Every year in October, the country turns pink for breast cancer awareness. According to reports, the average age of diagnosis is 10 years younger in the UAE than elsewhere in the world, making the initiative even more poignant. And what’s more, the initiative can be spun in a myriad of ways, giving us plenty of options to learn, support, donate, and take a moment to check our own health. Here’s what you can do for this year’s Pinktober.
A Free Screening at Pink Caravan | City Walk
Starting off with the obvious, Pinktober comes with a series of free screenings for both men and women, offering free clinical breast examinations and mammograms. Run by Sharjah-based charity Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), the Pink Caravan will be available in all seven Emirates, with City Walk being its Dubai outpost. You might also find the charity hosting community events and awareness sessions at schools and workplaces throughout the UAE.
Brunch & Talks | Vivaldi, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers
Over by the Dubai Creek, Vivaldi prepares for Pinktober with two events. On October 3 and 10, the hotel will host a Pinktober brunch, set with Italian-inspired dining. On October 16, the hotel will host a Pinktober Wellness Talk. Taking place from 11 AM to 3 PM, the session will be led by a medical expert and will end with light bites and community dialogue.
Complete the Viya Fit Pinktober Challenge | Viya Fit Mina Seyahi
Allowing for health to be the central focus, for Pinktober Viya Fit Mina Seyahi has launched the Pinktober Challenge. Held throughout the month of October, participants will get a pink passport to track their progress. All they have to do is collect 9 stamps with every workout, and they will enter the studio’s Pinktober Raffle. Workouts include fitness classes, gym visits, and fitness assessments.
Royal Tearoom × Jo Malone London | Atlantis The Royal
Teaming up with Jo Malone London to create a sensory experience across scent, touch, and taste, the Royal Tearoom will be hosting an exclusive afternoon tea in support of breast cancer awareness. Called Blooming with Purpose, the afternoon tea will take place from 2 to 5 PM and will include a sweet and savoury menu that translates Jo Malone London’s most iconic scents. The space will also include breast cancer awareness messaging to remind guests about the importance of regular screening and early detection. Finishing the experience is a special Jo Malone keepsake and a handcrafted chocolate gift from the Executive Pastry Chef Christophe Devoille.
Have a Pink Serenity Ritual at Saray Spa | Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to support a cause while also getting pampered but Saray Spa have just created one! To celebrate Pinktober, the spa has collaborated with Thebigbeautyscoop and Kathryn Jones Serums to create the Pink Serenity Ritual. This treatment features a full-body massage, Himalayan pink salt stones, rose quartz crystals, and calming botanical oils to fully relax and rejuvenate the mind and body. The session ends with raspberry and rose tea and a complimentary KJ Serums Collagen Boost Kit to take home. And with each booking, a portion of the proceeds is donated to Al Jalila Foundation.
Dine with a Cause at Mott 32 Dubai | Dubai Marina
For those craving Chinese food this October, make a stop at Mott 32 Dubai. Set with a menu of Cantonese favourites, the restaurant has also introduced a Spicy Pink Duck Gyoza in honour of Pinktober. And with every order, Dhs 30 will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation in support of breast cancer research.
Get Moving with Active Club | Mall of the Emirates
A special event just for the girls, Active Club will be hosting a morning of movement for Pinktober, in collaboration with The Nail Spa, Joe & the Juice, and Marquee UAE. Taking place on Sunday, October 4 at 7:30 AM, the event will begin with a 50-minute Spicy Pilates Sculpt class at Active Club, followed by a complimentary treatment by The Nail Spa, drinks from Joe & the Juice, and a goodie bag to complete the morning. Priced at Dhs 170, with 100% of ticket sales being donated to Al Jalila Foundation in support of Breast Cancer initiatives, those interested can register and get their morning movement fix sorted in a cute pink set.
Try the New Menu at SUSHISAMBA Dubai | The Palm Tower
Perched on the 51st floor of The Palm Tower, SUSHISAMBA Dubai commemorates Pinktober with two limited-edition creations: a Samba Rosa dessert and the Matcha Momo Mocktail. Alongside this menu, guests ordering the dessert will also receive a complimentary luxury beauty gift from Estée Lauder, and with each order, the restaurant pledges to donate Dhs 30 for each limited-edition item sold to Al Jalila Foundation.
Go on a Run | The Social Circle x Backyard
Hosting a community run in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, social club The Social Circle will be teaming up with Backyard to create a day of movement and mindfulness. Held on October 17, follow The Social Circle for more details and registration.
Take a Sip of the Berry Brave | Gigi Mirdif
For those looking for Pilates With a Cause, Gigi Dubai’s latest offering comes pretty close. Introducing their Berry Brave smoothie for Pinktober, every purchase comes with 100% of the proceeds donated to charity in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Created with collagen, coconut water, chia seeds, dragon fruit, banana, and of course, berries, the drink is a perfect finish right after a Pilates class.
Explore FUJIFILM’s Pink October
As part of their ongoing support in cancer awareness and detection, FUJIFILM will be having a dedicated Pink October in support of breast cancer awareness. The initiative will take place at healthcare institutions across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kenya and will focus on awareness campaigns and educational content around breast cancer. As the brand itself is known for helping breast cancer patients by developing breast imaging technology, the new campaigns help to understand breast cancer better, how we can spot it, and the tools for detection.
Get To Walking With DAS Club
Introducing its first Sport Abaya, designed for everyday movement, DAS Club celebrates its launch in a special shade of pink to honour Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Alongside the new abaya is the brand’s The Walking Club. Set to get your steps in, The Walking Club brings the community together alongside dialogue on breast cancer awareness. Taking place on Saturday, October 10, the walk begins at 6 PM at Dar Al Wasl Mall, Dubai.
carine x Al Jalila Foundation | Emirates Golf Club
Supporting the community with food, French-Mediterranean restaurant carine is doing its part not just for Pintober, but also for Men’s Cancer Awareness Month, occurring during November. Launching the Together for More initiative, guests can reserve dedicated tables for Dhs 100, with 100% of the proceeds donated to Al Jalila Foundation in support of cancer research and awareness.
A Pink Fueled Girls’ Night | Above Eleven, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
Teaming up with beauty powerhouses, The Big Beauty Scoop and Beauty Solutions, Above Eleven have curated a thoughtfully designed ladies’ night for Pinktober. Taking place on Wednesday, October 28, the night is a one-off fundraiser, with proceeds donated to Al Jalila Foundation. Held at Above Eleven’s open-air terrace, the evening will include three hours of free-flowing drinks, Nikkei bites, beauty activations, a live DJ to keep the tempo high, and a goodie bag, courtesy of Beauty Solutions.
A Pink Afternoon Tea | Al Habtoor Palace Dubai
Al Habtoor Palace Dubai has made its space pink for a dialogue centred around breast cancer awareness. Called Petals of Hope, the afternoon tea takes place at the Tea Garden | Sidra, where sweet and savoury bites are presented with pink-inspired touches in recognition of the month. Priced at 249 for two guests, the tea is available throughout the month of October.
A Touch of Pink Across Fairmont The Palm
For those thinking of a staycation this month, Fairmont The Palm has added a series of curated experiences in support of Pinktober. The hotel sports a specially curated pink beverage menu, a pink-inspired afternoon tea at Mashrabiya Lounge, selected dishes with a pink touch at Flow Kitchen, and more.
