Laura Bush meets UAE breast cancer survivors

US First Lady Laura Bush met with breast cancer survivors in the United Arab Emirates yesterday on a tour to raise awareness of the disease.

Bush told Emirati women they had much in common with their US counterparts, and that focusing on the similarities would help build understanding between countries, AFP reported.

“We are …. religious like many of you are … we have many things in common” she said.

Bush arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday for a tour of the Middle East that will include stops in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan. She aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, and to help boost the image of the US in the region.

The First Lady attended the signing of a memorandum between the Abu Dhabi Health Authority and Dallas-based organisation to work together on a breast cancer awareness programme.

She later addressed a business gathering in Dubai, after local companies pledged to spread awareness of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in the US and Middle East. An estimated 25 million women worldwide will be diagnosed with the disease over the next 25 years.