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.
Mastercard has unveiled two new sonic anthems tailored for African audiences, marking a bold expansion of its global sonic brand in a region where music is a powerful cultural currency. The anthems, “Wami” in the Afrobeat genre and “Amazwe” in Amapiano, feature Nigerian pop star Mayorkun and South African icon Sho Madjozi, respectively. The initiative highlights Mastercard’s strategic focus on embedding its identity within popular culture, particularly among the continent’s young, music-savvy population. The songs were officially released this week and will be accompanied by music videos and a TikTok dance challenge. The move is part of Mastercard’s broader ambition…
Markets opened the week on a cautious note as geopolitical tensions and oil supply concerns weighed on investor sentiment. Volatility surged across asset classes, with bitcoin falling below $100,000, equity futures sliding, and gold climbing as investors rushed into safe-haven assets. The heightened risk environment follows rising fears of retaliation in sensitive regions, particularly around oil infrastructure and maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for global oil supply. Analysts warn that any disruption could severely impact oil flows, rattling energy markets and broader investor confidence. Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro, noted that this…
For families looking to combine everyday comfort with exceptional peace of mind, two new SUVs from General Motors are standing out in 2025. The GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse have each earned the coveted Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)—a mark of excellence in vehicle protection and reliability. These awards, announced in March and April respectively, reflect GM’s long-standing emphasis on designing vehicles that prioritise safety as much as style, comfort, and functionality. Whether it’s school runs, road trips, or daily commutes, these vehicles are tailored to meet the demands of modern family life…
Visa, the global digital payments giant, has announced a major expansion of its stablecoin initiatives across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA), alongside a new strategic partnership with African fintech firm Yellow Card. The move signals Visa’s deepening commitment to blockchain-based payment infrastructure and its belief in stablecoins as a critical tool for the future of global money movement. The latest developments aim to accelerate Visa’s stablecoin settlement capabilities in the CEMEA region, bringing enhanced speed, security, and liquidity management to cross-border transactions. In particular, Visa is enabling selected issuers and acquirers in the region to…
Telecom provider Ooredoo has joined in celebrations marking the 2025 Philippine Independence Day in Oman, taking centre stage as the official telecommunications sponsor for the event. The occasion, which drew hundreds from the Filipino community and beyond, was held last week in Muscat and served as a vibrant display of national pride and cultural heritage. The annual event, commemorating the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spain in 1898, has become a key date on Oman’s multicultural calendar. This year’s edition included traditional music and dance performances, Filipino cuisine, and a colourful showcase of heritage, underscoring the strong presence of the…
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – Celebrate the Islamic New Year in style with an unforgettable long weekend staycation at Rixos Bab Al Bahr, located on the serene Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The luxurious beachfront resort is offering a two-night all-inclusive package starting from AED 1,199 per night from June 26 to 28, 2025. Perfect for families looking to relax and reconnect, the resort features pyramid-style architecture, well-appointed rooms and suites, 13 restaurants and bars, and eight swimming pools, including dedicated kids’ aqua zones and a tranquil spa pool. With an expansive lineup of water sports, fitness facilities,…
Namibia claimed the championship title at the inaugural Dubai Holding Community Management UAE Netball Cup 2025, following a thrilling 62–53 win over Singapore in a high-energy final at Al Nasr Sports Hall. The week-long tournament, officially sanctioned by World Netball, marked a breakthrough moment for international netball in the Middle East. With six national teams ranked between 18th and 30th globally — Namibia (20), Singapore (19), Kenya (25), Ireland (18), UAE (23), and the United States (30) — the event showcased elite-level competition and growing global interest in women’s sport. Tournament Highlights: The UAE Falcons delivered a memorable performance in…
This summer, Dubai residents and visitors are invited to indulge in a uniquely nostalgic escape aboard one of the city’s most iconic attractions — the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2). Permanently docked at Port Rashid, the storied British ocean liner turned hotel offers a distinctive mix of heritage, comfort, and curated hospitality experiences, from sea-view staycations and royal teas to classic roasts and British pub favourites. Sea-View Getaways and Staycations The QE2 offers a serene maritime retreat without leaving the city. Guests can enjoy: With panoramic water views and a setting steeped in oceanic legacy, the QE2’s stay packages promise a…
Škoda Auto has appointed Q-Auto as its exclusive distributor in Qatar, marking a strategic expansion for the Czech brand into one of the Gulf’s most dynamic automotive markets. The announcement includes plans for a new showroom launch in late 2025, reinforcing the brand’s long-term investment in the country’s growing demand for intelligent and reliable mobility. With a focus on high-value vehicles and top-tier customer service, the partnership is set to revamp Škoda’s market presence in Qatar. Q-Auto, well known for its previous partnerships with Volkswagen and Audi, brings a proven track record of premium customer engagement, operational excellence, and aftersales…
Canon Inc. has announced that three of its specialized RF dual fisheye lenses for 3D VR video will soon be compatible with Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computer, reinforcing a growing collaboration between Canon and Apple in immersive content creation. Canon’s RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE and RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE lenses will support Apple’s newly introduced Apple Projected Media Profile (APMP), a QuickTime movie format designed for spatial video playback on the Apple Vision Pro. These lenses are part of Canon’s EOS VR System, which launched in 2021 to serve the evolving needs of content creators working in VR…