Everything’s looking pretty in pink this October in Dubai as brands and outlets rush to show their support for PINKtober, a fun name for a pretty serious cause: Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There’s more you can do than tacking on a pink ribbon to remind all the women in your life to get regular screenings and stay in the pink of their health.
We’ve rounded up 21 Pinktober activities – some charitable, some informative – that educate people about breast cancer, help early detection, raise funds AND guarantee participants have fun. Because who said raising awareness should be boring?
1. Participate in the IGNITE Pink is Punk Paddle event
Sweat in support of breast cancer at the IGNITE Pink is Punk stand-up paddle surf (SUP) event on October 21 at Riva Beach Club in Palm Jumeirah. The fitness and wellness organisation will donate 100% of the proceeds from this event to the Al Jalila Foundation to support breast cancer research and treatement.
So if there ever was a reason to learn how to find your balance on a paddle board, this is it. The event is open to serious paddlers and beginners. AED 105 if you bring your own paddle and AED 157 if you’re renting the paddle. Register here by October 19.
2. Get free mammograms at these Pink Caravan mobile clinics
Throughout October, Pink Caravan – the pan UAE breast cancer awareness initiative is rolling out mobile mammogram centres that will conduct free screenings for women. 80 women over the age of 20 will be given free clinical breast examinations and 20 women over the age of 40 can avail of free mammogram screenings. These consultations are on a first-come-first-serve basis and are absolutely free, so tell all your female friends and family members and encourage them to take advantage of it.
On October 15, you can find one of their state-of-the-art medical vans parked outside Brands for Less in Motor City from 10am – 4pm.
On October 20 Pink Caravan’s mobile clinic will be set up at Riverland in Dubai Parks and Resorts from 10am-4pm.
On October 27 and 28, find the mobile clinic at Global Village from 5pm-10pm.
3. Donate your hair to cancer patients at the Sharjah Ladies Club
Braving the Dubai-Sharjah traffic this month will help you clock good karma this October. The Sharjah Ladies Club and FOCP (Friends of Cancer Patients) have teamed up to encourage women to donate their hair to cancer patients with complimentary cuts and blow-dries at Orchid Beauty Boutique. This offer is valid all through October.
However, showing up on October 26 comes with the added advantage of being able to attend an educational talk on breast cancer awareness, hair consultations with an expert from haircare brand BRAE, and free haircuts for those donating their locks to the cause.
The salon is open from 9am-9pm from Saturday to Thursday, and 11am – 9pm on Fridays for hair donations.
4. Support a good cause with supportive garments
Underwear shopping is always a good reminder to women to conduct self-examinations. Hanro, the luxury line of lingerie and intimate wear is supporting Dubai-based charity organisation and breast cancer support group Brest Friends this October. Every purchase of a bra from Hanro this month will support not just the wearer but also breast cancer survivors and patients as Hanro will donate 5 Euros (approx. AED 19) to Brest Friends. Find details here
5. Go on an educational ladies-only hike in Hatta
Community outdoors and adventure club UAE Backpackers are hosting a Pinktober ladies hike to the Hatta Sign on October 22. The hike will see a group of like-minded women scale the rugged terrain of Hatta’s Hajar Mountains. During the hike, an easy-to-understand flyer outlining self-examination will be handed out to the participants. The 3-4 hour hike will start at 7:30am from the Hatta Wadi Hub area and cover a 10km distance and is suitable for beginners too.
DM @uaebackpackers on Instagram for details and to sign up
6-7. Spread the wealth, sugar and awareness with these limited-edition candies
Restaurateur and influence Jessica Kahawaty of Mamma Rita’s has collaborated with Compartes Chocolates to create a limited-edition Rose Pistachio White Chocolate Bar (AED 47). All the profits generated from the sale of this delicious confection will be donated to the Al Jalila Foundation in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Gift these to valiant cancer survivors you know or simply treat yourself knowing your indulgence is supporting a great cause.
Sugary wonderland Candylicious inside the Dubai Mall has teamed up with Pink Caravan and launched a limited edition pink ribbon-shaped lollipop in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The handcrafted candy costs only AED 20 and is made in-store. Every 20 bucks you fork out for candy will support the breast cancer awareness cause. Available in Candylicious stores across the UAE.
8. Purchase an awareness bracelet from Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe outlets in Dubai have partnered with Al Jalila Foundation and created special PINKtober bracelets that will add some pink punk to your look but also contribute to breast cancer research to find a cure. The bracelets are available at Hard Rock cafe stores in Dubai and Dubai International Airport T3.
9-10. Drink pink and donate
A slew of hotels across Dubai are encouraging guests to think pink by drinking pink. A percentage of the proceeds from the cocktails, smoothies, teas and more are donated to Breast Cancer Awareness foundations and support groups. Here’s where you can go:
The Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Production City is raising funds for Breast Cancer Awareness through their Pink Smoothies Fundraiser – throughout October, you can knock back a nourishing pink smoothie (AED 29) and proceeds from the price of the smoothie will be donated to support Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives.
All of the 16 restaurants inside Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre will be serving pink cocktails throughout October for AED 15 each. When you purchase one of these drinks, AED 10 from the cost is donated to Al Jalila Foundation.
11-12. Eat pink pizzas and pastas
Casa Mia, the Italian pizzeria at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre has given its pizza dough a pink makeover throughout October. A slice of the AED 69 you spend on a pizza pie – AED 10 – will go to the Al Jalila Foundation.
LDC Kitchen + Coffee outlets have added a ‘Think Pink’ pasta to their menu in collaboration with Al Jalila Foundation. Proceeds from this dish priced at AED 65 will be contributed to Al Jalila Foundation’s efforts in supporting breast cancer survivors.
13. Sip on a rosy afternoon tea
Bounty Beets, the healthy cafe at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is hosting up a gluten-free pink afternoon tea featuring sweet and savoury bites every Saturday and Sunday this October. Finger sandwiches crafted from pink toasted bread, pastries featuring strawberry tart, scones with jam and pink clotted cream will be served alongside unlimited tea, coffee and juices. 10% of the AED 145 price tag will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation.
14-15. Pay it forward with these foodie deals
Central Restaurant, the Spanish tapas outlet at the ME Dubai hotel will donate AED 10 from every business lunch booked throughout the month to the Al Jalila Foundation.
Only on October 19, there’s a pop-up bake sale taking place at Gourmandises, the lobby restaurant in Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. Delicious pink cupcakes costing AED 10 each will be up for grabs from 8am. Of those 10 dirhams, AED 7 will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation.
16-17. Pamper yourself with a spa treatment and mani/pedi for the greater good
At the BAR-B Spa perched atop the W Dubai, Mina Seyahi, every booking of a manicure or pedicure will see 10% of the proceeds donated to Al Jalila Foundation. To celebrate the good deed, guests will receive a glass of pink bubbles and gel polish as part of the treatment.
Manicure costs AED 275 and pedicure AED 325. Call for bookings
There’s a good reason to splurge on a Signature Massage at ME Dubai hotel in during October. The five-star hotel inside The Opus by Omniyat is giving away AED 50 from the total price of the massage to Al Jalila Foundation to support breast cancer research and treatment. Wellness for everyone involved? Sign us up!
18-19. Dig into pink burgers at these outlets
Sauce, the funky little Grease-style American diner tucked away inside Habtoor Grand Resort, Autography Collection has introduced a pink burger for October. Smashed up between pink brioche buns, 10% of the cost of this AED 95 burger will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation.
A special Musakhan Chicken Burger is available at Goat Burger’s d3 outlet from October 16-31. Doused in a luscious pink sauce, a percentage of proceeds from the sale of every pink burger will be donated to breast cancer research. Only available for dine in.
20-21. Have fun and raise funds at these rose-tinted Pinktober brunches on October 21
The Bubbalicious brunch at Mina’s Kitchen is turning pink on October 21 in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While you enjoy a themed photobooth, live cooking stations kid’s entertainment and more, rest assured in the knowledge that 10% of the proceeds will be sent to to Al Jalila Foundation. From AED 450 per person.
📍Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
The Habtoor Grand Resort is also hosting a Pinktober Brunch on Saturday, October 21 at The Underground Pub. Starting from AED 250, proceeds from a fun and rose-tinted brunch will be donated to the herculean efforts of the Al Jalila Foundation to fight breast cancer and raise awareness.