On Sunday, Dubai rose early to extend a warm reception to the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR), the annual nationwide breast cancer awareness campaign, making its 11^th trek through the seven emirates to raise community awareness about early detection and encourage regular screening.

Organised by the Friends Of Cancer Patients (FOCP), under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Royal Patron of FOCP, the pink brigade kicked off Day 2 journey from DIFC Gate Avenue at 8am, where scores of residents took to the streets waving flags welcome equestrians braving the morning chilled weather.

During the day’s trek, Sheikh Maktoum Mohammed Faisal Al Qasimi, alongside Sheikha Hind Mohammed Faisal Al Qasimi and Sheikh Rashid Mohammed Faisal Al Qasimi, joined the journey and saddled up with equestrians towards Skydive Dubai and reached the bustling JBR, where scores of residents lined up to cheer for the pink riders.

Hessa Abdul Rahman Tahlak, Assistant Under-Secretary for Community Development at the Ministry of Community Development and a passionate supporter,  joined the ride and trekked alongside the pink brigade at Skydive Dubai. Emirati artist and PCR Ambassador Fayez Al Saeed, who composed and performed a special song at the opening ceremony of the 11th annual ride, rode with his three children — Hamdan (10), Hind (8), and Mohammed (6) — through the streets of Dubai to raise awareness for PCR and its noble causes.

HE Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council and a PCR Ambassador, also welcomed the pink brigade and accompanied them through Dubai streets, passing by Marasi Parking as more people flocked the streets to learn more about the annual breast cancer awareness campaign.

The Pink Brigade continued their journey towards the last stop for the day at City Walk, welcomed by curious visitors and residents inquiring more about the awareness campaign and how to avail the free checkups. In Dubai, PCR fixed clinics at Lulu Hypermarket Al Barsha and Mirdif City Centre will continue offering free screenings to residents until February 10.

Throughout the day, PCR’s Pink Caravan Mammogram clinic stationed at La Mer, offered free screenings to residents and citizens. Meanwhile, the PCR Minivan offered services at Dubai Frame and City Walk.

Back to Sharjah

Today (February 6), PCR raises awareness in Sharjah with the riders starting at BEEAH Group, from where they will make an onward journey to Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), Sharah Broadcast Authority, Al Jada, and Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park, and finally conclude the day of campaigning at the University Hospital.

PC Mammogram Unit offers mammograms and other medical services at the Sharjah Broadcast Authority head quarters, alongside temporary walk-in clinics set up at the Air Arabia A-One building, Sharjah and Al Qasimiya University, Sharjah. The fixed clinics in the emirate can be accessed until February 10 at the Al Majaz Waterfront, Mega Mall, Lulu Hypermarket Al Butina, and Lulu Central Sharjah.

Day 4, the journey north

The ride will journey north towards Umm Al Quwain, with riders starting from UAQ Wall & Fort at 9am, passing by UAQ Hospital, and making a stop at Kite Beach, UAQ at 12pm. After a short break, the pink brigade will begin its second round ride from Hamriyah Fisherman’s Marina at 3:00pm, visiting places such as Al Hamriyah Ladies Club, before reaching the final venue for the day, Hamriyah Beach, at an estimated arrival time of 5pm.

Pink Caravan Mammogram clinics will be available at the Umm Al Quwain Hospital, while the Daily Minivan Stops will operate at Kite Beach from 12-6pm and at Al Hamriyah Ladies Club from 4-10pm. PCR fixed clinic will offer its services at the Lulu Hypermarket in UAQ Mall from 4 to 10pm until 10 February.

For more information about the Pink Caravan routes and locations, please visit our social media: @thepinkcaravan.