Dubai breaks Guinness record for world's largest ribbon

Dubai: It was another day of firsts on Friday as Dubai became the holder of the record for the world's largest ribbon and was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Measuring 29 metres and made up of 105,000 carnations, the large pink ribbon held centre stage in Zabeel Park.

The event was organised by Dubai Healthcare city to raise awareness for Breast Cancer and was followed by a walkathon to raise funds for research to beat the disease.

The ribbon was unveiled by Dr Muhadditha Al Hashemi, CEO of Dubai Healthcare City. Dr Al Hashemi said she was thrilled to be a part of the event.

"I'm honoured and excited for Dubai Healthcare City, for Dubai, and for the UAE. Dubai has always broken records but this is the first time that we are breaking a record that has a meaning to the community. I'm very excited about that," she said after receiving the official certificate from Marco Frigatti, Head of Records at Guinness.

Crowds

While speaking at the ceremony Frigatti told the crowds how moved he was to be officiating on a record of this kind.

Breast cancer survivor Sharon Evans attended the event and was invited, along with other survivors, to fill the last remaining spots in the giant ribbon with small bouquets of flowers.

She says she was proud to be present on the day. "It lets the world know that in the UAE we are promoting breast cancer awareness. Everyone who turned out today is a hero. Evans was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and has been cancer free for five years. One of the main organisers of the event Aisha Al Mutawa, Director of Quality Improvement at Healthcare City and Chair of the committee for corporate social responsibility spoke of the need to highlight breast cancer concerns that apply to the UAE.

Trends

"There are trends that exist in this community that are different than in other countries. Breast cancer happens in younger women here, although we are doing everything right." She emphasised that donations from the walkathon would be going to local cancer research.

The presentation of the ribbon was followed by a walkathon attended by an estimated 2,500 participants and follows similar walks that have taken place all around the world.

Many of those who came out to support the walkathon had friends and family who suffered from breast cancer.