The Saudi Film Commission (SFC), operating under the Saudi Ministry of Culture as one of its 11 dedicated sector commissions, has announced the opening of a new advanced virtual production soundstage at JAX Film Studios, the Kingdom’s newest premier production hub in Riyadh. Developed in partnership with internationally renowned VFX studio Pixomondo and equipped with Sony’s latest VERONA LED display systems, the purpose-built virtual production volume is now fully operational and prepared to serve high-end film and television productions. Key technical highlights include: 2,720 Sony VERONA Crystal LED panels featuring Sony’s flagship 2.3mm pixel pitch A production volume measuring 23…
Author: Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock is a seasoned journalist and digital marketing expert known for his insightful reporting across business, real estate, travel and lifestyle sectors. His recent work includes high-profile Dubai coverage, such as record-breaking events by AYS Developers. With a career spanning multiple outlets. Sam delivers sharp, engaging content that bridges UK and UAE markets. His writing reflects a deep understanding of emerging trends, making him a trusted voice in regional and international business journalism. Should you need any edits please contact editor@dubaiweek.ae
Microsoft and global neocloud leader G42 are set to strengthen the UAE’s digital landscape with a 200-megawatt (MW) increase in datacenter capacity. Following Microsoft’s recent announcement of a $15.2 billion investment in the UAE, the company is advancing its strategic partnership with G42 to accelerate national digital advancement. The organisations confirmed a 200MW expansion of datacenter capacity to be delivered by Khazna Data Centers, a G42 subsidiary. The new capacity is expected to begin coming online before the close of 2026, signalling an important step forward in supporting the UAE’s ambitions through trust, technology, and talent. The expansion reflects a…
Hitit and Pegasus Airlines have reached a major milestone in modern airline retailing innovation. Powered by the Hitit Oxygen platform, now recognised as the world’s most extensive live Modern Airline Retailing system, Pegasus can seamlessly retail a wide range of additional travel products—not only through its own digital channels, but also via global indirect distribution networks. This development significantly enhances the passenger journey and establishes both companies as leaders in aviation’s ongoing digital evolution. Hitit, ranked among the world’s top three global airline and travel technology providers, has partnered with Pegasus Airlines—one of Türkiye’s most forward-thinking carriers in technology adoption—to…
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the launch of the first Digital Heritage Forum, an international event that aims to reshape global approaches to safeguarding cultural heritage through the use of digital technologies. Taking place from 3 to 5 November at the Cultural Foundation, the invitation-only forum will bring together 250 attendees from the region and abroad, including 132 international speakers and representatives from 128 leading global organisations. Participants will include influential cultural leaders, innovators and specialists focused on digital documentation, heritage conservation and emerging cultural technology. The Forum will offer an…
Ten years ago, the Brazilian-American secured back-to-back jiu-jitsu world titles in the UAE capital – and on 25 October, she returned to make history as the first woman to win a UFC title in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi, November 4, 2025: Abu Dhabi has long been a meaningful destination for newly crowned UFC strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern. It was here, a decade ago, that she first rose to international acclaim as a jiu-jitsu black belt. Last week, inside the Etihad Arena, she returned to the emirate to achieve the most significant milestone of her mixed martial arts career. Dern…
McArthurGlen Designer Outlets is observing a clear change in shopping and travel behaviours among visitors from the Middle East, with Europe’s milder autumn and early winter now emerging as key periods for retail tourism. Previously concentrated in the summer months, tourist spending is now notable across the shoulder seasons, particularly during Black Friday and the festive shopping period. Across the GCC, spending activity tied to McArthurGlen’s Black Friday campaigns has seen strong growth. In November 2024, tax-free shopping across Continental Europe increased by +33% year-on-year, outpacing all other international visitor groups. Popular retail destinations such as Serravalle near Milan, Roermond…
Deals Extend the Company’s Presence Across the Middle East and Beyond The First Group Hospitality has signed several new hotel management agreements during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World, further strengthening its reputation as one of the region’s fastest-growing operators in the hotel management sector. At a signing ceremony held on the opening day of the summit, the company confirmed the strategic rebranding of three of its key Dubai hotels under Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio and Autograph Collection. The newly rebranded hotels include The First Collection Marina, Dubai, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; The First Collection Waterfront, Dubai, A Tribute Portfolio…
Manar Abu Dhabi, part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi programme under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has returned for its second edition and, for the first time, has expanded to Al Ain, launching on 1 November 2025. Presented under the theme “The Light Compass” and curated by Khai Hori (Artistic Director), Alia Zaal Lootah (Curator), Munira Al Sayegh (Curator), and Mariam Alshehhi (Assistant Curator), this year’s edition features installations by six artists from the UAE and around the world. Their works illuminate the Al Jimi and Al Qattara oases, which are part…
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD), the UAE’s first fully bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum school, is marking its tenth anniversary this academic year – celebrating ten years of academic success, innovation and meaningful contribution to the wider community. A Decade of Achievement and International Recognition When the school opened in 2015, founded by Swiss entrepreneur Omar Danial and welcoming just 235 learners, its mission was to introduce the high standards of Swiss bilingual education to Dubai. A decade later, SISD has grown to more than 2,900 students from over 100 nationalities and has become one of the region’s most…
Festive dining, cheerful get-togethers and indulgent takeaway options to brighten your holiday celebrations ‘Tis the season to sparkle and voco Bonnington Dubai is closing the year with a festive programme of dining experiences and special events designed to make the holidays truly unforgettable. Whether you are looking for an elegant brunch, a glamorous gala evening, or gourmet dishes to enjoy at home, voco Bonnington offers a warm and flavour-filled way to celebrate with loved ones. Festive Takeaways – A Feast to Remember (with a 20% Early Bird Offer!) Why cook when you can celebrate? This year, voco Bonnington Dubai is…