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.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has posted its strongest-ever half-year financial results, as rising demand and operational efficiency boosted revenue and profit to new highs. The state-owned utility, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, reported revenue of AED 14.6 billion ($4 billion) for the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 6.9%. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 5.3% to AED 7.0 billion, while net profit climbed 13.2% to AED 2.9 billion. Operating cash flow reached a record AED 9.2 billion, up 61.3% compared with the same period in 2024. The company also approved a…
Chinese automaker Chery Group has officially launched its new brand, iCAUR, in Dubai, marking a significant step in its strategy to expand into the Middle East. The debut event featured the global unveiling of two hybrid SUV models, the iCAUR V27 and iCAUR 03T, alongside ambitious regional growth plans. The iCAUR V27 and 03T adopt advanced range-extender hybrid powertrains, combining fuel efficiency with extended driving range. Both models showcase the brand’s “J-Style” design philosophy, a boxy, rugged aesthetic aimed at younger, style-focused buyers in the Middle East. As iCAUR’s first mid-to-large SUV, the V27 blends retro styling with modern technology.…
Megaport Limited (ASX: MP1), the Australia-listed Network as a Service (NaaS) provider, has reached a major milestone with the launch of its 1,000th Megaport-enabled location. The expansion cements the company’s position as the world’s largest vendor-neutral NaaS connectivity platform, now present in 10% of all public data centres worldwide. The 1,000th site, hosted by DataBank at its SAN1 facility in San Diego, marks a significant step in Megaport’s global growth strategy. The Brisbane-founded company now offers services in over 160 cities across 26 countries, connecting enterprises to all major cloud providers and hundreds of service partners. Michael Reid, Chief Executive…
ARMAF Perfumes, the UAE-based luxury fragrance brand, has launched two new scents – Ombre D’Or and Perle D’Or – inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi. The launch signals a shift towards deeper, more emotionally resonant perfumery in a market often driven by seasonal trends. Kintsugi, the centuries-old practice of repairing broken pottery with gold, symbolises embracing imperfections as part of one’s story. ARMAF’s latest creations translate this philosophy into scent, offering what the brand describes as “unpolished luxury” – perfumes that value stillness, reflection, and emotional connection over fleeting fashion. Hamza Fakhruddin, Managing Director and Board Member of Sterling…
Aramex has reported stable revenues for the first half of 2025, as the Dubai-listed logistics group pressed ahead with a sweeping transformation programme aimed at positioning the company for long-term growth. The firm posted group revenues of AED 1.50bn for the second quarter, unchanged from the same period in 2024, while half-year revenues rose 1% to AED 3.06bn. Gains in domestic and regional markets offset weaker international flows as global supply chains continued to shift towards nearshoring. Acting Group Chief Executive Nicolas Sibuet said the results reflected “consistent execution” despite margin pressures. He pointed to Aramex’s Accelerate28 strategy and a…
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has onboarded Thndr, a leading retail investment platform in the MENA region, as its first remote retail trading member, in a move aimed at broadening market access and boosting regional capital flows. The announcement, made at ADX headquarters in Abu Dhabi, marks a significant milestone for both organisations. The ADX is the largest exchange in the UAE, the second-largest in the MENA region, and ranks among the world’s top 20. Founded in Egypt in 2020, Thndr is one of the region’s first fully digital investment platforms, regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial…
Cadillac Middle East has unveiled the refreshed CT5 line-up, including the high-performance CT5-V and flagship CT5-V Blackwing, alongside the brand’s all-electric LYRIQ SUV, marking a major step in its regional strategy. The twin launch blends the brand’s performance heritage with its electric future, offering customers a wider range of powertrain options without compromising on Cadillac’s hallmark luxury and design. Refined performanceThe updated CT5 features a redesigned front fascia, Cadillac’s signature vertical lighting, and a sweeping 33-inch LED display inside. The CT5-V delivers 360 horsepower from a 3.0L twin-turbo V6, while the handcrafted CT5-V Blackwing boasts 668 horsepower from a 6.2L…
Ajman Bank has formed a long-term strategic partnership with environmental solutions company Ambipar to accelerate its net-zero ambitions and expand sustainable finance in the UAE. The collaboration, announced on 4 August at the bank’s headquarters, aims to align financial services with the country’s climate goals while creating new opportunities for customers to reduce their environmental footprint. Ambipar, a global leader in environmental and carbon management, will work with Ajman Bank to integrate green technologies, carbon accounting tools, and verified emissions offset platforms into the bank’s operations and product portfolio. Roadmap to net zero Under the agreement, the two organisations will…
DP World has expanded its automotive logistics operations at Jebel Ali Port with the opening of a 2.6 million square foot vehicle storage yard at Terminal 4, increasing the port’s capacity and reinforcing Dubai’s position as the Middle East’s leading automotive trade hub. The new facility, which can accommodate an additional 13,000 car equivalent units (CEUs), raises the total storage capacity at Jebel Ali to 75,000 CEUs. An 800-metre quay has also been added, enabling the port to berth up to three roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels at the same time. By shifting RoRo operations from Terminal 1 to the newly built…
The 100-day countdown to the Dubai T100 triathlon has begun with a record-breaking challenge from one of the UAE’s most respected endurance athletes. From Friday, Ghani Souleymane will attempt to complete 100 consecutive 100km triathlons in 100 days, culminating with his final effort on the start line of the Dubai T100 on Sunday 16 November. The extraordinary attempt, which will begin at Kite Beach in Dubai, has been submitted for an official Guinness World Record. It will also raise funds for children affected by conflict. Each daily triathlon will match the official T100 format: a 2km swim, 80km bike ride…