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Medcare Predicts Four-Fold Rise in Breast Cancer Screenings for October

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1 year ago

October 3, 2024

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Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres, group has announced rolling out the third edition of its annual breast cancer screening and awareness program this October and is on track to screen over 700 women this year. The month-long campaign, running from October 1 to 31, is led by Medcare Women & Children Hospital and will run across all of Medcare’s hospitals & Medical Centres. Offering a special screening package that includes a consultation with a specialist and the choice of an ultrasound or mammogram screening, Medcare’s mostly women-led facility, Medcare Women & Children Hospital, is encouraging mothers and women to prioritize their health. Medcare’s approach has always been about educating the public towards the prevention of illnesses and lifestyle improvements while making screenings affordable to the wider public.

Commenting on the screening program, Internal Medicine Specialist and Medical Director of Medcare Women & Children Hospital and Medcare Medical Centers, Dr. Ahmed Abdel Hameed said “We are happy to announce the third edition of Breast Cancer Campaign, following the huge success of previous years’ programme that witnessed a threefold increase over the last 2 years. We are delighted to see that women are responding so well to our educational program and really taking ownership of their health. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in UAE, however, it is also one of the most curable types of cancers if identified and treated in its early stages. We are all about empowering and enriching the lives of our patients through supporting them to make informed decisions about their health.

“Early detection is critical in improving survival rates and treatment outcomes for breast cancer, and we are proud to empower women to take control of their health. The campaign aims to eliminate the hesitation women may feel towards breast cancer screening by offering convenient and affordable service, delivered by a team of highly qualified gynecologists, general surgeons, and breast health experts,” added Dr. Brian Mtemererwa, Consultant Endocrinologist and Medical Director at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital

Out of the 504 women screened last year, 10% were found to have “suspicious” abnormalities that required further investigation as these abnormalities could either have be pre-cancerous or in actuality be malignant. Additionally, nearly 30% of women screened, showed minor benign abnormalities, including clustered round calcifications and fibroadenomas. For women found with abnormalities, our specialists recommended biopsies and follow-up consultations with surgeons, ensuring that patients received the necessary care if needed. Many participants were advised to return for repeat screenings within six months to monitor their progression.

Worldwide the age bracket of women being diagnosed with breast cancer has been dropping. For instance, one of the patients who came to Medcare Women & Children Hospital for her screening, Ms Jessica Abou Jaoude, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the prime of her life, being only 30 years old. Having no previous family history of breast cancer and living a healthy lifestyle, the news came as a complete shock to her.

“Breast cancer can be detected at any age, even with no family, or personal history. Whether you are in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, the risk is real. I was happily living life till one day I found a lump in my breast while self-evaluating. I was sure it was nothing to worry about but still decided to get myself screened anyway. I received the shocking diagnosis and the rest is history. Had I waited and delayed my screening, I probably would not have made it. Through early detection and taking the right steps to investigate my small lump, I have saved my own life. I am happy to share my positive experience with Medcare as a breast cancer advocate, and encourage all women out there to get over the fear and have themselves evaluated. I now live a healthy and happy life with a long future ahead.

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UAE fuel prices for March increase: Full tank to cost up to Dh11 more

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4 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Motorists across the UAE will pay more at the pump starting March 1, 2026, after the country announced revised petrol and diesel rates for the new month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee confirmed the updated retail prices on February 28, with all fuel categories seeing a moderate increase compared to February.

Under the new rates:

Super 98: Dh2.59 per litre (up from Dh2.45)
Special 95: Dh2.48 per litre (up from Dh2.33)
E-Plus 91: Dh2.40 per litre (up from Dh2.26)
Diesel: Dh2.72 per litre (up from Dh2.52)

Why UAE fuel prices increased

Fuel prices in the UAE are reviewed monthly and adjusted in line with global oil market trends. The country deregulated fuel prices in 2015, linking local pump rates to international benchmarks.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure approves the monthly pricing structure, which is based on the average global oil price and includes distribution company operating costs.

The March revision reflects a slight upward movement in global crude prices during February.

How much more will you pay? Full tank cost breakdown

Depending on your vehicle type, filling up in March could cost between Dh7 and Dh11 more compared to February.

Compact Car (51-litre tank)

Super 98: Dh132.09
Special 95: Dh126.48
E-Plus: Dh122.40

Increase: Around Dh7 per tank

Sedan (62-litre tank)

Super 98: Dh160.58
Special 95: Dh153.76
E-Plus: Dh148.80

Increase: Around Dh9 per tank

SUV (74-litre tank)

Super 98: Dh191.66
Special 95: Dh183.52
E-Plus: Dh177.60

Increase: Up to Dh11 per tank

Diesel vehicle owners will also see a noticeable rise, with prices increasing by 20 fils per litre.

What this means for motorists

While the increase is modest, regular commuters and SUV owners may feel the impact over the course of a month, especially those who refuel weekly.

With fuel rates continuing to fluctuate in response to global markets, motorists are advised to monitor monthly announcements to plan their fuel expenses accordingly.

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Parents, take note: Dubai Police warn about teens riding motorbikes after Iftar in residential areas

Published

23 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Michael Gomes

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As Ramadan evenings get busier, Dubai Police are warning parents about a rise in teenagers riding motorcycles and recreational bikes in residential areas, especially after Iftar.

Why this matters

Police say many teens are:

Riding without proper safety measures
Using service roads and neighbourhood streets
Putting themselves at risk of collisions with cars or pedestrians

Residential areas are often filled with families, children and elderly residents during Ramadan nights, making the danger even greater.

What parents should know

Authorities have already:

Impounded motorcycles
Summoned parents
Filed official police reports

This behaviour is considered a legal violation and can have serious consequences.

What you can do

Talk to your children about road safety and legal responsibilities
Ensure any bike use follows UAE traffic laws
Supervise younger teens, especially during busy evening hours

Residents can report unsafe riding via the 901 hotline (‘We Are All Police’ service) or through the Dubai Police app.

A quick conversation at home today could prevent a serious accident tomorrow.

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Foodilicious: A new Dubai-based TV series that brings Ramadan culinary traditions and cultural stories to screen

Published

24 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Michael Gomes

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A new Ramadan television series is bringing communities together across the GCC, not through debate or drama, but through the shared experience of Iftar.

Haier presents Foodilicious, produced by Rigel Global Media, which premiered in February and airs every Saturday at 7:30pm (GST) on Zee TV, with streaming available on demand.

The English-language lifestyle series blends Iftar traditions, chef-led dining, hospitality features and cultural storytelling, reflecting the diversity that defines Ramadan in Dubai and across the Middle East.

More than a food show

Unlike conventional cooking programmes, Foodilicious positions food as a narrative tool.

Founder and CEO Abhishek K. Mishraa said the editorial approach mirrors news storytelling, rooted in real life, cultural context and human experience.

The show was developed alongside Creative Head Puneet Verma and storyteller Aryaman Singh, who brought a contemporary lens to Ramadan traditions to connect with younger audiences.

Their goal? To treat food as memory, devotion and belonging, not just spectacle.

Familiar face fronts the series

Hosting the show is Lokesh Dharmani, radio jockey at City 101.6 FM, whose warm, conversational style anchors the format.

Behind the scenes, Production Manager Mukesh Dubey and Line Producer Tanim Ayub lead operations, while digital strategy is managed by social media personality Altamash Iqbal.

Backed by global brand support

The series is presented by Haier Gulf Electronics LLC, signalling growing brand investment in culturally resonant Ramadan programming, a season known for some of the region’s highest TV viewership figures.

Ramadan in the UAE brings together Emiratis, expats and visitors from across the world. By showcasing Iftar tables, chefs, hospitality experiences and shared traditions, Foodilicious aims to reflect that diversity on screen.