You can get a free breast cancer screening in the UAE this October, and it may take less time than your coffee run. Pink Caravan, the campaign run by the Sharjah charity Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), started its 2026 drive on 1 October with more than 75 clinic activations across all seven emirates: fixed clinics in malls, mobile clinics, workplace visits and community events.
The checks are free, and men can be checked too. Here is every Pink Caravan clinic we know of, who can go, what happens on the day, and the other ways to get screened in Dubai.
Last updated: 4 October 2026. Pink Caravan adds mobile clinic stops through the month, so we will keep this list updated.
Pink Caravan 2026 at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Thursday 1 to Saturday 31 October 2026 |
| Cost | Free |
| Who | Women and men. Mammograms are subject to eligibility |
| Services | Clinical breast exams, mammograms and ultrasounds |
| Dubai clinic | City Walk, all of October |
| Run by | Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), since 2011 |
| Updates | @thepinkcaravan on Instagram, info@pinkcaravan.ae |
Where are the Pink Caravan clinics in 2026?
There are nine fixed clinics this year, open throughout October. Walk in, or check the schedule first on Pink Caravan’s Instagram for the opening hours of the one nearest you.
| Emirate | Fixed clinic |
|---|---|
| Dubai | City Walk |
| Abu Dhabi | Mushrif Mall |
| Al Ain | Mall of Al Ain |
| Al Ain | Makani Zakher |
| Sharjah | Al Majaz Waterfront |
| Sharjah (Al Dhaid) | Al Dhaid Mall |
| Umm Al Quwain | Mall of UAQ |
| Ras Al Khaimah | RAK Mall |
| Fujairah | Lulu Mall |
The mobile clinics
On top of the fixed clinics, the Pink Caravan Mobile Clinic (a full mammogram truck) and its Mini Mobile Clinics travel around the country all month. They stop in residential areas, malls and lifestyle spots, universities, offices and government buildings. If your company wants a visit, email info@pinkcaravan.ae.
The Aljada community event, Sharjah
The Pink Caravan community event is back at Aljada in Sharjah for its third year, with developer Arada. It runs Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October, from 5pm to 11pm, and today is the last day. As well as breast checks, there are general health screenings (blood pressure, blood sugar and bone density), Pap smears, talks in English and Arabic, games and activities for children. Entry is free.
Who can get a free mammogram?
Everyone can get a free clinical breast exam, which is a hands-on check by a doctor or nurse. Mammograms are given based on eligibility criteria, which Pink Caravan publishes on its channels. In past campaigns, free mammograms were for women aged 40 and over who were not pregnant or breastfeeding, had no symptoms and had not had a mammogram in the last two years. If you are younger or have symptoms, you get examined and, if needed, referred to one of the campaign’s partner hospitals for more tests.
This year’s medical partners for referrals include Advanced Care Oncology Center, Zulekha Hospital, University Hospital Sharjah, NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah and Canadian Hospital.
What happens at a Pink Caravan screening?
- Register: take your Emirates ID and expect a short form about your health history.
- Clinical exam: a medical professional checks the breasts and armpits. It takes a few minutes.
- Mammogram or ultrasound: if you are eligible, you get the scan in the clinic.
- Next steps: the team explains how you get your results. If anything needs a closer look, you are referred to a partner hospital for follow-up.
A tip: on the day of a mammogram, do not wear deodorant, powder or lotion under your arms or on your chest, because they can show up on the scan.
Can men get checked for breast cancer?
Yes. Breast cancer in men is rare, but it happens, and it is often found late because men do not expect it. Pink Caravan’s clinics examine men as well as women, so if you have noticed a lump or a change, go and get it checked.
Other ways to get screened in Dubai
- The Dubai Health Authority guideline is a mammogram every two years for women aged 40 and over. Ask your GP or clinic. Many insurance plans cover screening mammograms.
- Pinktober packages: many private hospitals and clinics in Dubai run discounted screening packages in October. Call your nearest clinic and ask what it is offering this year.
- Book a check any time: if you find a lump or a change, do not wait for October. See a doctor straight away.
Breast self-check: what to look for
Check yourself once a month, a few days after your period ends. See a doctor if you notice:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- A change in the size or shape of a breast
- Skin dimpling, puckering or redness
- A nipple that has turned inwards, or any discharge
- Pain in one spot that does not go away
More Pink October in Dubai
- Pinktober deals: desserts and brunches where part of the bill goes to cancer charities. See our Pinktober Dubai guide.
- Dubai Miracle Garden walk: the garden reopens for Season 15 on 8 October and will hold its first breast cancer awareness walk. Details go up on its website from 5 October.
Book it now
It is free, it is quick, and finding breast cancer early saves lives. Go to City Walk or the clinic nearest you this month, and bring your mum, your sister or your friend with you.
Follow @thepinkcaravan for the daily mobile clinic stops, and @dubaisecret_ for more of what is on in Dubai.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Eligibility, locations and opening hours are set by Pink Caravan and may change. Check its official channels before you go.
