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 Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced a new global partnership with tech giant Lenovo, naming its gaming division Lenovo Legion as the Official PC & Gaming Hardware Partner for the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC). Set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 7 July to 24 August 2025, the EWC is positioning itself as the premier global esports event, with 25 tournaments across 24 games, 2,000 elite players, and over $70 million in prize money — the largest pool in esports history. Through this new collaboration, Lenovo Legion’s high-performance gaming PCs and laptops will become the backbone…
Two of Deira’s landmark hotels—Novotel Dubai Gold District and Mercure Dubai Deira—are shaking up Dubai’s hospitality scene this summer with the launch of their limited-edition beverage menus, combining chilled mocktails, bold cocktails, and flavourful bites inspired by local heritage. Targeting both travellers and locals looking to escape the city’s sweltering heat, the rooftop and poolside venues are offering a distinctly Deira experience: cool sips with cultural depth, served alongside panoramic views of the historic Dubai Creek. At Mercure Dubai Deira, the ATMOS Rooftop Lounge leads the initiative with its Sweet Summer Sips collection—crafted with regional ingredients and global flair. Standouts…
LG Electronics Gulf and Schneider Electric have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on smart living, energy efficiency, and sustainability initiatives across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and broader Middle East region. The agreement, signed by Sa Nyoung Kim, President of LG Electronics Gulf, and Amel Chadli, President of Gulf Countries, Schneider Electric, signals a strategic alignment between two leading players in consumer electronics and digital energy transformation. Towards Smarter, Greener Homes Under the MoU, Schneider Electric’s renowned digital platforms, EcoStruxure and SpaceLogic KNX, will be integrated with LG’s advanced smart appliances and connected home systems. The…
Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious academic institutions, has officially launched the Hazem Ben-Gacem Arab Scholars Program, a new initiative aimed at strengthening educational and cultural ties between China and Arab League countries. The launch ceremony, held on Thursday, 26 June at Tsinghua’s campus in Beijing, brought together ambassadors, dignitaries, and academic leaders from across the Arab world and China. The scholarship will support up to 15 students each year from Arab League nations pursuing postgraduate education in China. The inaugural cohort includes six students, making it the first-ever scholarship at Tsinghua University dedicated to Arab nationals. The program…
Dar, a Sidara company and global leader in infrastructure consulting, has been appointed Independent Engineer for a major five-year investment program aimed at modernizing and expanding Paris-Beauvais Airport in France. The airport, which currently serves five million passengers annually, is set to undergo a large-scale transformation covering airside and landside infrastructure, terminal buildings, parking, and equipment installation. The initiative is spearheaded by SPV Bellova, the new concessionaire of the airport, with execution by a design-build consortium (CC) comprising Bouygues Bâtiment Grand Ouest, Bouygues Bâtiment International, Egis Avia, Egis Bâtiment, and architectural firm Ameller Dubois. Dar, through its French subsidiary Dar…
A new global study by Thales, conducted in partnership with S&P Global Market Intelligence 451 Research, reveals that AI-specific security has rapidly become a top enterprise concern, second only to cloud security in 2025. The shift signals a profound reallocation of cybersecurity budgets as companies race to secure sensitive data amid the dual rise of AI technologies and cloud infrastructure. According to the 2025 Thales Cloud Security Study, 52% of respondents reported that spending on AI security is displacing traditional security investments. The study, based on input from nearly 3,200 professionals across 20 countries, paints a complex picture of how…
A new study has revealed that 86% of UAE residents typically experience traffic congestion, with the situation worsening for 80% of respondents compared to last year. The findings are part of a wide-reaching survey conducted in June 2025 by an international online research agency, commissioned jointly by Al Wathba Insurance and RoadSafetyUAE. The data highlights that traffic is most often encountered during afternoon and morning work commutes as well as morning school runs, signalling that routine weekday travel remains a key stress point for residents. In a breakdown by emirate, Dubai and Sharjah top the list, with 91% and 90%…
Emirates is enhancing its global schedule with newly retrofitted aircraft and increased service frequencies across key destinations including Shanghai, Zurich, Milan, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Singapore. The updates come as part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to meet growing passenger demand and deliver a more refined inflight experience. The airline’s fleet enhancement strategy, underpinned by its ambitious retrofit programme, continues at pace. Since November 2022, Emirates has retrofitted 60 aircraft, with one aircraft receiving a full nose-to-tail upgrade every three weeks. The refreshed aircraft, particularly the Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s, offer the airline’s latest cabin products, including…
Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek at Jewel of the Creek has announced the launch of its much-anticipated 2025 Summer Camp, inviting young explorers aged 6 to 12 for an unforgettable season of fun, learning, and discovery. Running from June 30th to August 31st, the camp blends adventure with creativity in a secure, inspiring setting by the scenic waters of Dubai Creek. Set within the luxurious surrounds of one of Dubai’s newest waterfront destinations, the summer camp promises an enriching daily schedule packed with water activities, artistic exploration, active games, and cultural experiences. Water-based fun takes centre stage with sailing, kayaking, stand-up…
Kia Middle East and Africa has unveiled Tribes of Arabia, a cinematic road trip series celebrating the launch of its new mid-size pickup truck, the Kia Tasman. Spanning five episodes, the series journeys across the Arabian Peninsula, capturing a cultural tapestry of ancient tribal legacies while showcasing the Tasman’s off-road prowess and modern engineering. From the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE to the marshes of southern Iraq, Tribes of Arabia charts a bold path that merges automotive adventure with cultural immersion. Developed in partnership with Innocean MEA and McCann Content Studios, and directed by Neel Kumar, the…