Author: 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.
In a major fintech move, SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSNC) has announced it will acquire Calastone, the largest global funds network and a key innovator in investment technology, for £766 million (approx. $1.03 billion USD) from global private equity firm Carlyle. The deal is expected to close in Q4 2025, pending regulatory approval. Calastone is a technology-driven platform that connects more than 4,500 financial institutions across 57 markets, simplifying and automating fund transactions worldwide. Its infrastructure is foundational to many wealth and asset management operations, enabling real-time, secure, and efficient processing of investment flows. “Together, we will create a…
Takeda has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance for its new medical devices, HyHub™ and HyHub™ Duo. These innovations are designed to simplify the administration of HYQVIA®, an immunoglobulin therapy used to treat primary immunodeficiency (PI) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The devices are approved for use in patients aged 17 and older, offering a needle-free method for transferring HYQVIA from vials during home or clinical treatment. According to Takeda, HyHub and HyHub Duo function as docking stations for the dual vial units (DVUs) that comprise one vial of immune globulin (IG)…
Arsenal and AC Milan will meet in a high-profile preseason fixture in Singapore on Wednesday, offering fans an early glimpse at their clubs’ summer overhauls and emerging talent. The match, taking place at the National Stadium, is expected to draw a packed crowd as both sides showcase new signings and test tactical adjustments ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. Gunners Ready for Fresh StartMikel Arteta’s Arsenal arrive in Asia keen to make a statement following a season that ended without silverware. Among the summer additions expected to feature are midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Danish…
Turkish actress Hande Erçel and businessman Hakan Sabancı drew admiring glances as they attended the third night of Zein Qutami and Celio Saab’s grand wedding celebration in Beirut. The high-profile event, known for its opulence and star-studded guest list, continued its fashion-forward streak, and the couple’s elegant appearance added to its glamour. Erçel, renowned for her work in Turkish television and admired across the region for her style, wore a dazzling gold gown that epitomised understated luxury. The dress featured a fitted silhouette, an open neckline, and shimmering fabric that flowed gracefully, catching the light with every movement. Her hair,…
Venture capital firm 500 Global has appointed Dr. Alaa Murabit as Managing Partner of Sustainable Growth, marking a significant strategic shift to accelerate inclusive economic transformation in frontier and emerging markets. Dr. Murabit, a globally recognized expert in health, climate, and inclusive development, will oversee a practice focused on mobilizing capital and capabilities across health, climate, and human development sectors. Her role will be critical in reshaping how capital is deployed to enable long-term, resilient economic growth, particularly in developing economies. The Sustainable Growth practice will bring together public, private, and philanthropic capital to create innovative financing strategies, educational programs,…
In a spirited celebration of academic excellence, Burgan Bank has honoured Kuwait’s top-achieving high school graduates of 2025 in a special ceremony held in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. The event, which took place in Kuwait City, brought together students, parents, bank executives, and senior education officials in recognition of outstanding achievements across science, arts, and special education disciplines. Among the dignitaries attending were Ms. Maryam Al-Enezi, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Development and Activities at the Ministry of Education, and Mr. Fadel Abdullah, CEO – Kuwait at Burgan Bank. Senior executives from the Bank, including Mr. Naqeeb Amin, General…
Eighty-three high school students from around the world took a significant step toward their dreams of becoming physicians through the Medical Minds Online Program (MMOP), a virtual summer initiative hosted by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). Organised by the Office of Student Outreach and Educational Development, MMOP is part of WCM-Q’s broader Summer Enrichment Programs, designed to give academically driven pre-college students a meaningful introduction to medicine and the sciences. Held over one week, the program blended live Zoom sessions and self-paced learning modules, offering students early exposure to real-world medical topics such as anatomy, forensic biology, medical ethics, surgery, and…
Kuwait Telecommunications Company – stc has announced its sponsorship of ‘Sayef Expo’, a vibrant three-day exhibition spotlighting summer-focused services and local entrepreneurship. The event hosted over 30 Kuwaiti brands and SMEs and served as a platform for stc to reinforce its ongoing support for small and medium enterprises under its flagship ‘Weyak’ initiative. Held with the aim of promoting local businesses across a variety of sectors — from retail and technology to health and lifestyle — Sayef Expo offered participating vendors increased visibility and valuable customer engagement. stc’s involvement went beyond traditional sponsorship, with a dedicated booth that featured interactive…
Huawei has unveiled the latest in its popular smartwatch line with the launch of the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series, including the WATCH FIT 4 and the flagship WATCH FIT 4 Pro — wearable companions designed to seamlessly fit into the lives of people who move, explore, and perform. With sleek aesthetics and powerful fitness features, the new series caters to individuals looking to level up their wellness journey while embracing adventure and balance. From golfers and divers to trail runners and weekend explorers, the WATCH FIT 4 Pro is tailored to active lifestyles that thrive on data, movement, and…
As mist rolls into the southern mountains of Dhofar, so too does a wave of melody and celebration. Telecom giant Ooredoo has unveiled a new tribute song dedicated to the spirit of Khareef, the annual monsoon season that transforms the landscape and unites communities across Oman. Far from a commercial pitch, the song is a heartfelt homage to Dhofar and its people, performed by four of Oman’s most well-known digital creators: Mohammed Al Arimi, Taj Al Balushi, Ibrahim Al-Kindi, and Abdullah Al Ghafri. Each brings their own regional roots, storytelling flair, and musical energy, weaving a tapestry of local pride…