Epidemiological Patterns of Melanoma in a Multi-ethnic Cohort in the United Arab Emirates: 2017-2025

BackgroundCutaneous melanoma incidence is rising globally, yet epidemiological data from the high ultraviolet (UV) environment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its diverse expatriate population, remain scarce. This study aims to characterize the epidemiological and histopathological features of cutaneous melanoma in a large, multi-ethnic cohort in the UAE. MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed histopathologically confirmed cases of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed at a tertiary referral center in the UAE from January 2017 to January 2025. Patient demographics, tumor location, histologic subtype, Clark level, and Breslow thickness were extracted and analyzed. Descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and multivariable logistic regression were performed using IBM SPSS version 29.0 to identify predictors of thick melanoma (Breslow thickness >1.0 mm). ResultsA total of 597 patients met the inclusion criteria (50.8% male; mean age 47.4{+/-}12.3 years). Individuals of European ancestry constituted 73.4% of cases. Superficial spreading melanoma was the predominant subtype (58.5%), and 46.9% of tumors were thin ([&le;]1.0 mm). Males presented with significantly thicker tumors than females (Breslow thickness of 0.72{+/-}1.32 vs. 0.50{+/-}0.58 mm; p < 0.01) and exhibited distinct anatomical distributions predominant to the back and torso as compared to females with leg and foot predominance. Multivariable analysis identified nodular melanoma (OR 18.40; 95% CI [7.08, 47.86]; p < 0.001) and increasing Clark level (OR 18.50; 95% CI [8.44, 40.58]; p < 0.001) as strong independent predictors of thick melanoma. ConclusionMelanoma in the UAE disproportionately affects fair-skinned expatriates and frequently presents with sex-specific clinical patterns. These findings highlight the need for targeted public awareness initiatives to reduce melanoma morbidity and mortality in the region.