DUBAI: Thousands of residents gathered at Za’abeel Park as Landmark Group successfully hosted the 15th Annual Beat Diabetes Family Event, reinforcing its commitment to raising awareness about diabetes and fostering proactive community engagement.
The flagship initiative, held as part of the UAE’s Year of Community and aligned with the ‘Forward Society’ pillar of “We the UAE 2031 Vision,” attracted around 16,500 attendees, including over 3,500 children, government officials, and corporate partners.
Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman of Landmark Group, inaugurated the event alongside senior dignitaries, including Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, and Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation. Representatives from private and public sector organisations, educational institutions, and community groups also took part in the event, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting early detection, prevention, and the adoption of healthier lifestyles.
Speaking at the event, Saeed Mohammed Hareb said: “As we celebrate the Year of Community, I commend the remarkable success of the Beat Diabetes Family Event, which continues to unite and inspire people across the UAE. This initiative places community well-being at the heart of its efforts, reaffirming our belief that an active lifestyle is key to overall health and wellness. We are proud to support this annual initiative and encourage all residents to embrace fitness and proactive health management.”
A focus on youth and education
In a bid to integrate health awareness into youth initiatives, Landmark Group collaborated with GEMS Education to launch the Superkidz Writing Competition. The contest received over 1,000 entries from Grade 4 and Grade 5 students across GEMS schools, with winners announced during the event. With medical professionals increasingly concerned about the rising prevalence of paediatric diabetes – 24,000 children in the UAE were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2024 – the initiative aimed to inspire students to explore themes of healthy living through storytelling.
Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director at Landmark Group, expressed appreciation for the overwhelming community response: “Today’s event has been a testament to the incredible support from the UAE community. The enthusiastic participation of children, families, and people of determination underscores the importance of the Beat Diabetes initiative in encouraging regular testing and a healthy lifestyle. This collective commitment inspires us to continue fostering greater awareness and well-being.”
Free health services
A key highlight of the event was the customary 2-kilometre walk, a rallying point for community participation, followed by a variety of fitness sessions, sports, educational activities, and entertainment for families.
Attendees also benefitted from free health services, including blood glucose testing via the ‘Wellness on Wheels’ programme provided by Al Jalila Foundation, which leads the giving mission of Dubai Health. Additionally, Emirates Health Services offered free influenza vaccines and nutrition consulting, reinforcing the event’s holistic approach to public health.
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, highlighted the significance of community-driven health initiatives: “At Dubai Health, we believe that prioritising patient well-being starts with empowering people to take charge of their health. The Beat Diabetes initiative aligns with our focus on prevention, early detection, and patient-centred care, ensuring that individuals have the knowledge and resources to lead healthier lives. Through collaborations like these, we create a lasting impact on individuals and families across the UAE.”
Beat Diabetes
Since launching the Beat Diabetes campaign in 2009, Landmark Group has been at the forefront of diabetes awareness and prevention efforts, continuously evolving its initiatives to meet community needs. All proceeds from the annual Beat Diabetes Family Event are donated to Al Jalila Foundation, supporting diabetes treatment and related healthcare initiatives.