Pinktober 2023: Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Dubai
Breast cancer is a disease that affects countless women around the world, and the impact it has on individuals and families cannot be overstated. The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) statistics show that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally and the most frequently diagnosed cancer in 140 out of 184 countries worldwide. It’s crucial to remember that early detection can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness and educate people about this disease. Here in Dubai, there are many activities and events taking place to spread awareness about breast cancer and support those who have been affected by it.
SCREENING OFFERS FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS IN DUBAI
PINK CARAVAN
Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), Pfizer, MSD, ADNOC and Amit Group, have relaunched their initiative — Pink Caravan. It offers free screening examinations across different locations in Dubai this month.
- Dates and locations:
- 19th October 2023: Shangri La Hotel in Dubai, 04:00 pm to 06:00 pm
- 27th and 28th October 2023: Global Village, 05:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- 28th October 2023: Al Habtoor Polo Club, 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm
- 29th October 2023: Kite Beach, 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- 30th October 2023: City Walk, 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Cost: Free
- Contact:@thepinkcaravan (Instagram)
ZULEKHA HOSPITALS
Zulekha Healthcare Group established the “Pink It Now” breast cancer awareness campaign, which is endorsed by Ford – Warriors in Pink and numerous other corporates. The reputable hospital offers free mammograms for women 40 years and above. Visit their website to book a free appointment.
- Date: Throughout October and November
- Location: Al Nahda
- Contact: 600-52-4442
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS
AL JALILA FOUNDATION
Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, the Al Jalila Foundation is a non-profit organisation that fosters breast cancer research, diagnosis and treatment.
Every year, the Al Jalila Foundation launches a campaign toolkit for any brand or organisation that wants to join the foundation to host Breast Cancer Awareness Activities in Dubai.
Those who want to organise such events must obtain a fundraising licence from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) or submit relevant documents to the foundation so it can initiate a request on their behalf. If you want to donate, you can do that by visiting the Al Jalalia Foundation’s website.
- Location: Al Jalila Foundation, First Floor, Building 12, Dubai Healthcare City
- Contact: 800-255-25452
PINK RIBBON CRAFTERS
Operating since 2015, Pink Ribbon Crafters (also known as Pink Ribbon) is a breast cancer support initiative in Dubai. Pink Ribbon sells handmade products in exchange for donations. They donate all sales proceeds to help women with limited financial resources or fund breast cancer clinical research.
They started this donation drive in partnership with Brest Friends – Al Jalila Foundation UAE. So far, they have raised more than AED 665k. You can go to their website to buy their products or directly make a donation.
- Location: Online, pinkribboncrafters.com
- Contact: +971-55-269-3225
BREST FRIENDS
Established in 2015, Brest Friends is a support group built by one of the UAE’s top female surgeons, Dr Houriya Kazim. The place offers a space for women where they can share their experiences and get emotional support.
Brest Friends, in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, also educates women on the significance of early detection and provides support for research and treatments.
This Pinktober, you, too, can get involved by donating to the cause. Find the “donation page” on their website and support the cause.
- Contact: brestfriends.org, +971-4-383-8108
FUNDRAISING/DONATION DRIVES 2023
IGNITE PINK IS PUNK 2023
IGNITE Pink is Punk is back for another fundraising event to spread awareness about breast cancer. It is a part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which takes place every year.
This time, the event will feature different activities throughout the month, including paddleboarding at Riva Beach Club, Palm Jumeriah. All the proceeds of these activities will go to Al Jalila Foundation for breast cancer treatment and research.
- When: 21st October 2023, From 04:00 pm
- Cost: AED 105 | AED 157.5
- Location: Riva Beach Club
- Contact: +971-52-249-5311
“EVERY LIKE COUNTS” BY BAYUT
Together, let’s change lives this Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Bayut. Visit the Instagram account of Bayut UAE and give the following post a LIKE! AED 1 will be donated to the breast cancer research and support program for each LIKE this post earns. Don’t forget to spread the news and share it as well!
“GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN” BY THE RITZ-CARLTON DUBAI
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai offers amazing experiences to guests, and a portion of the sales goes to the Al Jalila Foundation. Here are some of the deals on offer this month:
- At the Lobby Lounge, indulge in Pinktober Afternoon Tea, where each sip and bite supports a worthwhile cause.
- The Pink London Social Brunch will elevate your brunch experience and donate 20% of the earnings to the Al Jalila Foundation.
- For La Baie, 20% of every fully paid Ladies Day package goes toward raising awareness of breast cancer.
- Take advantage of The Ritz-Carlton Spa’s Pinktober Wellness Packages, where AED 50 from each wellness day trip package is donated to the Al Jalila Foundation.
To confirm the validity or for room booking, check out the contact details.
- Location: JBR
- Contact: +971-4-399-4000
#PINKTOBER URBAN ESCAPE AT DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES
Enjoy PINKTOBER in style by booking the luxurious one-bedroom suite in Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites. At Counter Culture Café, begin your day with a delicious breakfast buffet. Al Jalila Foundation will get a percentage of the earnings in collaboration with Brest Friends.
When booking an online reservation, make sure the promotional code “CUE” appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box. Alternatively, contact +971-4-319-4000 and get the promotional code.
- Validity: Till 31st October 2023
- Location: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street – Dubai Marina
- Contact: +971-4-319-4000
THE ST. REGIS DOWNTOWN DUBAI
The St Regis Downtown Dubai offers Pinktober-themed afternoon teas, one-of-a-kind desserts, bespoke drinks, and opulent spa treatments this month. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.
The opulent St. Regis Bar, along with Hayal and BASTA!, will launch “Pink Hour” every day from 05:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy the “Paint It Pink” beverage, a unique pink-themed cocktail made with pink gin, bubbly, and peach soda, for just AED 38. The hotel will donate AED 5 for every beverage ordered in order to help the cause.
A beautiful daily pink-themed afternoon tea experience designed especially for PinkTober will also be available at The Library. Moreover, visitors can take advantage of a unique spa package at The St. Regis Downtown Dubai’s opulent spa.
- Validity: Till 31st October 2023
- Location: Marasi Drive, Business Bay
- Contact: +971-4-512-5555
YUMMY DOSA
Throughout the month of October, Yummy Dosa’s employees will be donning pink uniforms as a small yet meaningful gesture.
That’s not all! when you visit any Yummy Dosa location, a special tent card will be placed on your table. You can locate all of the free breast cancer screening locations in Dubai by scanning the QR code on this card. Also, when you enter a Yummy Dosa location and wear pink, you’ll get 5% off your bill!
- Validity: Throughout October
- Location: Al Karama | Jebel Ali Village Discovery
- Contact: Discovery: +971 4 876 7982 | Al Karama: +971 4 342 6332
HABTOOR GRAND RESORT – AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
The opulent hotel, Habtoor Grand Resort – Autograph Collection, is supporting the cause during breast cancer awareness month! It is not only providing a delicious array of dishes with a pink theme but also contributing 10% of its entire bill’s revenues to the Al Jalila Foundation. For only AED 195 per pair, guests can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea with delicious pink macaroons at Acacia Lounge.
Get a special burger served on a pink brioche bun from Sauce, a popular American diner concept for AED 95 or enjoy the Pinktober Brunch on Saturday, October 21, which starts at AED 250.
- Validity: Throughout October
- Location: Al Falea Street – Jumeirah Beach – Dubai Marina
- Contact: +971-4-399-5000
LADUREE
The place where you can find the best macarons in Dubai, Ladurée’s delicious selection of pink-themed delights is set to paint the town pink. Two handcrafted brioche buns with beetroot cream, four delicate rose macarons with goat cheese, Chef’s special four petit fours, two macarons of your choosing, and two delicious hot beverages are all included in their pink afternoon tea experience. The deal for two costs AED 204.
- Location: Multiple, including Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates
- Contact: +971-4-321-3929 (Dubai Mall)
FAQs about breast cancer awareness in Dubai
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER?
While symptoms vary from person to person, here are some common symptoms of breast cancer that you should look out for:
- Lump in the armpit or breast
- Thickening/swelling of the breast
- Irritation in “breast skin”
- Dimpling in breast
- Flakiness or redness in the breast or nipple area
AT WHAT AGE DO WOMEN HAVE THE RISK FOR BREAST CANCER?
As per WebMD, women aged 45 and above are at a higher risk of breast cancer compared to younger females.
ARE THERE ANY NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS THAT SUPPORT WOMEN IN DUBAI?
You can count on the Dubai Foundation for Women & Children (DFWAC) and Al Jalila Foundation UAE.
As you can see, there are plenty of activities and events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Dubai this year. If you know of any we’ve missed out, please do let us know in the comments below, and we’ll happily add them to the list.
To get more updates about breast cancer awareness in Dubai and beyond, subscribe to MyBayut!
