Dubai has many great initiatives taking place across the year. But the Pink Caravan is a very special one for me as a family member of two cancer survivors. 

The Pink Caravan is an annual initiative in the UAE to raise awareness about breast cancer. Organised by the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) under the patronage of His Royal Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients. The Pink Caravan initiative travels across all seven emirates, providing early detection and screening services, especially to underserved communities. 

Pink Caravan holds a special place for a fun offline activity called the Pink Ride, where every year, more than 150 skilled riders come together to rally support from various sectors, engaging schools, universities, and corporations. Since its launch in 2011, the Pink Ride has covered over 2,100 km and engaged over 9,754 riders, 1,250 volunteers, and over 1,300 medical clinics. The initiative has provided early breast cancer detection exams to 93,201 women in the last 13 years.

This year, the Pink Caravan Ride is supported by the local cycling community Los Habibies, that will participate in this initiative, showcasing solidarity and raising awareness about early disease detection through their involvement. Collaborating with the important medical mission, Los Habibies will carry out the entertainment, attracting many amateur and professional cyclists to take part in this noble activity.

After finding out that the coolest sport is now supporting the most significant goals of all, The Sandy Times team couldn’t resist but ask Robert Resto, the founder of Los Habibies, about his vision of the initiative. 

— Tell me the story of the community. How have the Los Habibies started? 

— Los Habibies was established in 2021, starting with a simple WhatsApp message and five friends on the first ride. By the following week, that number grew to 30, and today, we’re proud to have over 3,000 members. What we love most about cycling is the indirect benefits it offers. Spending hours on a bike allows us to think, plan, clear our minds, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s the perfect balance of physical activity and mental refreshment, and it’s what brings us together as a team.

— What inspired you to participate in the Pink Caravan ride? What’s your main goal?

— My main goal was to be part of Pink October awareness month. FOCP was the best fit to partner with Los Habibies, helping spread their message. Through this ride, we aim to show support to those fighting cancer and let them know we are their voice.

— What have been some key challenges in organising such large-scale rides?

— Thanks to last year’s success, this year we faced no challenges. We secured our partners early on, had many concepts ready, and executed everything smoothly. We’re fully prepared for this year’s tour.

— What do you hope participants, including riders and volunteers, take away from this experience?

— This event will leave a lasting impact on every participant. Cancer touches every home, and by participating, they will feel that they are part of something meaningful.

— Do you plan to expand this initiative, perhaps adding more rides or extending it to other regions or causes?

— What started as a 2-hour event has now grown into a 3-day event. We had 60 cyclists last year, and this year we have 150. For added excitement, Jazirah Aviation Club will fly their pink Cessna over the cyclists on the first day. As for next year, the possibilities are endless!

— How can people who aren’t directly involved in the ride contribute to the Pink Caravan and cancer awareness?

— Our partners, Friends of Cancer, BinSina Pharmacies, Befit, Avene, Holland & Barrett, Pink Caravan, DecorateME, By Hessa, Endurance Bike Shop, and Triforce, have all played a major role through months of preparation. Their involvement shows that even those not directly riding can contribute to the cause by supporting through resources and awareness efforts.

— And then, who can participate in the ride? What is the schedule?

— This is a multinational event with professional cyclists. The rides will take place on three days: October 13th, 19th (morning rides), and 26th (afternoon ride). We will end the event with a full circle tour inside Global Village.

— What is your most anticipated ride from the programme?

— I am most excited about the first day. Seeing cyclists from different nationalities and ages, all united under pink colour, one goal, and one mission is truly inspiring.

— Why do you think cycling could be a good activity for such a cause?

— It is not just the activity itself but rather the community impact. As cyclists, this is another group ride for us, but through our strong presence on social media, we have the ability to reach a wider audience and spread the message further.