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.
Luxury Swiss watchmaker Movado has launched the second chapter of its Always in Motion. Since 1881 campaign, bringing together five cultural icons in a cinematic showcase of design, heritage and individuality. The campaign reunites musician and actor Ludacris, actress Jessica Alba, American football star Christian McCaffrey, Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore, and NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton. Each figure was selected not only for their influence in their respective fields but also for how their personal journeys reflect Movado’s philosophy of timeless motion. Celebrating heritage through icons Margot Grinberg, President of Movado, said the brand sought to deepen its storytelling for the…
Global sports brand PUMA has unveiled its “Future of Fast” campaign in Tokyo, presenting a bold vision of innovation and athlete-driven performance ahead of the World Athletics Championships 2025. The initiative includes athlete-led events, immersive experiences, and a showcase of cutting-edge product design, reinforcing PUMA’s commitment to redefining speed in track, field, and road racing. Athlete-centred innovation PUMA’s Vice President of Innovation, Romain Girard, said the brand’s approach focuses on practical solutions shaped by elite athletes. “Innovation isn’t about chasing flashy ideas—it’s about solving real problems. At PUMA, we start with the athletes. We listen, build, test, and learn,” Girard…
ROX Motor, the international luxury new energy vehicle brand, has completed the Iraq stage of its ambitious 25,000 km Silk Road Tour, highlighting the company’s growing global presence and commitment to sustainable mobility. The convoy entered Iraq after travelling 9,500 kilometres across China, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, tracing historic routes through Mosul, Erbil, and Baghdad. The journey combined extensive test drives with cultural exchanges, underscoring the brand’s mission to connect history with modern innovation. Showcasing all-terrain innovation Central to the tour was the performance of the ROX 01 luxury all-terrain SUV, which navigated Iraq’s diverse terrain of plains, mountain…
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has unveiled a new global campaign for its luxury brand Alila, designed to invite travellers to explore not only new destinations but also deeper personal journeys. The campaign, titled “A World Awaits,” highlights immersive guest experiences called Alila Moments, crafted to connect visitors with local culture, tradition, and nature. A focus on immersion and connection Hyatt describes the campaign as a reflection of how travel can be both outward and inward. Guests are encouraged to “experience place with presence,” pairing the beauty of Alila’s natural settings with intimate, mindful activities. The campaign imagery juxtaposes sweeping landscapes with…
Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have announced a major expansion of their codeshare partnership, increasing flight frequencies between Doha and Beijing ahead of China’s Golden Week holiday. The move strengthens connectivity between China and more than 170 destinations worldwide through Doha’s Hamad International Airport, which was voted the “Best Airport in the Middle East” by Skytrax in 2025. Expanded flights and codeshares From 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will place its code on China Southern’s three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing International Airport and Doha. At the same time, China Southern will extend its “CZ” code to Qatar…
Show TV has begun production on one of the season’s most anticipated dramas, Bereketli Topraklar (Fertile Lands), starring Engin Akyürek and Gülsim Ali. The series has already generated strong interest from both viewers and industry insiders, underlining the continued global appeal of Turkish television. Produced by Süreç Film, the drama officially went on set this week. It is written by Hasan Tolga Pulat, Ozan Ağaç, and Seçil Çömlekçi, with creative supervision by Yağız Alp Akaydın, a director and producer best known for shaping some of Turkey’s most successful screen projects. A story of love, power and sacrifice Described by producers…
The upcoming ATV drama Abi has ignited controversy before cameras have even started rolling, after the casting of Kenan İmirzalioğlu, 50, and Afra Saraçoğlu, 26, in leading roles revealed a 24-year age difference between the stars. While Turkish television is no stranger to bold casting choices, the significant age gap has sparked a heated debate among fans and critics, with many questioning whether the pairing will be convincing on screen. A story of family and disruption In the series, İmirzalioğlu takes on the role of Cerrah Doğan Hancıoğlu, a man who distanced himself from his family years ago to build…
Turkey’s internet-famous chef Burak Özdemir, better known as CZN Burak, has drawn renewed attention on social media after purchasing a luxury Mercedes-Benz once owned by popular actor and model Burak Özçivit. The deal, reported by Turkish daily Hürriyet, was closed for around 14 million Turkish lira — approximately $400,000 — a price described by local media as a “fantastic sum.” The purchase has sparked debate about the chef’s high-profile lifestyle and growing portfolio of investments beyond the restaurant industry. From kitchen star to social media icon CZN Burak rose to fame through viral cooking videos showcasing enormous portions, warm hospitality,…
A full-length artificial intelligence (AI) movie called Critterz, backed by Sam Altman’s OpenAI, has entered production — a move that has ignited heated debate over ethics, creativity and the future of artists in the film industry. According to the Wall Street Journal, the film will incorporate OpenAI’s video-generation tool Sora into its production pipeline. The project is expected to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in France, with OpenAI reportedly aiming to show that its technology can create films at a fraction of Hollywood’s costs. AI versus artistry Critics argue that lower budgets do not necessarily translate into better films.…
Sudan’s civil war has displaced more than 13 million people, crippled institutions, and created one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises. Yet the conflict remains underreported on the global stage. Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is now seeking to shift that narrative through “Seeing Sudan: Politics Through Art,” a three-day conference highlighting the power of culture in times of conflict. The event, running from 18 to 20 September at the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha, brings together more than 50 leading scholars, artists and activists. According to GU-Q Dean Safwan M. Masri, the gathering aims to amplify Sudanese voices and…