Travel To Dubai

On March 15, 2008, on a trip to the Middle east I was privileged to join the Dubai Tickled Pink Paddlers for a practice at Mina Seayi next to Le Meridien which is that part of the coast line next to The Palm.


Photo - Joanna Hutton

Before Dave and I left for this trip I had been in contact with Julie Amer and she was my very welcoming and generous host while we were in Dubai.

Julie, who is originally from Yorkshire in the UK, has been in Dubai for 10 years. In 2004 she set up a company called Mountain High with a mission to encourage as many people as possible to get into action and take charge of their health through adventure challenges.

Over the years she has set up many challenges to raise awareness for breast cancer and osteoporosis.

A week before I arrived they had just completed a tandem sky dive with 18 women in pink jumpsuits for International Womens’ Day!

Julie had dreamed of starting the first breast cancer survivor dragon boat crew in the UAE and that became a reality in 2007 with the assistance of Gray McCulloch who helped her train the team of survivors recruited through Dr Houriya Kazim’s breast friends Support Group.

Dr Houriya is a UEA national, a leading breast cancer surgeon, runs the Well Women Clinic and established the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Emirates.

Tickled Pink had 2 emirati women on their crew which was a major achievement considering the very conservative nature of the culture. They competed in Penang, bringing home the silver!!

As I write this article, a number of Tickled Pink paddlers are gathering for dinner tomorrow, June 5.

The crew has since disbanded due to the characteristic mobility of the expats in the region , illness and family commitments. But those who are still in the area, have joined the Dubai Sea Dragons, a mixed recreational crew.

So, those who are able, continue to enjoy paddling spreading the message of awareness in their own way.

For information on this very remarkable woman who has embraced our breast cancer journey please go to www.mountainhighme.com.

And for more information on a very remarkable doctor in the UAE google Dr Houriya Kazim.