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…
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
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…
Volkswagen Abu Dhabi and Al Ain has introduced its year-end clearance campaign, presenting customers with savings of up to AED 18,000 on a selection of models, alongside exclusive ownership benefits. The campaign covers several of Volkswagen’s best-loved vehicles, including the performance-focused Golf GTI starting at AED 131,000 and the Golf R from AED 179,990. The refined Touareg is priced from AED 249,000, while the spacious seven-seat Teramont is available from AED 169,000. In addition to the savings, customers will receive added-value benefits such as three years of complimentary servicing, a three-year warranty, and three years of roadside assistance, providing reassurance…
Manar Abu Dhabi, part of Public Art Abu Dhabi under The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has announced a new culinary partnership. In collaboration with WE ARE ONA and Luca Pronzato, an exclusive pop-up dining experience led by guest chef Solemann Haddad of the Michelin-starred Moonrise will take place from 16 to 22 November 2025 on Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi. WE ARE ONA x Manar Abu Dhabi will make its Middle Eastern debut with a culinary concept celebrating the ancient traditions of open-fire cooking, guided by the dual elements of fire and starlight. Guests…
Developed in partnership with Dubai Holding, with a total value exceeding AED 5 billion UAE wellness real estate market projected to rise from AED 503 million in 2024 to AED 31 billion by 2027 Over 16,000 trees, botanical landscapes, and clear lagoons to underpin a well-being-forward environment Community to feature more than 800 homes, starting from AED 1,600 per sq. ft. LEOS Developments has announced the unveiling of a major new master-planned community in Dubai, marking the company’s first large-scale development of this type in the city, with a gross development value surpassing AED 5 billion. Located in Wadi Al…
• Acquisition broadens the Saudi company’s operations into Latin America WakeCap, the sensor-enabled project intelligence and controls platform relied upon by major construction and energy projects worldwide, has announced the acquisition of Trackfy, a Brazilian workforce safety and operations management provider. The move reflects WakeCap’s strategic focus on global expansion, enhanced solution capabilities, and stronger end-to-end engagement with clients across industrial and construction sectors. This expansion comes as infrastructure development accelerates internationally, with Saudi Arabia alone committing close to $1 trillion to construction, urban growth and national transformation. In line with Vision 2030’s objective of building safer, smarter and more…