It’s Movember – that time of the year when men across the globe sprout a mustache to raise awareness for prostate cancer. If you’re looking to join the movement – check out our list of events in the UAE. Plus get a prostate screening for AED 100, or get one through your health insurance.
- How can I participate?
- What events are on in the UAE to support Movember?
- Does my health insurance cover prostate cancer tests?
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men worldwide, with an estimated 1.7 million new cases globally by 2030.
Do check if your health insurance policy covers annual tests for prostate, testicular and other male cancers. [Compare health insurance plans in the UAE]
Participate by becoming a ‘Mo Bro’ or a ‘Mo Sista’
The Movember campaign, now in its eleventh year, was conceived in 2003 in a pub in Australia by four men. To date, some four million people have been involved in the movement in 21 countries. To participate in this campaign, the Movember Foundation asks you to register and then grow a mustache or a beard for 30 days. You ‘donate’ your face to the cause by sparking conversation about prostate cancer and asking friends and family to sponsor your efforts. Women can participate as well, and they don’t need to grow any fuzz!
Does your health insurance cover prostate cancer tests?
Some health insurance providers in the UAE cover annual screenings for prostate cancer. However, it may depend on which policy you have, or if your doctor has prescribed the screening.
| Health insurance provider | Individual policy cover for prostate cancer tests |
| ADNIC | Yes |
| AXA | Yes |
| Aman | No |
| Bupa | Yes |
| ESDB | Yes, but only with the Superior policy |
| InterGlobal | Yes, but only with the Comprehensive and Elite policy |
| NGi | Covered under group policies only * |
| NOW Heath International | Covered under group policies only * |
| New India Assurance | If prescribed by the doctor or as pre-existing condition |
| Orient Insurance Company | If prescribed by the doctor or as pre-existing condition * |
| Oman Insurance Company | No |
| SALAMA | No |
*These providers cover screenings only if you have a group health insurance policy, rather than an individual policy.
Movember events
| What | Where | When |
| Book a prostate cancer screening for AED 100. The screening is inclusive of consultation and a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. | GMC Clinics, Tecom branch, Dubai | Throughout November |
| Mo Bros get one free bottle of hops. If you wish to pay for it, the proceeds will be donated to the cause. | Societe, Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai Marina | Every Tuesday throughout November |
| Visit a mustache-themed art and photography exhibition. | Iris Dubai, Oberoi Hotel, Dubai | 11th to 30th November |
| Watch a free stand-up comedy act, Movember MIX TAPE, by the students of Dubomedy Arts School. | Al Dana Hall, Dubai Marina Yacht Club | From 7 pm on 15th November |
| Mo Bros get a free Movember eclair. | Eclair, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai | Throughout November |
| Go to a mustache-themed party, “Meesha Night”. Collect a free ‘tache at the entrance. Couples free until 00:30. Or book a table starting at AED 1,500 for six people and get a free bottle and starters. | Aurora Lounge & Terrace, Hues Hotel Deira, Dubai | From 10:30 pm on 7th November |
| Get grooming sessions at Gentlemen’s Tonic, including a shampoo, haircut and mustache or beard trim during Movember. The first and last trims of your sessions will be free. The person with the most creative look will win a prize. | Emirates Palace Spa, Abu Dhabi | Throughout November |
