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.

Global icon Beyoncé and the Levi’s® brand have unveiled The Denim Cowboy, the final chapter in the year-long REIIMAGINE campaign, cementing their collaboration as one of the most ambitious and culturally resonant in fashion this year. The 90-second film serves as both a conclusion and culmination, blending previous campaign installments—Launderette, Pool Hall, and Refrigerator—into a single narrative arc. Directed by Grammy Award-winner Melina Matsoukas, the piece is set to a reworked version of Beyoncé’s “Levii’s Jeans” from her Grammy-winning Cowboy Carter album. In a nod to classic Levi’s® advertisements from the 1980s and 1990s, the film reimagines these cultural touchpoints…

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Chinese robotics firm UBTECH has unveiled its first humanoid home companion robot, priced at $20,000, as the country’s domestic robotics industry sees unprecedented growth. The robot, set to debut later this year, is aimed at serving families seeking intelligent in-home assistance, particularly for elderly care and childcare. The launch makes UBTECH one of the first Chinese companies to deliver a commercially available humanoid robot designed specifically for household use. The company has confirmed that it plans to ship 1,000 units within the first year, with manufacturing already underway. “We’re entering an era where smart, humanoid robots will become a real…

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A single sock worn by American pop icon Michael Jackson during a 1997 concert in Nice, France, has fetched a surprising $8,822 at auction, more than double its initial estimated value. The sale, held by the Hôtel des ventes de Nîmes auction house on Wednesday, stunned fans and collectors alike. Originally expected to sell for between $3,400 and $4,500, the “iconic” item drew enthusiastic bidding before closing at the much higher figure. The sock, worn during Jackson’s HIStory World Tour performance on June 27, 1997, was discovered near the singer’s dressing rooms by a technician working behind the scenes after…

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Burgan Bank has launched a new summer campaign offering complimentary chauffeured airport rides for its Elite Visa Signature debit card holders, as part of its ongoing commitment to deliver exceptional lifestyle benefits to its premium customers. The “Free Airport Ride” campaign, running through 31 August 2025, is part of the bank’s year-round loyalty program tailored for Elite clients. The initiative aims to blend banking excellence with added comfort and convenience during the busy travel season. Elite cardholders can book a one-way transfer to or from Kuwait International Airport through the Elite Concierge Service by contacting +965 22969960. “Summer is a…

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Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has announced the return of DIFC Art Nights, one of the UAE’s most celebrated cultural festivals, set to take place from 13 to 16 November 2025. Marking its 20th edition, this milestone celebration will honour a decade of artistic innovation, community engagement, and cultural expression in the heart of Dubai. The four-day event will once again transform DIFC’s striking urban landscape into an immersive, open-air gallery showcasing a dynamic blend of visual art, design, music, performance, and dialogue. With its growing reputation as a premier platform for regional and international creatives, DIFC Art Nights is…

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Schneider Electric has announced its Q2 2025 extra-financial results, showcasing significant strides in sustainability as the company enters the final phase of its 2021–2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) program. With just six months remaining in the initiative, Schneider Electric posted an SSI score of 8.06 out of 10—its strongest yet—underscoring momentum across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. The quarter was marked by both international recognition and measurable on-the-ground impact. For the second consecutive year, TIME and Statista named Schneider Electric the World’s Most Sustainable Company. The accolade followed its earlier recognition as Europe’s Most Sustainable Corporation by Corporate Knights,…

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Kuwait International Bank (KIB) has received a prestigious accolade from the World Union of Arab Bankers (WUAB), earning the title of “Excellence in Digital Leadership and Customer-Centric Banking in Kuwait for the Year 2025”. The award was presented during the 11th Arab Banks Awards and Commendations of Excellence ceremony held in Beirut, organised by The Banking Executive Magazine, WUAB’s official publication. Representing KIB at the ceremony were Mr. Musab Al-Shalan, Deputy General Manager of the Retail Banking Department, and Ms. Marwa Marafie, Marketing & Corporate Communications Manager, who jointly accepted the award on behalf of the bank. The award reflects…

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In celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, InterContinental Dubai Festival City has launched a pair of curated dining experiences to honour the resilience, achievements, and enduring contributions of Emirati women to the UAE’s growth. The initiative underscores the hotel’s commitment to recognising women’s vital role in shaping the nation’s future and brings together the local community in moments of reflection, gratitude, and joy. Marking the national occasion, celebrated annually on 28 August, the hotel invites guests to participate through two distinct gastronomic offerings—each blending cultural heritage with world-class hospitality. These experiences are designed not only to delight the palate but also…

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American comedian Matt Rife has gone viral this week after announcing his purchase of one of the most infamous haunted properties in the United States—Ed and Lorraine Warren’s home and Occult Museum in Connecticut. The purchase includes the notorious Annabelle doll, made famous by The Conjuring film franchise. Rife, known for his viral comedy tours and internet presence, shared the news on social media alongside YouTuber and paranormal enthusiast Elton Castee. The two now co-own the historic property and its spine-chilling contents, including cursed artefacts once collected by the late Warrens—world-renowned paranormal investigators. “I have officially purchased Ed and Lorraine…

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Singapore-based startup Brilliant Labs has unveiled Halo, a new generation of smart glasses designed to help users recall names and enhance everyday memory tasks through AI-powered support. Priced at $299, the Halo glasses build upon the company’s earlier Frame model, adding a feature-rich upgrade with real-world applications for memory and vision assistance. What sets Halo apart is its Narrative system, a newly integrated AI framework that leverages data from embedded cameras, microphones, and user interactions to create a personalised knowledge base. This enables the glasses to identify people in real time, recall names, and offer contextual information based on previous…

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