500 cyclists ride to raise awareness for breast cancer at WeConquer in Dubai

• Part of the biggest Breast Cancer Awareness initiative, the 10km bicycle ride also coincided with the first week of Dubai Fitness Challenge

Dubai: Hundreds of cyclists and bikers across Dubai gathered on Sunday morning to spread breast cancer awareness and contribute to cancer efforts at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) as part of UAE’s Pinktober activities. Under the theme of a pedal to fight, the community joined hands to participate in the historic 10km ride that also coincided with the ongoing 30×30 Dubai Fitness Challenge. Leading the fight against cancer, cyclists rode from Dubai Silicon Oasis Headquarters to Dubai Digital Park in pink to drive home the importance of early detection as well as to celebrate the fight of survivors.

“As a breast cancer survivor, I would reiterate the importance of early detection, be your own advocate, and support causes and initiatives like these that lead the fight against this disease. We have to inspire and support each other, we need to tell our stories so that more women will be aware and conscious of what breast cancer is.” said Malou Caluza, CEO, QNet Ltd, one of the key sponsors of the two-day ‘We Conquer’ initiative that was organized by Orbit Events in partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis and with the Dubai Police, and Women’s Council as strategic partners.

The ride was flagged off in all grandeur with mounted police on horses, a marching band, and cyclists from the Dubai Police, followed by a fleet of supercars, and superbikes rallying in to show support for the campaign. The goal was also to inspire people to get active, while participating in a good cause making ‘We Conquer’ one of the biggest events promoting a healthy lifestyle on the opening weekend of the 30×30 Dubai Fitness Challenge.

Ms. Nesrine Benbahi, a QNET employee, spoke at the ‘We Conquer’ Breast Cancer Awareness drive as a cancer survivor. The 33-year-old executive customer support at QNET was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2020.

Ms. Benbahi detailed the hardships she had to overcome on her journey to beat cancer and how she managed the strength to keep going, she said, “As a cancer survivor, I can tell you that the battle against cancer is only 30 percent physical. The other 70 per cent is mental and if you hold onto your mental strength, you will be able to make it through.”

Ms. Benbahi expressed gratitude to all the participants of the event. “I know how hopeless and lonely the whole experience can feel. When those battling cancer today see so many people come together and show solidarity for them, it helps them feel a little less hopeless and alone. It helps them see the bigger picture and realize that they have the courage to overcome,” she said.  

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The awareness campaign also featured a Pink festival held at the Dubai Digital Park. The community-driven event included health talks by Dr. Buthaina Nemeh from Dubai Police Health Centre and Maram El Ham, a DHA-qualified dietician and personal trainer, inspiring survivor stories, spoken poetry by Dana Dajani, a Zumba fitness session, a pink runway walk by Ivlin George Obyet, games, live music, superbikes display, and other fun activities for families.

Free examinations and mammograms were provided by mission partners ‘Friends of Cancer Patients’ and ‘Pink Caravan’ in the Medical Mobile Clinic that travels across the UAE providing onsite awareness and screening for breast cancer.

“We are grateful for the commitment shown by the active community to unite against breast cancer,” said Pragna Vaya, Managing Director at Orbit Events. “This is a proud moment for us. We are overwhelmed with the support of our partners and community for taking their passion and using it as a force for good with this purpose-driven initiative.”