Today's Edition
SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ABU DHABI)
A cancer diagnosis is not what Ben Smith bargained for as a fresh university graduate. But the experience - which called for a year of treatment followed by months of introspection - has left the Abu Dhabi expat reflecting on his purpose in the world.
Now 27 and cancer-free for about six years, Smith appears to have found meaning by setting up a health-conscious, eco-friendly juicery."I found out I had cancer right after graduating from university. And I'd say cancer knocked some sense [into me regarding] what life is all about," Smith told Aletihad.
At the time, Smith had just come back to Abu Dhabi - a city he considers home - after completing his bachelor's degree in the UK.
"I have lived in Abu Dhabi from the age of 10. I came back here after my degree, only to discover that I had appendicitis and an abdominal tumour," he said.
Retreating to the UK for treatment, which included multiple surgeries, Smith said he went through a period of deep contemplation. While trying to figure out what he wanted next in his life, he also found joy in brewing up a series of healthy juices for his friends and family.
"What I didn't realise at the time was that I was building a menu and perfecting recipes," Smith said.
Within months, he headed back to the UAE capital and set about implementing his idea into brick and mortar.
His juicery, Pink and Greens, opened at a petrol station in Al Khalidiyah area in summer 2024. Its drinks range from green juices that combine superfoods like kale and celery to blends that pair blueberries with sea moss and coconut.
Environmental Mission
Asked what distinguishes his particular venture from the many other refreshment joints in the city, Smith referred to its focus on "the bigger picture."
"At Pink and Greens, we work toward making your life easier, and we do it with fruits and vegetables that fit your needs. We have systems within our store that [lessen the impact] on the environment," he said, adding that such a mission would not have been at the top of his mind before his cancer diagnosis.
"The juice shop is a byproduct of my thinking that I didn't know how long I would be around for, so I should do what I could," Smith said.
As part of a conscious effort, the juicery therefore serves drinks in paper cups without lids, and runs a bottle-return policy that provides a week's worth of free coffee for every four glass bottles handed back to the store.
"People buy our health juices, return the glass bottles, they feel healthier, and there is minimal impact on the environment. It is honestly beautiful," Smith said.
He is also looking to go further with a bottled water line from which proceeds will be contributed to local coral reef restoration project, and to partner with local organisations for beach cleanups and daily composting.
"I'm not the same person that I was pre-cancer. The feeling of finally finishing your studies and thinking that I had my whole life ahead of me, only to realise that I was so insignificant, was a real curveball. Whatever success has come from the juice shop comes from a place of asking how long do I have, and if I do have time, what should I do with it," he said.
Smith remains hopeful about the prospects of his juicery, even when faced with the suggestion that customers can easily create many of his drinks without much hassle. He says he is building a community of like-minded people who believe in the healing power of nature, and thus also work hard to protect it.
"I think it's a beautiful thing that every individual doing their bit can contribute to making this planet last a little longer," he said.
