Have you noticed that the Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah have turned pink this month? It’s all in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, taking place throughout October. If you’re looking to support the cause, attend events, donate, raise awareness or just educate yourself, check out the list of events in the UAE.

According to World Health Organization, each year there are 1.38 million new cases of breast cancer and 458,000 deaths caused by breast cancer. It is also the most common form of cancer affecting women in the world today.

Dozens of events and drives are being held across the UAE to raise awareness about the importance of early detection, to help inform women about symptoms, self-examination methods and prevention of breast cancer.

Don’t forget to check if your health insurance policy covers annual mammograms. [Compare health insurance plans in the UAE]

Mammogram discounts during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

During October, you can also find clinics and hospitals supporting the cause, with discounts on mammograms and consultations. Here’s information on places you can visit to get checked.

Clinic/ hospital Description Emirate
Wellbeing Medical Centre At the Jumeirah branch, get 50 percent off your mammogram and a free breast examination and ultrasound. Dubai
Mediclinic Welcare Hospital Book a mammogram during the month of October at any of these hospitals and get a 50 percent discount. Dubai
Mediclinic City Hospital Book a mammogram during the month of October at any of these hospitals and get a 50 percent discount. Dubai
Mediclinic Dubai Mall Book a mammogram during the month of October at any of these hospitals and get a 50 percent discount. Dubai
GMC Clinics Book a screening for AED 150 at the Tecom clinic. The screening is inclusive of consultation, physical examination and procedures for self-examination. Dubai
Eternel Clinic Throughout October, book BRCA1 and BRCA2 screenings at a 20 percent discount. These are screenings which will test for genetic mutations that increase risk of developing breast cancer. Also get a free consultation on breast reconstruction. Dubai
Saudi German Hospital During October, get a 50 percent discount on mammograms for women over 40 years. Also get free mammogram vouchers and screenings by doctors. Dubai
 LLH Hospital Musaffah The hospital offers breast cancer screenings through mobile mammogram units.  Abu Dhabi

Does your health insurance cover annual mammograms?

Health insurance providers in the UAE can also cover annual screenings for breast cancer. However, it depends on the kind of policy you have, or if your doctor has prescribed the screening.

[Related: Getting senior health insurance in the UAE | Maternity cover: Questions to ask before you choose your health insurance ]

Health insurance provider Individual policy mammogram screening cover
ADNIC Yes
AXA Yes
Aman If prescribed by the doctor or as pre-existing condition
Bupa Yes
ESDB Yes
InterGlobal Yes
NGi No
NOW Heath International Covered under group policies only*
New India Assurance If prescribed by the doctor or as pre-existing condition
Oriental Insurance Company If prescribed by the doctor or as pre-existing condition
SALAMA No

*These providers cover screenings only if you have a group health insurance policy and not an individual policy.

UAE Breast Cancer Awareness events

Event Date Location Time Description Emirate
Saudi German Hospital Pink Ribbon Campaign 20th Oct Saudi German Hospital in Al Barsha 3 10pm – 4pm Attend educational lectures on breast cancer, and workshops on symptoms, self-examinations, prevention and cure. During the event, get free mammogram vouchers and consultations by doctors. Dubai
Ahlan Bounce for Breast Cancer awareness 21st Oct Bounce in Al Qouz 8pm – 10pm Pay AED 100 and register for the one-hour Bounce session. Get a sponsorship pack upon registration to raise funds which will be donated to UAE’s Friends of Cancer Patients charity. Event will be open to women, men and children. Participant with the most creative pink attire will win a six-day Maldives holiday.  Dubai
Fitness First Pink Zumbathon 21st Oct Fitness First Meadows 6pm – 10pm Register for a free event at Fitness First – open to members and non-members in aid of Breast Cancer Arabia. Women participants will be part of a three-hour Zumba session, with one-hour sessions for kids. Participants will also receive gifts and prizes from sponsors. A women-only event.  Dubai
Fitness First Pink Zumbathon 21st Oct Fitness First Marina Mall Abu Dhabi 6pm – 10pm Register for a free event at Fitness First open to members and non-members in aid of Breast Cancer Arabia. Women participants will be part of a three-hour Zumba session, with one-hour sessions for kids. Participants will also receive gifts and prizes from sponsors. A women-only event.  Abu Dhabi
Coffee morning at The Clubhouse 23rd Oct The Clubhouse at Zayed Sports City 9:30am – 12pm Buy a ticket priced AED 40 and enjoy a morning filled with fresh coffee and sweet treats. Also enter a draw to win discounts at stores. Funds will be donated to Breast Cancer Arabia.  Abu Dhabi
Bur Juman Pink Walkathon 31st Oct Zabeel Park  8am Dress in pink and pre-register for a 2km walk at Zabeel Park. Pay AED 50 for adults and AED 30 for children aged eight – 12. Funds will go to raising further awareness and supporting patient care. Enter a draw to win prizes including hotel stays, gift cards, gym memberships and car rentals.  Dubai
Jumeirah Group October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month Oct Various N/A Events and activities will be held at various locations during October to raise breast cancer awareness. These include special spa packages, promotions and gym memberships and pink decorations. Dubai