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 Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the launch of the Curatorial Foundations Program, a new initiative designed to build curatorial expertise among emerging talent in the UAE. The scheme is being developed in partnership with Node Berlin – Center for Curatorial Studies. Running from 1 October to 12 December, the hybrid programme will combine online instruction with onsite workshops at the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. It is open to UAE nationals and residents, including university graduates, artists and cultural practitioners, who wish to gain hands-on experience in curation. Workshops will cover the full spectrum of exhibition planning…
Warba Bank has unveiled its new “Wave Banking” youth account with a large-scale launch event at Khiran Mall, attracting hundreds of young people and community members. The initiative, promoted under the slogan “Your Wave, Your Style,” aims to provide tailored digital banking services for Kuwait’s younger generation. The event featured a mix of entertainment, competitions and prize giveaways, alongside presentations from Warba’s strategic partners. Brands including Talabat, Oula Fuel, Puff, The Daily Loaf, Say Suco, Golbha and Wainkom offered discounts and rewards, giving attendees a preview of the benefits available to account holders. Dr Mohammed Barakat, Chief Marketing and Corporate…
Zepp Health, the Chinese health technology company best known as the parent of Amazfit smartwatches, has acquired the core assets and intellectual property of Wild.AI, a specialist in women’s wellness and hormone-informed coaching. The deal, finalised at the end of August, includes proprietary technology and select members of Wild.AI’s leadership team. Financial terms have not been disclosed. Founded by entrepreneur Hélène Guillaume, Wild.AI has gained recognition for its focus on female physiology in sport and fitness. The platform uses hormonal and physiological data to help women tailor their training, nutrition, and recovery to different life stages — from menstruation to…
International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), a US-based leader in flavors, fragrances, health and biosciences, has announced the first large-scale commercial rollout of its Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials™ (DEB) platform, marking a major step in sustainable consumer goods innovation. The breakthrough comes as a major consumer packaged goods (CPG) company launches a new laundry detergent using IFF’s DEB technology. According to the company, the formulation delivers enhanced fabric softness and cleaning power while replacing persistent, non-biodegradable ingredients with biodegradable alternatives. Leticia Gonçalves, president of Health & Biosciences at IFF, said the launch demonstrated how biotechnology and molecular design could reshape industries. “DEB…
Ruth Croft has made trail running history by becoming the first woman to win the OCC, CCC, and now the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). Crossing the finish line in Chamonix with a time of 22 hours, 56 minutes, and 23 seconds, Croft claimed first place at the 2025 edition of the world’s most celebrated ultra-distance trail race. The UTMB, widely regarded as the pinnacle of global trail running, draws elite athletes and thousands of fans to the Mont-Blanc region each year. The race spans gruelling climbs, unpredictable mountain weather, and a staggering 9,900 metres of elevation gain. For many,…
Moscow marked the close of summer with the launch of a new cultural event: the first-ever Proektsiya Light Festival, held at Moskino Cinema Park on 30 and 31 August. Over two days, more than 10,000 visitors experienced immersive light installations, large-scale projections, and live performances from both international and Russian artists. The festival transformed an area of 1,500 square metres with more than five bespoke installations, 800 vertical light structures, and 1,000 synchronised lighting fixtures, creating a fully immersive environment where sound, visuals, and live performance merged. Global headliners The opening night was headlined by Swedish-Congolese pop star Mohombi, known…
Capcom has confirmed that production is underway on a live-action film adaptation of its iconic fighting game series Street Fighter, with Hollywood studio Legendary Entertainment co-financing the project. The Japanese video game publisher, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under code 9697, said the adaptation marks the latest step in its strategy to expand its intellectual property beyond the console and PC markets. Legendary partnership The new film is being produced in partnership with Legendary, the studio behind hits such as Dune and Godzilla vs. Kong. By co-financing the movie, Capcom aims to strengthen the global profile of Street Fighter,…
500 Global, one of the world’s most active venture capital firms, has partnered with Creators HQ to launch the Creators Ventures Accelerator — a new initiative aimed at identifying and incubating promising creator-led startups. The programme, the first of its kind in the region, will be based in the UAE and designed to support entrepreneurs working at the intersection of content creation and business. With the creator economy projected to grow to $480bn globally by 2027, the accelerator seeks to equip digital creators with the tools to build sustainable and scalable ventures. From influence to enterprise The inaugural cohort will…
The Dubai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 has officially begun at Dubai Design District (D3), welcoming designers, celebrities, and industry leaders for one of the world’s fastest-rising fashion showcases. This season, Chinese automotive brand SOUEAST has joined as an official partner, marking a rare collaboration between fashion and the mobility sector. The move highlights the growing trend of cross-industry partnerships in Dubai’s creative economy. Fashion Meets Mobility SOUEAST, which renewed its brand identity in 2024 under the philosophy “Ease Your Life”, has quickly expanded into 42 countries and regions. Its global rise has been fuelled by an appeal to younger consumers…
Ajman Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Franklin Templeton, one of the world’s largest global asset managers, to expand access to Shariah-compliant investment opportunities for its wealth management clients in the UAE. The collaboration will allow Ajman Bank to offer its clients a selection of Franklin Templeton’s Luxembourg-domiciled Shariah funds, including the Franklin Shariah Technology Fund, the Franklin Shariah Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, and the Templeton Shariah Global Equity Fund. These funds provide diversified exposure to international markets across different sectors, offering actively managed portfolios aligned with Islamic finance principles. Expanding Investor Access With global assets under management of…