Over 150 cyclists, dressed in pink, will take to the roads across the UAE this month for the second edition of the ‘Pink Tour,’ a community initiative aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Both women and men will participate in the expanded tour, which will now cover four emirates over three separate dates.
An Expanded Effort for Awareness
Launched in 2023 by Los Habibis, a grassroots cycling group based in Dubai, the Pink Tour began as a one-day event to support the breast cancer awareness campaign run by the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP). This year, the tour has grown into a three-day event, set to take place on October 13, 19, and 26, and will cover Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Dubai.
Each leg of the tour will begin at a dedicated participants’ village, where riders can gather, receive refreshments, and learn more about FOCP’s community initiatives. The event will include support from police escorts, ambulances, and technical teams to ensure the safety of the riders, who were selected through a registration process, with participation limited to intermediate and advanced cyclists.
A Community Effort Gaining Momentum
Robert Resto, the founder of Los Habibis, said the tour’s expansion came in response to an overwhelming demand from the community following the success of the first edition, which started with just 60 cyclists.
“We were amazed by the number of people who wanted to join this year. The Pink Tour has grown tremendously, with cyclists as young as 12 dedicating their weekends to raise awareness for a cause that impacts so many lives,” Resto said.
Personal Stories of Resilience and Hope
Breast cancer, which accounts for 21% of all diagnosed cancers in the UAE, resonates deeply with many participants in the Pink Tour. Several riders have personal connections to the cause, sharing stories of family members and friends who have battled the disease.
Among them is first-time participant Bissan AbuZainab, whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. Bissan believes the Pink Tour plays a crucial role in reminding women about the importance of regular check-ups.
“The Pink Tour can help raise awareness, especially among younger generations, about taking care of their health and staying informed about evolving treatments,” said the 34-year-old interior designer, who began cycling with Los Habibis last year.
For 12-year-old cyclist Martin Nikolenko, the tour holds special meaning as well, as a close family friend is recovering from breast cancer. Martin, one of the youngest participants, noted the importance of early diagnosis and expressed excitement to contribute to the cause for a second year.
“I’m grateful to be part of something so meaningful and can’t wait to visit new places this time around,” Martin said.
Cycling for a Cause That Touches Many
With breast cancer being one of the most common forms of cancer globally, the Pink Tour aims to bring the community together to fight the disease through education, awareness, and solidarity. By covering multiple emirates and expanding its reach, the event hopes to create lasting impact and encourage more people to prioritize early detection.
