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Half a billion people live with arthritis: MEAF puts early action at the heart of World Arthritis Day 2026

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Arthritis affects about half a billion people worldwide, yet its physical, emotional and economic impact on everyday life is often underestimated. To strengthen awareness and help people take greater control of their health, the Middle East Arthritis Foundation (MEAF) will host its annual World Arthritis Day community event from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on 24 October 2026 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai. Inspired by the global Achieve Your Dreams theme, the event will encourage people with arthritis to pursue their goals through earlier diagnosis, informed care and stronger community support.

MEAF is urging people to recognise symptoms and seek medical advice before arthritis limits their independence. The condition is often dismissed as an unavoidable consequence of aging, although it can develop at any stage of life. Patients’ inflammatory arthritis symptoms are often dismissed when laboratory results appear normal, making it important to consult a rheumatologist.

Ankylosing spondylitis commonly begins during the teens or twenties, while juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects approximately one in 1,000 children under 16. A Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi study of Emirati rheumatoid arthritis patients recorded an average age of approximately 50, showing how significantly the condition can affect people during their working years. Without appropriate treatment, inflammatory arthritis can cause permanent joint damage and long-term disability, while some forms can also affect the eyes, lungs, heart and kidneys.

Through its patient support work, MEAF sees how chronic fatigue, morning stiffness and unpredictable flare-ups can affect employment as well as exercise, travel and routine activities. Painful hand joints can turn cooking or holding a pen into difficult tasks, while uncertainty around symptoms can contribute to anxiety and isolation. Rates of depression and anxiety among people with arthritis-related diseases can be between two and 10 times higher than in the general population. Exercise does not inevitably worsen arthritis, and suitable low-impact movement can help preserve strength and mobility.

Against this backdrop, MEAF’s event will combine clinical guidance with practical activities and patient experiences, helping attendees become more confident managers of their health. Participants will be able to speak directly with specialists and learn from others who understand the daily challenges of arthritis. Dedicated guidance will support women navigating fertility and pregnancy, with care extending through the postpartum period. The programme will also explore the role of nutrition, physical activity and mental wellbeing in managing the condition alongside medical treatment.

Dr Humeira Badsha, Founding Member of the Middle East Arthritis Foundation, said: “Over three decades of treating people with arthritis, I have seen how quietly the condition can change a life. Pain may appear first, but fatigue, reduced mobility and emotional strain can gradually affect work, relationships and independence. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are autoimmune conditions, and early diagnosis is critical to managing them effectively, avoiding joint damage and preventing long-term disability. World Arthritis Day gives us a chance to help people recognise symptoms and seek care earlier. With the right treatment, practical lifestyle guidance and a supportive community, people can manage their condition with confidence and continue pursuing the goals that give their lives meaning.”

This year, MEAF has collaborated with the Emirates Society for Rheumatology to raise awareness, with Dr Amel Ginawi leading public awareness for the Society and stressing the importance of early diagnosis. Attendees can learn, connect and participate in different ways, including a practical nutrition workshop led by a clinical dietitian and sessions covering Tai Chi, accessible dance, mental resilience and sound healing. The event will also feature the RM Dreams Poster Competition, inviting participants to share their dreams and experiences through creative posters, with attendees voting for their favourites and awards presented to the winners.

By bringing patients, caregivers and health professionals into the same conversation, MEAF hopes to replace misconceptions with useful guidance and reduce the isolation that can accompany a chronic condition. The Achieve Your Dreams theme reflects the Foundation’s belief that arthritis should not define what someone can work towards, provided they receive timely care and support suited to their circumstances.

All sessions are free to attend. To participate in the event, please register on  https://arthritis.ae/wad.

For more information about MEAF, visit www.arthritis.ae or follow the Foundation on Facebook: Emirates Arthritis Foundation and Twitter: UAE Arthritis.

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Kenz ‘de’ Rasasi Debuts at Beautyworld Middle East 2026 with a New Expression of Rasasi Heritage

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Kenz ‘de’ Rasasi, a new fragrance house born from the rich heritage of Rasasi, made its debut at Beautyworld Middle East 2026, marking a bold new chapter for one of Dubai’s established names in perfumery. Unveiling eight fragrance collections, the house is taking the treasures of Rasasi into new territory, combining decades of fragrance expertise with refined design, craftsmanship and a vision shaped for a new generation of fragrance consumers.

The name Kenz ‘de’ Rasasi translates as “The Treasures of Rasasi,” reflecting the house’s approach to its heritage. Built on Rasasi’s longstanding perfumery expertise, the house revisits selected flagship creations, refining their original compositions and reimagining their presentation for today’s discerning, younger consumers. The approach combines the richness of established fragrance craftsmanship with luxury, offering a new expression of heritage through carefully considered scents, design and storytelling.

Conceptualised and creatively driven by Mr. Anis Abdul Razak, Owner of Rasasi Perfumes and Chairman of AAR Group, Kenz ‘de’ Rasasi draws on decades of perfumery expertise to reinterpret selected creations for a new generation. Guided by the philosophy “Inspired by legacy, built for the future,” the house gives heritage-inspired fragrances a distinctive identity through refined compositions, custom bottle designs and elevated materials, creating a fresh expression of Rasasi’s fragrance heritage.

“Kenz ‘de’ Rasasi brings together the treasures we have built over generations and gives them a new identity. We wanted to preserve the soul of these creations while introducing them to a generation that appreciates authentic quality, individuality and thoughtful design. At its heart, the house is about carrying forward what we have built while embracing what lies ahead: inspired by legacy, built for the future.”

With the global luxury fragrance market valued at approximately USD 16 billion, Kenz ‘de’ Rasasi is positioning its launch around the opportunity to take Rasasi’s fragrance heritage to a wider international audience. By combining the richness of established perfumery with accessible luxury, contemporary design and storytelling, the house aims to connect with younger consumers across global markets while giving familiar Rasasi creations a new relevance.

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Ismail Anis Abdul Razzak, Deputy Chairman and Co-Founder of AAR Group, said, “The launch is rooted in the story of Dubai and the UAE’s growing influence on the global luxury and fragrance landscape. Rasasi has grown alongside Dubai, understanding the preferences, traditions and aspirations of the markets we come from. Kenz ‘de’ Rasasi allows us to take that heritage forward in a way that speaks to a new generation across international markets. We are bringing the craftsmanship and richness of our heritage into a new expression, ensuring that quality, elegance and individuality remain at its heart. Our ambition is to build a fragrance house that can resonate with our patrons, offering quality and elegance at an accessible level of luxury.”

The official unveiling was further marked by the presence of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who joined Mr. Anis Abdul Razak at the Kenz ‘de’ Rasasi booth as Chief Guest. His presence brought an added cultural and emotional dimension to the occasion, connecting the Dubai-born house with audiences across the region and beyond. As a familiar and influential figure across India, the UAE and international markets, Salman’s participation added further significance to a launch centred on taking a regional fragrance legacy to a global audience.

At Beautyworld Middle East, Kenz ‘de’ Rasasi unveiled eight fragrance collections, with custom bottle redesigns, elevated materials and tactile packaging that reinterpret Rasasi’s artistry through a modern lens. The collection includes Beyond Hawas, Hawas Apex, Hawas Desire, La Yuqawam Terrabotanica, Daareej, Shuhra, Rimal, and Tobacco. Every element has been developed to create a complete fragrance experience while maintaining a clear connection to the house’s origins. Inspired by legacy, built for the future, Kenz ‘de’ Rasasi is looking to give the treasures of Rasasi a new place in the world of fragrance.

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RX Coffee Apothecary Offers a Sweet Reward for Early Screening This Pinktober

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This Pinktober, RX Coffee Apothecary is adding a little sweetness to an important cause with a simple gesture designed to recognize those taking a proactive step towards their health.

As part of its Pinktober initiative this October, RX is offering a complimentary Strawberry Softie to customers who present proof of breast cancer screening. Available across all RX outlets throughout the month, the gesture is RX’s way of acknowledging and supporting those who have prioritised their health and taken an important proactive step.

Through the initiative, RX aims to raise awareness around the importance of early screening and preventive health, while using an everyday coffee stop as an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations. By engaging its community in a simple and approachable way, RX hopes to reinforce the message that taking the time to get screened can make a meaningful difference.

Adding to its Pinktober offerings, RX has also introduced Pinktober Tart, priced at AED 45. The Pinktober initiative is available throughout October across all RX outlets, including Dubai Mall, Jumeirah, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Al Zahia. Because sometimes, taking an important step for your health deserves a little something sweet.

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DINE IN PINK FOR A PURPOSE AT GRAZER, MÖVENPICK HOTEL APARTMENTS DOWNTOWN DUBAI THIS OCTOBER

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This Pinktober, Grazer at Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai is turning pink for a purpose with the launch of a limited-edition Pink Menu in support of Al Jalila Foundation.

Available until 31 October 2026, the month-long initiative invites guests to sip, savour and give back, with 25% of sales from the Pink Menu, excluding applicable taxes and fees, donated to Al Jalila Foundation.

Created especially for Pinktober, the menu features a selection of vibrant pink-inspired creations, including three refreshing drinks, three pastries and three savoury dishes. Pink drinks and pastries are priced at AED 30 each, while savoury dishes are available à la carte from AED 55 to AED 75.

Adding another touch of pink to the experience, guests who wear pink while dining at Grazer will receive 10% off their total bill, encouraging diners to show their support while enjoying the specially curated menu with friends and family.

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Grazer welcomes families and younger guests to take part in the initiative, with children also able to order from the Pink Menu at the same prices.

Through the Pinktober campaign, Grazer and Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai aim to turn an everyday dining experience into an opportunity to give back, bringing the community together over good food and a meaningful cause throughout October.

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