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.
Sharjah has rounded off its 54th Eid Al Etihad (Union Day) festivities, finishing a programme that highlighted the nation’s cultural story, progress, innovation and sense of shared community. The celebrations welcomed attendees from across the UAE and around the world. Spanning from 19 November to 2 December, the event delivered more than 250 activities throughout Sharjah’s various regions. Attendance surpassed 233,000 people, underlining the unique cultural atmosphere that distinguishes each part of the emirate. The line-up featured maritime and ground parades, creative educational sessions, and exhibitions showcasing Emirati heritage. Technology-focused zones, led by Emirati youth, offered robotic demonstrations and smart-tech…
Azizi Developments has formalised a new partnership with Dorlet, the esteemed Spanish security technology provider, to install advanced access control systems across Burj Azizi, soon to become the world’s second-tallest tower. Dorlet, headquartered in Spain, is renowned for delivering sophisticated access control, identity management and integrated security solutions to major global clients. Its extensive portfolio spans airports, government buildings, corporate skyscrapers and large mixed-use projects, supported by advanced software, engineered hardware and high-level system interoperability. The partnership underscores Azizi’s objective to equip Burj Azizi with forward-thinking, secure and technology-led infrastructure. Dorlet’s solutions will enhance the tower’s operational performance, ensuring safe,…
A season of joyful gatherings, festive dining and magical memories awaits. This festive season, Central Hotels & Resorts invites guests to celebrate Christmas surrounded by warmth, happiness and shared moments with those who matter most. At its distinguished Dubai properties — Royal Central Hotel The Palm, C Central Resort The Palm and Canal Central Hotel Business Bay — visitors can enjoy enchanting holiday settings, indulgent Christmas menus and uplifting activities tailored for all generations. With Dubai illuminated in festive brilliance, each Central Hotels & Resorts venue becomes a vibrant showcase of holiday cheer. From abundant festive spreads and merry laughter…
On 2 December, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium hosted a breathtaking Opening Ceremony for the 2025 IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships — an evening of power, pride and international celebration that brought together sport, culture and entertainment on an unprecedented scale. With the city’s skyline illuminated behind them and aligning with UAE National Day, spectators welcomed the launch of the IBA’s first-ever Festival of Boxing, running until 13 December. Under dazzling light shows, pyrotechnics and flawless staging, the night marked a defining milestone for Dubai’s global sporting reputation and the dawn of a reinvigorated era for world boxing. The…
The Arabian Travel Awards 2025 concluded with a distinguished ceremony in Dubai, recognising the region’s most dynamic leaders and pioneers across travel, tourism, and hospitality. Widely acclaimed as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” the event assembled a notable mix of industry visionaries in celebration of exceptional accomplishments shaping the GCC’s tourism transformation. The awards took place at Embassy Suites by Hilton Business Bay, where guests were welcomed by SanJeet, Director of DDP Group, who presided over the evening as master of ceremonies. The audience included high-profile dignitaries and senior industry figures, among them Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi from the…
AlUla, renowned for its ancient heritage and cultural significance, is preparing a spectacular celebration to ring in 2026. Icons Assala Nasri and Adam will headline the New Year’s Eve gala on 31 December 2025, bringing together world-class performances and the dramatic desert scenery of AlUla. Taking place at the Thanaya AlUla outdoor venue, the evening offers a unique musical experience in the open air. Visitors will gather beneath the night sky surrounded by AlUla’s imposing sandstone cliffs and vast canyons, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for the year’s final moments. Acclaimed star Assala Nasri, affectionately titled the “Queen of Arab Music,”…
Tawfeer Supermarket has kicked off its Christmas charitable initiative in collaboration with Tamanna, the Lebanese NGO dedicated to granting the wishes of children living with critical illnesses. The programme was announced during a festive gathering on 29 November at Tawfeer’s Tabarja location, attended by Chief Human Resources Officer Fadel Makki representing Chairman & CEO Rami Bitar, Tamanna President Inas Fakhreddine, the Children’s Choir of the Kfaryassin and Adma Parish, as well as invited guests and media representatives. Throughout the festive period, customers are encouraged to donate $1 or more at checkout to help bring joy to 9 children supported by…
On 2 December, the United Arab Emirates marks its 54th National Day, commemorating the union of its seven emirates in 1971 and the beginning of a remarkable nation-building journey. This year’s theme, “United,” reflects the cohesion, resilience and shared purpose that continue to define the country’s development. Throughout the Emirates, the celebrations bring together communities through cultural shows, public events and heritage displays. Streets and landmarks across the country are lit with flags and decorative installations, blending national pride with the UAE’s innovative character as people join in honouring their shared identity. UAE Media: A Chronicle of National Growth Since…
Sharjah Media City (Shams) has officially announced Shams Studios, an extensive new production hub set to elevate Sharjah’s global profile in film, streaming and television creation. Offering 9,600 square metres of custom-designed soundstages built to international technical standards, the facility is positioned to become one of the Middle East’s most advanced studio complexes. With film and TV production capacity increasingly strained in North America and Europe, Shams Studios seeks to offer an alternative for global content creators—particularly from the UK, US and India—by providing large-format stages, competitive production advantages and access to a region positioned at the crossroads of major…
Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) has introduced the Sustainability Futures Lab, a new initiative aimed at expanding the Forum’s role in developing human capital and reinforcing the regional sustainability ecosystem. Guided by the principle that education, skills-building and youth participation are central to long-term climate ambition, the Challenge encourages university students in Bahrain to create actionable, innovative solutions inspired by the themes of the Forum’s 4th edition. Supported by KPMG in Bahrain, and backed by the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) and the Higher Education Council (HEC), the programme builds strong links between academic talent and real-world sustainability priorities. Taking…