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 11 different Pinktober activities – some charitable, some informative – that educate people about breast cancer, raise funds AND guarantee participants have fun because who said raising awareness should be boring?
1 . Try stand-up paddle surfing
Sweat in support of breast cancer at the IGNITE Pink is Punk stand-up paddle surf (SUP) event on October 29 at 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. Pssst, it’s the only initiative in the UAE to dedicate all funds raised to charity, 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. Register here.
2. Pinktober Spa treatment at H Hotel
You can truly relax and let loose at the H Hotel’s hour-long special spa treatment knowing that 5% of the cost will be donated to the Al Jalila Foundation. You’ll be pampered with a 30-minute bespoke massage, a silk slipper foot massage lasting 20 minutes, and a pink himalayan salt foot ritual of 10 minutes to cap it all off.
AED 395 per person; available until October 30. Call 04 501 8270 for bookings.
3. Eat, drink and donate at the W Dubai – Palm Jumeirah
Here’s a breast cancer awareness deal that’s good enough to eat! Two of W Dubai Hotel’s stunning restaurants, Akira Back and Michelin-starred Torno Subito, are offering rosy dishes that will delight your tastebuds and contribute 25% from their total sales to vital breast cancer research. Nosh on Pink Blinder pasta (AED 110), Sushi Roll (AED 95), Pink Bellini (AED 90), Zakuro cocktail (AED 80), Pomegranate soda (AED 30) and more. Details here.
4. Afternoon teas and wine at St. Regis Dubai Downtown
Everything’s coming up rosé at St. Regis’ Italian restaurant Basta where proceeds from orders of select rosé wine until October 31 will go to Al Jalila Foundation. Drinking wine finally can save lives! For non-boozy options, the swanky hotel’s lobby lounge called The Library is hosting an ‘Exquisite in Pink’ Afternoon Tea and Cake selection that will serve up hibiscus éclairs, beetroot grapefruit macaroon and pink framboise tartlet, and spectacular-looking ruby yuzu dome cakes and strawberry chocolate mendiant. Afternoon tea costs AED 195, rosé and pink bubbly from AED 50 per glass.
For reservations: call 04 512 5555 or visit www.stregisdowntowndubai.com
5. Get free mammogram vouchers and learn to knit at the jamjar
Jamjar, the community arts centre in Alserkal Avenue is celebrating The Day of Pink on October 14 with a finger-knitting workshop followed by a free film screening. Expert knitters will walk you through the process of creating a beautiful pink scarf or even learn how to turn knots into an octopus or a bag.
Later, watch the documentary called ‘List of a Lifetime’ about the real-life story of a woman named Brenda Lee who after a breast cancer diagnoses decides to track down her biological daughter whom she gave up for adoption to warn her she may be at risk too. Attendees will receive free mammogram vouchers courtesy of Zulekha Hospital. Register here
Knitting class from 4:30-6pm; AED 186 per person.
Movie screening starts at 7pm; free entry.
6. Stretch it out with yoga and art
The Yoga Ashram is conducting a painting and meditation session on October 15 at JLT for Dubai’s Good Samaritans. To join, all you’ve got to do donate AED 75 to Al Jalila Foundation and send the receipt to the Yoga Ashram to book your slot. These mindfulness sessions focus on getting your creative juices flowing and provide a space to celebrate cancer survivors and raise awareness about breast cancer and the role wellbeing practices play in fighting the disease. Both the yoga + meditation session and painting session will each last an hour.
📍 Location: 1504, Jumeirah Bay X3, Cluster X, JLT Dubai
To register: WhatsApp 058 8714314
Timings: from 4pm-6pm
7. Staycation in a Pink hotel room at Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts
Staycationing for a good cause is a win-win for all. Polynesian-themed Lapita Hotel at Dubai Parks and Resorts has a Pinktober staycation offer going where 50% of the room rate is donated to Al Jalila Foundation. That’s not all, your rose-tinted getaway will include breakfast, a pink-themed spa treatment and the chance to sleep in a plush room that’s a barbie dreamhouse come to life: decorated with pink furniture, flowers and amenities. You also get a single entry visit one theme park from either Legoland, Motiongate, Bollywood Parks or Legoland Waterpark.
Call 04 449 0868 or email Lapita.dubai.reservations@autographhotels.com
8. Dig into delicious pink dosa and find free mammograms
Indian street food outlet Yummy Dosa is offering a special eat-and-educate offer to raise awareness about Breast Cancer. Every order of their special Pink Dosa (AED 28) will be served with a side of a pink flyer listing free mammograms around Dubai. Pretty cool right? As you chow down on crispy beetroot-infused pink dosas, you can scan the QR code on the flyer and educate yourself about how early diagnosis and regular screenings are important to preventing breast cancer.
📍Location: Across Yummy Dosa outlets in Dubai. Call 04 342 6332
9. Devour Pink Crepes at Saddle Cafe
If savoury crepes like the Indian dosa don’t cut it for you, check out Saddle Cafe’s gorgeous Instagram-worthy Pink Crepes. A portion of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation, so snapping glorious pictures of your food finally has a valid excuse – it’s food that makes a positive difference. Available until October 31.
10. Hardcore yoga at Hardrock Café
Dubai has some really off-the-wall yoga venues, but the Hardrock Café is the last destination you’d have thought of doing a downward dog in. Instead of rocking out to live music, you’ll tune into the rhythm of your breath with yogi Yara on October 16 and support the important research and treatment Al Jalila Foundation provides. AED 80 per person gets you refreshments and a light breakfast.
📍Location: Hardrock Cafe, Dubai Festival City; call 04 232 8900 to book a spot
11. Shop for a good cause
Underwear shopping is always a good reminder to women to conduct self-examinations. Peachez, a unique subscription shopping experience has created a set of limited-edition lingerie in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation. You can sign up the women in your life or treat yourself to their Liza collection bralettes (AED 155) and pants (AED 80) in powder pink, knowing that your retail therapy is supportive in more than just one way – 25% of the sales from your purchase will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation’s breast cancer research and treatment. Available in a wide range of sizes all through October. Buy here