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.

The future of luxury travel is personal. That was the clear message from industry leaders at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, where senior executives from Marriott, Fairmont, and Minor Hotels came together to discuss the accelerating shift toward hyper-personalisation in high-end hospitality. Gone are the days of standardised five-star service. In its place, a new era is emerging—one where experiences are curated to individual guest desires, often before they’re even voiced. According to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, released in collaboration with Tourism Economics, 85% of hoteliers now view personalisation as a core commercial priority, with tailored offerings linked…

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Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites, perched on the pristine shores of Palm Jumeirah, is redefining summer travel with a carefully curated suite experience catering to couples, families, and VIP groups. As part of its All-Inclusive, All-Exclusive concept, the resort delivers luxury with personal touches, panoramic views, and a seamless blend of comfort, space, and sophistication. Set against the azure backdrop of the Arabian Gulf and the glimmering skyline of Dubai Marina, the property’s expansive suites stretch across seven floors and are distinguished by elegant interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and rich wooden finishes. Most suites offer private balconies with sun…

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Following the sellout success of its 2023 debut, Emirates has unveiled a second limited-edition Aircrafted by Emirates collection—offering aviation enthusiasts and style-savvy travellers a rare chance to own luggage and accessories made from actual aircraft interiors. Now available through the Emirates Official Store, the 2025 collection features 167 handmade pieces created from upcycled materials taken from retired Emirates Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. Prices range between USD 80 and USD 350. The proceeds from this collection—like its predecessor—will largely benefit children’s charities via the Emirates Airline Foundation. The latest line includes three new trolley bag styles, two fashion-forward backpacks, and…

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The InterContinental Abu Dhabi has launched its highly anticipated All-Inclusive Summer Staycation, inviting local residents and regional travellers to experience a luxurious getaway without leaving the city. With a focus on indulgence, family fun, and world-class hospitality, the package is designed to offer a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure in the UAE capital. Located along the scenic coastal stretch of Abu Dhabi, the resort is offering an attractive full-board experience. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner accompanied by refreshing cold beverages during meals. Culinary offerings include extensive international buffets and à la carte selections at the hotel’s diverse…

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Eton Solutions, a global provider of enterprise wealth management platforms, has closed a $58 million Series C round, led by returning investor Navis Capital Partners. The funding marks a major milestone in the firm’s mission to modernize how the world’s wealthiest families and institutions manage complex financial portfolios. The raise, structured in two tranches, reflects confidence in Eton’s rapid growth trajectory and its flagship AtlasFive® platform, which now supports over $1 trillion in assets across 800+ families worldwide. “We’ve built an ecosystem that meets every wealth management need in one place,” said Satyen Patel, Executive Chairman of Eton Solutions. “This…

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In a major fintech move, SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSNC) has announced it will acquire Calastone, the largest global funds network and a key innovator in investment technology, for £766 million (approx. $1.03 billion USD) from global private equity firm Carlyle. The deal is expected to close in Q4 2025, pending regulatory approval. Calastone is a technology-driven platform that connects more than 4,500 financial institutions across 57 markets, simplifying and automating fund transactions worldwide. Its infrastructure is foundational to many wealth and asset management operations, enabling real-time, secure, and efficient processing of investment flows. “Together, we will create a…

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Takeda has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance for its new medical devices, HyHub™ and HyHub™ Duo. These innovations are designed to simplify the administration of HYQVIA®, an immunoglobulin therapy used to treat primary immunodeficiency (PI) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The devices are approved for use in patients aged 17 and older, offering a needle-free method for transferring HYQVIA from vials during home or clinical treatment. According to Takeda, HyHub and HyHub Duo function as docking stations for the dual vial units (DVUs) that comprise one vial of immune globulin (IG)…

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Arsenal and AC Milan will meet in a high-profile preseason fixture in Singapore on Wednesday, offering fans an early glimpse at their clubs’ summer overhauls and emerging talent. The match, taking place at the National Stadium, is expected to draw a packed crowd as both sides showcase new signings and test tactical adjustments ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. Gunners Ready for Fresh StartMikel Arteta’s Arsenal arrive in Asia keen to make a statement following a season that ended without silverware. Among the summer additions expected to feature are midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Danish…

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Turkish actress Hande Erçel and businessman Hakan Sabancı drew admiring glances as they attended the third night of Zein Qutami and Celio Saab’s grand wedding celebration in Beirut. The high-profile event, known for its opulence and star-studded guest list, continued its fashion-forward streak, and the couple’s elegant appearance added to its glamour. Erçel, renowned for her work in Turkish television and admired across the region for her style, wore a dazzling gold gown that epitomised understated luxury. The dress featured a fitted silhouette, an open neckline, and shimmering fabric that flowed gracefully, catching the light with every movement. Her hair,…

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Venture capital firm 500 Global has appointed Dr. Alaa Murabit as Managing Partner of Sustainable Growth, marking a significant strategic shift to accelerate inclusive economic transformation in frontier and emerging markets. Dr. Murabit, a globally recognized expert in health, climate, and inclusive development, will oversee a practice focused on mobilizing capital and capabilities across health, climate, and human development sectors. Her role will be critical in reshaping how capital is deployed to enable long-term, resilient economic growth, particularly in developing economies. The Sustainable Growth practice will bring together public, private, and philanthropic capital to create innovative financing strategies, educational programs,…

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