of foldable smartphones — the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 — alongside the Galaxy Watch8 Series at a high-profile event held at BCH:CLB beach club in Dubai. The event marked the UAE debut of Samsung’s most advanced AI-powered devices, designed to adapt seamlessly to modern, mobile lifestyles. Spanning four interactive zones — business, lifestyle and fashion, health and fitness, and travel and photography — the immersive launch experience allowed guests to explore how Samsung’s new devices integrate into everyday life. A Leap in Foldable Innovation Fadi Abu Shamat, Vice President…
DHL Aviation, the air cargo division of DHL Express, has unveiled a new premium cargo product, Xcelerate, designed to provide customers with fast-track, airport-to-airport shipping solutions. The service promises the fastest available transit times, guaranteed capacity, and high loading priority to meet growing demand for expedited global logistics. The launch of Xcelerate signals DHL’s strategic push into premium freight offerings, targeting freight forwarders and major shippers with urgent and time-sensitive needs. According to the company, the product was developed based on direct customer feedback and is aimed at providing a “must-fly” solution similar to priority passenger travel experiences. Ingrid Raj,…
Alaska Airlines temporarily grounded all its flights on Sunday following a major IT outage that disrupted its systems and operations nationwide. The airline confirmed the system-wide ground stop affected both Alaska Airlines and its regional partner, Horizon Air. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also updated its status page to reflect the full halt of Alaska Airlines flights due to the technical issue. “We’ve experienced an IT outage that’s impacting our operations,” the company said in a statement. “As a result, we enacted a temporary, system-wide ground stop for Alaska and Horizon Air flights until the issue is resolved.” The…
Aldar has announced the record-breaking sale of an ultra-luxury mansion in Faya Al Saadiyat for AED 400 million, making it the most expensive home ever sold in Abu Dhabi. The eight-bedroom beachfront residence is located within an exclusive gated community on Saadiyat Island and spans over 6,561 square metres. This landmark deal not only underscores the emirate’s growing appeal among global high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) but also signals Abu Dhabi’s position as a rising global luxury real estate hub. The sale surpasses Aldar’s previous record of AED 137 million for a Nobu Residences penthouse on the same island. According to Aldar,…