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.
SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor marine life theme park, is diving into summer with the return of its vibrant Electric Ocean Festival. Running daily from 28 June to 31 August, the second edition of the festival promises immersive entertainment, neon-lit spectacles, and educational experiences for guests of all ages. A core celebration of SeaWorld’s One Ocean story, the festival highlights humanity’s connection with the ocean, offering interactive experiences that blend entertainment with marine conservation. Electrifying Entertainment and Immersive Experiences Visitors will be welcomed with a high-energy pre-show party designed to warm up the crowd with music…
As summer travel trends shift towards local experiences, Dubai’s Deira district is re-emerging as a weekend escape for UAE residents, powered by a cluster of urban hotels offering culturally rich and wallet-friendly stays. Hospitality brands including Novotel, Mercure, ibis Styles, and Adagio Aparthotel are redefining Deira as a heritage-infused staycation hub, blending old-world charm with modern comfort. With domestic travel on the rise, these properties are tailoring their offerings to fit the preferences of solo explorers, families, digital nomads, and hybrid workers looking to balance affordability with authenticity. A limited-time offer provides up to 25% off stays of two nights…
In a significant international recognition of Dubai Customs’ efforts in empowering women and fostering innovation, Eman Badr Al Suwaidi, Director of the Clients Happiness Department and Head of the Authorized Economic Operator Program, was awarded the Harvard Business Awards Council (HBC) honor and gold medal at a prestigious ceremony in London. Held at the historic Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), the awards ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements in innovation, sustainability, and leadership. Al Suwaidi was recognized for her transformative role in advancing inclusive leadership, enhancing customer experiences, and spearheading innovative solutions within Dubai Customs. Her initiatives have streamlined…
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has marked a significant milestone in its talent development journey with the graduation of the first cohort from its High-Flyer Development Programme, a key initiative designed to cultivate internal leadership and accelerate career growth across the organisation. The graduation ceremony took place in the presence of H.E. Jawaan Awaidha Al Khaili, Chairman of ADIB, along with board members, Group CEO Mohamed Abdelbary, and senior executives. The event celebrated the accomplishments of employees who completed the six-month programme focused on building future-ready leaders. Launched in September 2024 in collaboration with AFAQ, the High-Flyer Programme was tailored…
Gulf Business Machines (GBM), a leading regional digital solutions provider, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Arab Open University (AOU) to strengthen cybersecurity resilience and build digital trust across the region’s education sector. Headquartered in Kuwait, AOU is a non-profit academic institution providing accessible blended learning across more than nine Arab countries. The new partnership, led by GBM Kuwait (Khorafi Business Machines – KBM), aims to safeguard AOU’s digital infrastructure amid a growing wave of sophisticated cyber threats targeting educational institutions. At the core of the engagement is GBM’s proprietary COR. platform, an AI-powered cybersecurity suite…
As temperatures rise across the UAE, LG Electronics is putting a spotlight on its CordZero™ A9 vacuum cleaner range—designed to help households stay cool, clean, and dust-free throughout the summer months. From compact homes to large villas, LG’s lineup caters to a variety of lifestyles, combining advanced cleaning power with smart design and convenience. The CordZero™ A9 series offers cordless freedom, powerful suction, and intuitive handling, making it ideal for households looking to combat indoor dust, allergens, and heat-induced grime. With a sleek, modern design and user-friendly features like washable filters and easy-to-empty dustbins, LG’s vacuum cleaners simplify deep cleaning…
The Emirates Group’s annual innovation forum, ForsaTEK 2025, has returned with a bold focus on scaling technology across aviation, spotlighting advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The event is driving deeper engagement across the Group’s businesses, underlining Emirates’ commitment to embedding innovation at every level of operation. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the forum also welcomed Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, for an official opening and guided tour. “ForsaTEK 2025 underpins our continued…
Seiko Epson Corporation has marked the 50th anniversary of the Epson brand, celebrating half a century of innovation, global expansion, and technological leadership across a wide spectrum of industries. Founded in 1975, the Epson brand originated with the EP-101, the world’s first compact digital printer. The name “Epson” — meaning “son of EP” — reflected a vision of generational innovation. Since then, Epson has expanded its reach from printing to visual communication, factory automation, wearables, and semiconductors. Pioneers in Printing Epson’s evolution in printing has redefined industry standards. Milestones include the MP-80 printer and the adoption of ESC/P language, the…
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has achieved a significant milestone in the QS World University Rankings 2026, rising 110 positions to secure 391st place globally. This leap places ADU among the top 400 universities worldwide—a prestigious recognition of its growing global influence and academic excellence. The university also advanced to fifth position nationally among 12 UAE institutions, up two places from the previous year. The rankings reflect enhanced metrics used by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), including improved methodologies for measuring employer and academic reputation, citations per faculty, and overall research impact. Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, welcomed the announcement…
Ooredoo has introduced new roaming bundles designed for customers travelling to Saudi Arabia this summer, offering greater flexibility and affordability as festival season in the Kingdom kicks off. Dubbed the “Saudi Passport” bundles, the offering includes two cost-effective plans: a 7-day bundle priced at OMR 7 with 7GB of data and 70 voice minutes, and a 15-day package at OMR 14 offering 15GB and 150 minutes. Both bundles are aimed at giving Ooredoo customers robust connectivity without the worry of unexpected roaming fees. The initiative comes as travellers flock to Saudi cities like Jeddah, Tabuk, and Abha for cultural and…