From fitness classes and challenges to special edition coffees or free private examination checks…

October marks worldwide Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with statistics showing that one in eight women are likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime, many of us have been directly or indirectly affected by the disease.

Many establishments in Dubai are raising awareness and money for the cause throughout the month of October. Here’s what’s happening…

Dubai

Azure Beach

On Friday, October 25, Azure at Rixos Premium Dubai are hosting a dedicated fitness day, with guests able to enjoy a Barry’s Bootcamp class at 10.30am, followed by pool and beach access and then sunset yoga at 5pm. The package is Dhs200, Dhs150 of which will be donated to the Al Jalila Foundation. They’re also offering a ‘pretty in pink’ massage and facial, priced at Dhs850 for 120 minutes – 50 per cent of the proceeds will also be donated to the Al Jalila Foundation.

Azure Beach, Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, October 25, 10am to 5pm. Tel: (052) 777 9472. facebook.com/azurebeachdubai

Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee have teamed up with Kings College Hospital and will be offering complimentary private physical examinations in the Costa Coffee store on Al Wasl Road between October 20 to 26, between 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm. Kings College Hospital will also be offering a special discounted rate of Dhs500 for mammograms at their Dubai Hills Hospital throughout October. Additionally, if you visit any UAE Costa Coffee branch throughout October and buy a special ‘think pink’ latte or macaroon, all proceeds will be donated directly to the Al Jalila Foundation.

@costacoffeeuae

Fitness First

Fitness First will be hosting their annual ‘Pink Party’ on Monday, October 4, with a free Zumba class for members and non-members, running from 5pm to 7pm at the Dubai Stars Sportsplex, Championship Court. There’s also a kids Zumba class on prior to that, from 4pm to 5pm. Attendees are invited to don their pinkest of activewear and the first 300 attendees will receive a free Adidas t-shirt – usually the event attracts around 1000 people. Additionally, non-members are invited to try a fitness class of their choice each weekend in October across the ladies only, mixed and community clubs but you’ll have to register for your free pass at uae.fitnessfirstme.com

Fitness First, Dubai Stars Sportsplex, Championship Court, Dubai, Monday October 4, adults 4pm to 5pm, kids 5pm to 7pm. uae.fitnessfirstme.com

IGNITE: Pink is Punk

IGNITE, the UAE fitness and wellness company are, this year, launching their 10th Pink is Punk initiative which raises funds for breast cancer research and support in the UAE. The cause is very close to IGNITE founder, Guillaume Mariole’s heart, who’s grandmother was affected by the disease. To raise money, they are putting on three active events in October. At Anantara the Palm, there’s a Swim: Run on Friday, October 4, open to anyone above the age of 6. Spectators are welcome and if they donate Dhs150 + VAT, they’ll get a Pink is Punk t-shirt and a goody bag. There’s also set to be a sunset yoga class at Anantara on Monday, October 6 for anyone over 16, but there’s limited spaces so make sure to sign up ASAP. Finally, on Friday October 11, there’s going to be a Pink Paddle event at RIVA Beach Club for people aged 10 and up, with distances ranging from 1km for juniors, 1.5km for fun paddlers and 4.5km got experts, with boards available for rent.

Pink is Punk, October 4, 6 and 11. ignite.ae/ignite-pink-is-punk

Nine West

Global shoe brand Nine West have teamed up with UAE breast cancer initiative Pink Caravan to do their part for the month. For every pair of shoes bought at the Mall of the Emirates branch of Nine West, an additional pair will be donated to breast cancer survivors between October 1 and 17.

Nine West, Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, October 1 to October 17 @ninewestarabia

Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs Flower Workshop

Designed to support anyone who has been directly or indirectly affected by breast cancer, Plaisir Cadeaux are putting on a flower making workshop every Tuesday throughout October starting from 11am which is free to attend. You’ll be able to create your own flower arrangement, coached by Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs founder, Mandy McMechan, in a signature velvet box which you can then take home with you. Make sure to confirm your attendance 48 hours in advance by emailing workshop@plaisircadeaux.com. 

Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs Flower Workshop. Al Thuranya St, flower workshop every Tuesday throughout October from 11am to 4pm, free. Tel: (056) 568 7373. plaisircadeaux.com

Ritz-Carlton Dubai

The Ritz-Carlton Dubai are supporting the Al Jalila Foundation with a number of things happening throughout October. On Tuesday, October 8, there will be a high tea event in association with The Big Beauty scoop, where from 10am until 12pm, you’ll get complimentary treatments from stations of participating beauty brands including Charlotte Tilbury, Dermalogica and Pastels Salon. The event is Dhs250 to attend, with 50 per cent of the proceeds going directly to the Al Jalila Foundation. Additionally, from October 1 to 31, if you get a PINKtober Rose Awakening Ritual treatment, priced at Dhs620 or the PINKtober Lobby Lounge Afternoon tea, Dhs195, proceeds from each of those will also be donated to the Al Jalila Foundation.

Ritz-Carlton, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 399 4000. ritzcarlton.com

Studio One Hotel

This cool new hotel in Studio City are offering free screenings for ladies between October 9 and October 23, with a pop up clinic everyday between 10am and 12pm. Women will get a free health check as well as the screening and any questions you might have will be answered by professionals at Zia Medical Centre.

Studio One Hotel, Studio City, Dubai, free screenings and health checks, October 9 to October 23, 10am to 12pm. Tel: (04) 581 6800. studioonehotel.com

Abu Dhabi

Spartan Race

If you live in the UAE, you may have heard of the Spartan Sprit – the high octane mud run course with challenging obstacles, designed to push your strength and endurance. In aid of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they are launching a ladies only 5km race on Friday, October 25, with 20 obstacles where they invite you to wear something pink whist you take part. Photos and videos will be taken on the race day and published on their website, however if you don’t want to be a part of these, you can take part in a different heat that’s been allocated for no photos. The open sprint starts at 8.30am and registration is open from 7am.

Spartan Women’s Only Race, Al Ghazal Golf Course, Abu Dhabi, Friday October 25. spartanarabia.com

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Images: Supplied / Facebook