Living in the UAE, it’s easy to underestimate just how powerful the sun can be. Whether we’re soaking up the sun at the beach, enjoying brunch outdoors, or simply going about our day, the region’s intense UV rays are constantly at work. Local dermatologists are raising alarms as more people are unaware of the risks, and the consequences are becoming more visible in clinics across the Emirates.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month—a perfect time to highlight a growing health concern. Skin cancer has become the fourth most common cancer in the UAE, with about 400 new cases reported every year. Alarmingly, this figure has doubled over the last ten years.

Why is this happening? It largely boils down to habits and awareness. Many assume that occasional use of sunscreen during vacations or limited sun exposure means they’re safe. However, the UAE’s UV index remains dangerously high year-round. Coupled with an outdoor lifestyle, this creates a risky environment for skin health.

Doctors often see patients who have ignored suspicious moles or spots for months or even years, thinking they’re harmless. By the time they seek help, treatment options are often more complicated and less effective.

The goal is simple: make skin checks a regular part of your family’s health routine. No fear, no fuss—just prevention. But this must go beyond a once-a-year reminder; it needs to become a new way of thinking.

There’s a common misconception that children don’t need sun protection or that darker skin tones are immune to damage. This is far from the truth. Sun damage begins early in life, and building awareness from childhood is essential for long-term skin health.

Checking your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. Use the ABCDE rule when examining moles:

• Asymmetry

• Border irregularity

• Colour variation

• Diameter greater than 6mm

• Evolving or changing over time

Along with regular checks, daily sun protection should become a habit. Even when inside a car or indoors, UV rays can still cause harm. Hats, sunglasses, long sleeves, and broad-spectrum SPF should be part of your everyday routine—not just occasional extras.

While many moles are harmless, some may be early signs of skin cancer. Early detection saves lives. As a community that values health, luxury, and lifestyle, skin wellness should be at the top of our priorities.

Let’s stop waiting for warning signs. Let’s make skin examinations routine. Let’s talk about prevention just as openly as we talk about fashion or beauty. Because when it comes to skin cancer, silence can be dangerous.