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.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), one of the region’s leading Islamic financial institutions, has announced the mobilisation of over AED 17 billion in sustainable finance by the end of 2024. This milestone marks meaningful progress towards the bank’s broader goal of directing AED 60 billion into sustainable finance by 2030. The announcement comes as part of ADIB’s 2024 Sustainability Report, which outlines the bank’s ongoing contributions to climate action, inclusive growth, and responsible banking practices. These efforts align with national frameworks such as the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy and the UAE 2031 vision. First Financed Emissions Targets for an…
In a significant leap towards smarter manufacturing, the BMW Group has introduced Factory Genius, a new AI-powered assistant designed to support maintenance teams in diagnosing and resolving equipment faults swiftly on the production line. With every minute of downtime costing precious output, BMW is leveraging generative AI to minimize delays in its vehicle manufacturing process. Launched in its initial development phase, Factory Genius allows staff to ask specific system-related questions and receive tailored solutions within seconds. “AI applications have become an integral part of modern production systems and are a key element of the BMW Group’s digital transformation,” said Michael…
Signia by Hilton Amman has unveiled its latest culinary destination: Kyra Pool & Grill, a refined poolside restaurant offering a contemporary Mediterranean dining experience in the heart of the capital. Open to hotel guests and the public, Kyra invites visitors to enjoy an open-air atmosphere inspired by coastal Mediterranean elegance. The restaurant combines fresh seasonal ingredients, bold regional flavors, and an elevated service experience — all set beside the tranquil poolside backdrop. “Kyra embodies the essence of Mediterranean elegance, offering not only exceptional cuisine but also an atmosphere that brings people together for memorable moments by the pool,” said Luca…
Twenty youth-led startups have been awarded financial and technical support as part of Jordan’s “Najahna” program for youth economic empowerment. The initiative is a joint effort by Plan International, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, and Orange Jordan. The selected projects emerged from a pool of 100 startup ideas that qualified through a nationwide Entrepreneurship Hackathon held earlier this year. The hackathon was a key initiative under the National Entrepreneurship Policy, aimed at fostering innovation across priority sectors such as agri-tech, renewable energy, tourism, and education. The startups are now being incubated at the Orange Digital Center, where they…
As the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 intensifies, Dubai is rolling out the red carpet for football fans with two elite match-viewing experiences. From July 4 to 13, Eclipse Lounge at InterContinental Dubai Festival City and Belgian Café at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City are transforming into immersive fan destinations, screening every knockout match live with style and flair. Whether fans are backing Europe’s titans, South American powerhouses, or local favourites, these venues offer more than just a screen—they deliver atmosphere, hospitality, and culinary excellence worthy of the world’s biggest club competition. Eclipse Lounge: Football with a View Perched on…
Creating truly authentic sound in a pair of earbuds has long challenged audio engineers. Tiny drivers squeezed into shells smaller than a coin must somehow recreate the full range of audible frequencies — from deep bass rumbles to crisp high-pitched tones — all while fitting comfortably into the human ear. The new HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 aims to change that, introducing a significant leap forward in wireless audio performance. Leveraging a dual-driver system and AI-powered sound personalisation, Huawei’s latest earbuds promise nothing short of a studio-grade listening experience. Solving the Physics of Sound Most earbuds rely on a single dynamic driver,…
AI adoption in the workplace has surged dramatically, with daily usage among global desk workers increasing by a staggering 233% in just six months, according to Slack’s latest Workforce Index. The survey of 5,000 desk workers worldwide paints a clear picture: AI is no longer just a tool for automation — it’s becoming a powerful engine of productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction. The findings highlight a growing trust in artificial intelligence and its role in reshaping how people work. Some 60% of global desk workers now report using AI, with 40% having worked alongside AI agents. Those who use AI…
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure destination, has rolled out an action-packed summer programme offering visitors of all ages immersive entertainment, thrilling adventures, and unbeatable family deals through to the end of September. This year’s theme park offerings feature several new shows, ride expansions, and seasonal specials across its award-winning attractions, aiming to deliver both adrenaline-pumping action and enriching experiences for families. Engineering Meets Entertainment at Ferrari World Ferrari World Yas Island unveils “Officina Maranello”, a live spectacle running until 31 August. Audiences will follow engineer Dina and her team through the meticulous creation of a Ferrari V12 engine. With…
Jazeera Airways has launched its first-ever direct flight from Kuwait to Sochi, Russia, marking a new milestone in the airline’s growing international network and opening a new travel corridor between the Gulf region and Russia’s scenic Black Sea coast. The inaugural flight departed today from Jazeera Terminal 5 at Kuwait International Airport with a ceremonial send-off, celebrating the launch of a route that will now operate twice weekly. The new service adds to the carrier’s 13 existing weekly flights to Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME), expanding its footprint in Russia and enhancing travel options for leisure and business travelers alike. Sochi,…
Abu Dhabi’s real estate and lifestyle ambitions received a significant boost this week as Modon’s Wadeem residential development on Hudayriyat Island sold out within 72 hours of its launch, generating AED 5.5 billion in sales. The record-breaking sell-out makes Wadeem the highest-valued property release in Abu Dhabi in 2025 so far, with buyers drawn to its blend of exclusive coastal living and modern, people-centric community design. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Arabian Gulf and facing the prestigious Al Bateen district, Wadeem marks the first residential plot release on Hudayriyat Island — a destination envisioned as one of the…