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Here's why Formula 1 racer shaved off his beard in UAE

Abu Dhabi - Visitors had the opportunity to witness the live shave-off challenge.

UAE-based healthcare, VPS Healthcare, on Wednesday hosted Formula 1 racing driver Daniel Ricciardo for a 'Movember' shave-off challenge in honor of the month dedicated to raising awareness for men's health.

The exciting activation took place at Burjeel Day Surgery Center (BDSC), a unit of VPS Healthcare, located at Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi as part of the 'Health Is Wealth UAE' campaign.

Visitors had the opportunity to witness the exciting live shave-off challenge with Daniel Ricciardo, the Australian racing driver who will compete in the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend for Red Bull Racing; Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare; and Kris Fade, Virgin Radio Dubai talk show host.

In a bold, one-of-a-kind move, the three candidates came together to shave their beards to raise awareness for common types of cancer found in men, and the importance of early detection in enhancing the chances of recovery.

"We are excited to have taken part in the responsibility of raising awareness for men's health as a worldwide topic of great concern. In supporting this global movement, VPS Healthcare is shedding light on the importance of raising awareness for prevention and early detection in the nation, as stipulated in the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda for world-class healthcare. By recommending these key components to help reduce both the number of cancer-related deaths and long-term consequences of mental health challenges, we are prioritising the health of the local population as part of our 'Health is Wealth UAE' campaign," said Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil.

Highlighting the symbolism behind the challenge, Daniel Ricciardo said: "I'm always excited to end the Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi and I can't think of a better way to end the year than by partnering with VPS Healthcare for such a noble cause. As a Formula 1 race driver, health and fitness is an important aspect of my life. I encourage all of my fans in the UAE and abroad to show off their moustaches this month and be part of the movement to raise awareness for men's health."

Movember is a month-long campaign dedicated to raising awareness on the importance of early detection of cancer and mental health illnesses in men on a global scale. A new case of prostate cancer in men is diagnosed every 15 minutes worldwide. This type of cancer is the third most common cancer in the UAE, according to Department of Health, Abu Dhabi (DoH).

'Health is Wealth UAE' is a six-month awareness campaign that will focus on highlighting some of the most prevalent and pressing types of cancer globally and in the UAE that threaten thousands of lives every day. The campaign will take place in conjunction with the global cancer awareness calendar.