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.
Samsung Electronics has announced the expansion of its One UI 8 beta programme, bringing its next-generation software to a wider range of Galaxy devices. The update introduces enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) features designed to make everyday routines simpler, while offering more natural ways for users to interact with their devices. The beta programme was first introduced in May with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series. Starting next week, Samsung will extend participation to owners of the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 in Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom and India. By September, the…
PFAFF, a leading global sewing machine brand under SVP Worldwide, has announced the international launch of three new models — the creative expression 750, quilt expression 725, and expression 715. The machines, which combine precision engineering, innovative technology, and the craftsmanship synonymous with the PFAFF name, will be available from 14 August 2025 in the United States and Europe. They can be purchased via the company’s official website and authorised dealers, with expanded distribution planned for Latin America and the Asia Pacific region later in the year. SVP Worldwide, which also owns the SINGER® and HUSQVARNA® VIKING® brands, described the…
A 2019 scientific study has resurfaced online after revealing that the hit dubstep track Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Skrillex could help keep mosquitoes at bay. Published in the journal Acta Tropica, the research examined how sound waves in music could influence the behaviour of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes — the species responsible for spreading yellow fever, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Researchers exposed the insects to the song for 10 minutes and recorded significant changes in their behaviour. Female mosquitoes took longer to initiate attacks on hosts, made fewer feeding attempts, and visited hosts less frequently compared to those in…
Fans of Turkish television are abuzz with anticipation after behind-the-scenes footage from the upcoming drama Bize Bir Şey Olmaz (Nothing Will Happen to Us) went viral on social media. The clip shows Mert Ramazan Demir in a sleek black outfit on a sunlit beach, alongside co-star Miray Daner in an elegant wedding dress – a pairing that has already set imaginations racing. The series, consisting of eight episodes, tells the story of Aktan and Lal’s passionate yet turbulent romance. Lal, played by Daner, is a bright young editor at a publishing house whose orderly life is disrupted when she meets…
At least 40 people have died in Sudan’s western Darfur region amid what aid groups describe as the worst cholera outbreak the country has seen in years. The international medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said today that the deaths occurred over the past week as the outbreak spreads in the midst of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, now in its third year. “In addition to an all-out war, the people of Sudan are now suffering from the worst cholera outbreak the country has seen in years,” MSF said in a statement. The organisation reported that its teams in Darfur have treated…
A man has died and two others have been hospitalised in Jordan as the country endures one of its most extreme heatwaves in recent years. Temperatures this week have soared beyond 47°C (116°F), prompting urgent warnings from health officials. Local media outlet Al Ghad reported that the deceased, an Arab man, was admitted to hospital in critical condition after suffering from heatstroke. He was taken directly to the intensive care unit but died shortly after arrival. The other two patients remain under medical observation and are said to be in stable condition. Medical professionals say several heat-related cases have been…
Azizi Developments, one of the UAE’s leading private property developers, has announced the launch of its latest premium residential venture, Azizi David, in the sought-after Al Jaddaf district. The official unveiling will take place on Monday, 18 August 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of the Conrad Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, running from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Strategically located on the banks of Dubai Creek, Azizi David will offer a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and high-end penthouses. The development promises panoramic waterfront views and direct access to a variety of lifestyle amenities, including swimming pools, a…
Kuwait is set to host one of Russia’s most celebrated cultural showcases as the Moscow Seasons festival arrives in the Middle East for the first time. From 25 to 27 September, audiences in Kuwait will be immersed in the sights, sounds, and flavours of the Russian capital through a programme blending classical music, art, traditions, and modern attractions. Supported by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Kuwait, Moscow Seasons in Kuwait will unfold across two major venues — the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre and The Avenues shopping mall. Organisers say the event aims to introduce visitors to Moscow’s…
In a city renowned for ambition and spectacle, Accor is inviting Dubai residents to pause and rediscover a quieter side of the emirate with a staycation in the Gold District and Deira. Long associated with trade and tradition, the area is offering something different to the usual weekend getaway — not an escape from the city, but a new perspective on it. With room rates from AED 130, curated dining from AED 100, and themed nights at Novotel Dubai Gold District from AED 79, Accor says it is offering residents “a chance to see the familiar through unfamiliar eyes.” The…
As the new school year draws near, Epson has announced a range of EcoTank printers aimed at meeting the needs of students, parents, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals — with an added educational bonus. In a collaboration with TLC Middle East, Epson is offering customers who purchase selected EcoTank models up to four free afterschool sessions. The classes, available either as on-site sports activities or as one-on-one online tutorials, cover subjects such as mathematics, science, and English. Frank Oliveria, Consumer Sales Manager at Epson Middle East, said the initiative was designed to make technology both empowering and accessible for all members…