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.
The American University of Beirut (AUB) Press hosted a compelling literary panel featuring Jokha Alharithi, the acclaimed Omani novelist and Man Booker International Prize winner, during the 66th Beirut Arab International Book Fair. The event, held in collaboration with AUB’s Center for Arts and Humanities and supported by the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Chair, was moderated by student Rana Roukoz, drawing a wide audience of literary enthusiasts and scholars. Alharithi, best known internationally for her novel Celestial Bodies, shared insights into her literary and academic journey. The discussion also delved into her other notable works, including The Silk…
Maserati has officially premiered its newest super sports car, the MCPURA, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025, showcasing a bold expression of Italian craftsmanship, innovation, and performance. A successor to the MC20, the MCPURA captures the spirit of Maserati’s racing soul while elevating its design and engineering to new heights. Presented in both coupé and convertible (Cielo) versions, the MCPURA retains the 630-CV V6 Nettuno engine, a Maserati-patented marvel inspired by Formula 1. With carbon-fibre construction, a best-in-class weight-to-power ratio of 2.33 kg/CV, and the brand’s signature Butterfly doors, the MCPURA cements its place among elite supercars. At its…
Dr. Faysal El Kak, a leading expert in sexual and reproductive health from the American University of Beirut (AUB), has been elected President of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) for the 2025–2029 term. This historic appointment marks the first time a scholar from outside the Americas, Europe, and South Africa has held this prestigious global role. WAS is a globally recognized umbrella organization comprising sexual health professionals, educators, service providers, and rights advocates. The association works to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the lifespan and around the world. Through partnerships with international institutions such…
Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm, has announced the successful exit of its majority stake in Italian cybersecurity firm HWG Sababa S.r.l., marking the first exit from its $570 million Investcorp Technology Partners Fund V (ITP V). The transaction sees ITP V and other investors sell their entire holdings in HWG Sababa to an oversubscribed €240 million single-asset continuation fund, managed by Investcorp and backed by institutional investors including Hayfin Capital Management and Coller Capital. The continuation fund closed in June 2025, with additional support from ITP V’s existing investors, Investcorp employees, and new limited partners. Despite the exit,…
Endeavor Jordan has announced a leadership transition, naming Samer Al Aloul of Capital Invest as Chairman of the Board, alongside Yousef Shamoun (Co-founder of ZenHR) and Qais Sabri (Founder & CEO of Eon Dental) as Vice Chairs. The new appointments are set to guide the organization through its next chapter of growth and entrepreneurial impact. The leadership change follows the successful tenure of Chairwoman Nadia Al Saeed and Vice Chairman Maher Kaddoura, under whom Endeavor Jordan significantly expanded its influence both locally and within Endeavor’s global network. With over 26 years of banking experience at top-tier institutions including CitiGroup, Standard…
End-user spending on generative AI (GenAI) models is set to surge, reaching $14.2 billion globally in 2025, according to the latest forecast by Gartner, Inc. The projected total represents a 148.3% increase over 2024, signaling the expanding adoption of GenAI technologies across enterprise sectors. The spending is expected to be driven by both foundation GenAI models, such as large language models (LLMs), and specialized GenAI models, which are fine-tuned for specific industries or business processes. Foundation models will continue to dominate in scale and use, but the most dramatic growth will come from domain-specific models. According to Table 1 from…
Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” has announced its sponsorship of a groundbreaking educational initiative in partnership with The English School (TES), introducing students to sustainable agriculture through a school-based vertical farming facility. The initiative aims to equip students with future-ready skills and environmental awareness, aligning with Markaz’s long-standing commitment to building human capacity under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. The initiative is designed to offer hands-on, experiential learning, enabling students to understand the science and impact of indoor vertical farming. The in-school facility allows students to explore crop cultivation in controlled environments, observe how vertical farming can support food security,…
Oman Air has been announced as the Official Airline Partner for COMEX 2025, underscoring its strategic commitment to innovation and digital transformation within the Sultanate and the wider region. Unveiled during a press conference hosted by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, the partnership positions Oman Air at the forefront of Oman’s largest technology and innovation exhibition, which will take place from 7–10 September 2025 at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. The collaboration is a key milestone in Oman Air’s digital-first transformation journey. From streamlined self-service tools and direct online bookings to an expanded suite of Oman…
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the appointment of Yousif Ahmed AlMutawa as Chief Real Estate Officer, expanding his leadership role beyond CEO of Sharjah Sustainable City to drive the emirate’s integrated real estate strategy. AlMutawa will now lead Shurooq’s entire real estate portfolio, overseeing strategic development, investor engagement, and sustainable community planning across Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. His appointment marks a strategic step in positioning Sharjah as a premier hub for values-driven urban development. With nearly two decades of experience at Shurooq, AlMutawa brings a wealth of expertise in project management, construction, operations, and investment.…
Orange Jordan is reinforcing its leadership in digital inclusion with a new initiative focused on empowering persons with disabilities. As part of its umbrella programme, “Differently Abled, Definitely Enabled,” the telecom company recently supported a specialized training session titled “The Art of Dialogue Management” for visually impaired individuals. Held at the Orange Digital Village in partnership with Al-Ataa Club Sport for the Blind, the training brought together over 20 participants with visual impairments. The event aimed to build participants’ understanding of disability rights, particularly those related to visual impairments, while addressing key psychological and social challenges. Through a series of…