Dubai laid out the red carpet for the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) which entered the emirate on February 28, the third day of the 10th edition of the annual breast cancer awareness programme.

The ride that began from DIFC Avenue Boulevard at 10.30 am and wound up at Dubai Boulevard near Dubai Mall at noon, with a stop at the DIFC Avenue Gate along the way, had the privilege of being headed by HE Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, UAE Minister of Community Development, along with Pink Caravan ambassadors Soud Al Kaabi, Aisha Saeed Harib, Fayez Al Saeed, and his children, 4-year-old Hind Fayez Al Saeed and 7-year-old Hamed Al Saeed, making up the second generation of volunteers from the same family.

They were accompanied by DIFC representatives Tauseef Cavago, who donated AED10,000 to the ride, and Khalid Bin Karam, HE Reem BinKaram, Head of the Higheer Steering Committee of the Pink Caravan Ride, accompanied them on the ride.

HE Hessa Buhumaid enthusiastically led the equine volunteers on horseback. Speaking about her participation in the Pink Caravan Ride, the Minister said it stemmed from her recognition of the importance of enhancing preventive health initiatives and national activities in order to promote the awareness of prevention and safety among the community members.

Her Excellency noted that the 10th edition of PCR was creating a lot of interest within the community.

She further said: “I am honoured to join all these riders who have led the awareness ride with positivity and achieved key humanitarian goals. They are doing great service by raising awareness about breast cancer, its causes and prevention and boosting the spirit of patients. Over the past 10 years, the Pink Caravan has played a significantly important role in encouraging volunteerism by ensuring the participation of a broad cross-section of riders from all over the UAE, involved all sections of the community as well as authorities. With the delivery of free check-ups and screenings for more than 64,000 men and women and the diagnosis of 75 cases, the campaign’s positive influence on our community continues to grow.”

Commenting on the occasion, Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director of Emaar, said: “We are delighted to host the Pink Caravan Ride as it crosses through Downtown Dubai on its journey through the seven emirates. We enjoy sharing our destinations for community initiatives, especially when they benefit the greater good. We wish the Pink Caravan team the best of luck as they travel across the nation raising awareness for such a worthy cause.”

Awareness walk at Dubai Mall

Later in the evening, around 50 PCR volunteers led by HE Reem BinKaram, organised an awareness walk around Dubai Mall, handing out booklets and spreading awareness about the fact that 98 percent breast cancers are treatable if detected early, and emphasising the importance of regular screenings. She was joined by Emirati artist Saud Al-Kaabi, who has been a Pink Caravan ambassador since its first year.

Al-Kaabi expressed his pride in participating in the ride for the tenth consecutive time. He praised the nobility of its mission, and the support it receives from the Ruler of Sharjah and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founder and Patron of FOCP, in addition to the efforts of HE Reem BinKaram, along with the efforts of the volunteers, riders, medical personnel, partners and supporters.

He also added that the ride’s continued and unfailing efforts sends an important message to Emirati women and all other members of society: they must all take early, periodic checks and stay away from unhealthy patterns and behaviors.

Shoppers and visitors were initially intrigued by the contingent of volunteers walking around the mall, carrying banners and reaching out to people on the way. However, when they came to realise the intent behind the walk, many of them began to spontaneously cheer the volunteers, waving the pink flags handed to them. Many of them were overheard enquiring about the location of the PCR clinics

The latest edition of PCR is the biggest one so far, with over 350 doctors available for consultations at over 70 fixed and mobile clinics, with over 150 equine volunteers joining them in spreading awareness about breast cancer over a period of 10 days.

The campaign’s equine awareness route was led by 50 male and female volunteering riders. Over the past three days of the programme, PCR has offered 5,905 free check-ups and breast screenings. The drive aims to deliver more than 10,000 check-ups along with promoting awareness.

Through the day, the equines and volunteers on foot engaged with onlookers and people passing the caravan in their cars, handing out booklets containing details about the medical clinics across the seven emirates and encouraged them to go for their free checkups and screenings.

On the third day, free clinics were held for women at three locations – Dragon Mart, Town Center Jumeirah and Kite Beach, from 2:00 to 10:00 pm. Combined clinics for men and women were held at Zabeel Park and Mamzar Park, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Day 4 programme

Today (Saturday), the ride will travel 21 km, setting off from Al Mamzar Beach at 8:00 am, followed by three stops – Al Mamzar Park, Etihad Museum and Salt-Kite Beach – before winding up for the day at Al Sufoh Beach at 5:00 pm.

PCR will hold three clinics for women at Town Center Jumeirah and Kite Beach from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Clinics at Mamzar Park, Dragon Mart and Zabeel Park will cater to both women and men, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The fixed clinic in Dubai Festival City Mall will be offering free medical consultations and screenings 4:00 – 10:00 pm until March 6.

The PCR’s tenth edition will continue until March 6, traveling around the seven emirates, accompanied by 30 fixed and mobile medical clinics that will offer free early detection screenings and consultations for all community segments throughout the 10-day tour.