In addition to the United Arab Emirates, Bush is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Kuwait on Thursday, and Jordan on Friday.
She will visit several cancer treatment and screening centres and launch new cancer awareness activities in the region, her spokeswoman Sally McDonough said on Saturday.
She is also scheduled to meet the widow of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan, the late UAE president, and Saudi monarch King Abdullah as well as Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
The UAE and Jordan were the first countries in the region to join the US-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research, and Saudi Arabia is due to formally join the effort during Bush’s trip.
While previously circumspect on international issues, the former teacher and librarian has traded in her subdued reputation and become increasingly engaged in the diplomatic arena.
