Every October, destinations around the world light up in pink, a symbol of hope, awareness, and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. In the Middle East, Pinktober 2025 brings together health advocacy, hospitality, and community spirit in a way that travellers can experience firsthand. From luxury hotels and wellness retreats to city-wide festivals and charity challenges, this is a month when travel meets purpose, and every stay, meal, and moment can help make a difference.
Wellness meets awareness
The United Arab Emirates continues to lead the region’s Pinktober efforts with one of its most comprehensive national health campaigns to date. This year, the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) have launched Pink October (Pinktober) 2025 with a record-breaking 86 screening sites across all seven emirates. Through its flagship initiative, the Pink Caravan, the organisation offers free clinical breast exams, mammograms, and ultrasounds at both fixed and mobile clinics nationwide.
These clinics are strategically located in shopping destinations and public areas across all seven emirates, including City Walk in Dubai, Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah, Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi, and RAK Mall in Ras Al Khaimah. By integrating screening facilities into accessible urban spaces, and running events alongside them, it encourages people to give back, and prioritise their health.
City Walk, Dubai
City Walk’s open-air plaza transforms into a hub of wellness and awareness, hosting a Pink Caravan fixed clinic (open daily, 4-10 pm) and offering free screenings and consultations all month.
Guests can enjoy exclusive discounts from nearby outlets, from pink-themed nail pop-ups at N.Bar and Bedashing Beauty Lounge, to lymphatic massages at SaltZen Spa, and complimentary tea boxes from FiLLi Select. The area’s mix of cafes, fashion, and fitness studios makes it easy to blend leisure with purpose.
Aljada, Sharjah
The Pink Caravan returns to Aljada with three days of family-friendly activities, screenings, workshops, and live entertainment. Visitors over 40 can access free mammograms on a first-come-first-served basis, a meaningful stop for anyone exploring Sharjah’s growing art and lifestyle scene.
Awareness meets action
In Saudi Arabia, Pinktober has evolved into a nationwide movement that blends healthcare advocacy with community education. The Zahra Breast Cancer Association, founded by Princess Haifa bint Faisal Al Saud, remains at the forefront, providing patient support, public awareness programmes, and national screening campaigns. Throughout October, clinics in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities are offering discounted or free breast health check-ups as part of the Ministry of Health’s broader prevention initiative.
The region’s hospitality industry has also become an important platform for outreach. Many hotels are turning their dining rooms and spas into spaces for awareness and support including the Millennium Hotels & Resorts’ Pinktober campaign to honour survivors. As well as the Four Seasons Riyadh, which are offering a Pinktober Afternoon Tea with Pink Phoenix mocktail to symbolise rising from the ashes with strength and hope.
Hotels step up
Hotels across the Emirates are joining the cause with creative Pinktober offerings including:
- Ritz-Carlton, Dubai: “Pinktober Afternoon Tea” on 24 October from 2-4pm with skin health tips from 111SKIN, and cancer awareness by Al Jalila Foundation.
- Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel: Pink pastries, themed cocktails, and brunches supporting the Al Jalila Foundation.
- Millennium Place Barsha Heights, Copthorne Hotel Dubai, and Radisson Blu Hotels: Hosting awareness days, fundraisers, and themed menus to support women’s health.
- Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi: Cycling with Rixos on 18 October, a charity ride in partnership with Pink Caravan.
Travellers taking part
For travellers visiting the region this October, there are many meaningful ways to engage with Pinktober while exploring. Events to look out for include:
- IGNITE Pink is Punk (11-18 October): Fitness events including a run at Anantara The Palm, Moonlight Yoga at RIVA Beach, and Pink Paddle sessions, raising funds for Al Jalila Foundation.
- Battle Cancer Challenge (25 October): A community fitness event at The Sevens Stadium where proceeds support the FOCP x Battle Cancer fund through YallaGive.
- Hero Experiences Group: Offers a Pinktober Private Car Desert Safari in pink vintage Land Rovers, donating 50% of proceeds to breast cancer research.
Above all, travellers can use their platforms, whether social media, blogs, or simply conversations with loved ones to raise awareness and encourage others to check in on their health.
Pinktober has become a shared expression of compassion and responsibility. The message that echoes throughout the region is one of collective empowerment. The campaign has become more than medical, it’s a movement uniting communities, workplaces, and the travel industry in the spirit of wellness and care.
