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 Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab Middle East and North Africa (J-PAL MENA), based at The American University in Cairo (AUC), this week celebrated its fifth anniversary with a high-profile event that highlighted the organisation’s transformative role in advancing evidence-based policymaking across the region. Held at AUC’s Malak Gabr Theater, the event brought together leading researchers, government officials, development partners, and donors. A keynote address by Nobel Laureate and J-PAL co-founder Professor Abhijit Banerjee underscored the importance of data-driven interventions to solve poverty and social challenges. Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Al Mashat, also…
As temperatures rise across the Middle East, Shaza Hotels is welcoming travellers with a new seasonal campaign that blends luxury with cultural charm. The “Summer Smiles” offer, launched this week, is designed to encourage families to embrace slow, meaningful travel through immersive experiences inspired by heritage, nature, and connection. Available across all Shaza and Mysk by Shaza properties, the Summer Smiles offer includes 25% off Best Available Rates (BAR), 50% off additional rooms for children, complimentary stay and dining for kids under 12, and an additional 10% discount for members of the DISCOVERY loyalty programme. “This isn’t just about rates—it’s…
Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a contract extension with Saudi club Al Nassr that will see him remain with the team until 2027—and earn a staggering €400 million per year, cementing his place as the highest-paid athlete in history. The new deal breaks down to €33.34 million per month, €7.6 million per week, and over €1.1 million per day. That’s roughly €772 per minute and €13 per second. Ronaldo’s latest contract, widely reported to exceed €500 million in total value once bonuses and ownership stakes are accounted for, includes not only salary but also significant performance incentives and part-ownership in the…
James Gunn’s highly anticipated reboot of Superman is drawing enthusiastic early reactions, with many fans and critics already hailing it as one of the best superhero films in recent years—even before its official cinema debut. The film, which introduces David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and serves as the foundation for the newly revamped DC Universe, has left early viewers both impressed and emotional. On social media, early screening attendees praised the movie’s tone, visuals, and heartfelt storytelling. Bryan Sudfield, a film journalist, took to X (formerly Twitter) to write: “Superman soars with heart, humor, and style — a bold yet…
The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Azerbaijan have formally signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signalling a transformative step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. The agreement, signed in Abu Dhabi, was witnessed by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who is currently on a working visit to the UAE. The leaders met at the Beach Palace, where they held discussions on broadening strategic cooperation across multiple sectors. The CEPA outlines a broad framework for economic collaboration, focusing on trade, foreign investment, renewable energy, food security,…
Generation X is poised to become the world’s most influential consumer force, despite often being overlooked by brands chasing younger markets, according to a new report by NielsenIQ (NIQ) in partnership with World Data Lab (WDL). The report, titled The X Factor: How Generation X is quietly driving trillions in consumer spending, places Gen X—those born between 1965 and 1980—at the heart of a global consumer revolution. With an estimated $15.2 trillion in annual spending in 2025, expected to rise to $23 trillion by 2035, the cohort is outspending both Millennials and Gen Z, reshaping consumer priorities across key sectors.…
Egypt is set to explore the use of needle-free injections for polio immunisation, following a new agreement between US-based medical technology firm PharmaJet, local manufacturer EVA Pharma, and the Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority (UPA). The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed during the African Health ExCon in Cairo, aims to incorporate PharmaJet’s Tropis® needle-free injection system into Egypt’s routine immunisation programme. If successful, it could offer a safer, more cost-effective, and less painful alternative to traditional needle-based vaccines for children across the country. The initiative reflects Egypt’s ambition to modernise its public health infrastructure and lead regional efforts in pandemic preparedness…
Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor for Nissan in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, has become the first dealership globally to preview the 2026 Nissan Patrol NISMO following its world premiere in the UAE. The exclusive event also included the debut of the Z NISMO, drawing a strong response from performance car enthusiasts. Held across Al Masaood’s Abu Dhabi and Al Ain showrooms, the preview saw a fivefold increase in footfall and a 150% rise in Patrol NISMO bookings, signaling the region’s strong emotional connection with the NISMO brand and the Patrol legacy. A Regional Icon Reinvented Engineered…
LG Electronics has officially announced the global rollout of its OLED evo M5, the company’s newest wireless TV in its premium OLED line-up. Featuring True Wireless technology and 4K 144Hz visuals, the M5 is designed to deliver next-generation home entertainment—without the mess of cable clutter. At the heart of the M5 is LG’s proprietary Zero Connect Box, a wireless video and audio transmission hub that eliminates the need for cables between the TV and external devices. With industry-leading OLED picture quality, the M5 ensures visual excellence while offering the flexibility of a cable-free setup. “The OLED evo M5 exemplifies our…
BenQ, a global leader in professional visual display solutions, has announced two cutting-edge additions to its PD Designer Monitor Series: the 27” 5K PD2730S and the 32” 4K 144Hz PD3226G. Purpose-built for 3D artists, VFX animators, concept designers, and game developers, the new displays combine unparalleled color accuracy with performance features that enhance every stage of the creative process. “Our new PD Series monitors are designed with a clear focus: ‘Always Accurate and Consistent Colors’,” said Manish Bakshi, Managing Director, BenQ Middle East.“By addressing color inconsistencies, shadow precision, and workflow efficiency, we empower creators to bring photorealistic visuals to life.”…