Retail and hospitality conglomerate Landmark Group has called for participation in the 14th edition of the annual Beat Diabetes walk.
Set to take place at Za’abeel Park, Dubai, on Sunday, February 18, the event is a collaborative effort between the private sector, government entities, and not-for-profit organisations.
The event will feature an optional 2km walk beginning at 8 AM, alongside sports and edutainment activities for participants and their children until 1 PM.
Landmark Group noted that the UAE currently has one of the world’s highest rates of diabetes, with rates expected to increase to 21.4 percent by 2030.
Further, it is projected that one billion people globally may be affected by diabetes by 2050.
As such, the event serves as a platform for proactive health initiatives in response to escalating diabetes rates.
It was noted that over the years, organising 13 Beat Diabetes Walks has seen walks attended by over 150,000 participants and 550,000 free blood glucose tests conducted. Further, it has reached 30,000 children through various programs and established over 100 partnerships with private and public sector organisations.
All proceeds from the charity event will be directed towards the treatment of diabetes through the Al Jalila Foundation, a UAE-based not-for-profit organisation established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, it was shared.
Speaking about the event’s mission, Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director, Landmark Group, said: “By embracing healthy lifestyle choices as families and communities, we not just act to prevent diabetes but also foster overall well-being. ‘Step Into a Healthier Tomorrow’ is the key focus that we would like to promote through the 14th edition of Beat Diabetes to emphasise the vital role of instilling healthy habits in empowering the next generation.”
“We are grateful to all our partners Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Municipality, Al Jalila Foundation, Lions Clubs International, Aster DM Healthcare, Eucerin, Mashreq, PWC, Allied Transport Company and Dubai Insurance for their unwavering support and belief in this initiative.”
Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, commented: “It is an incredible initiative and aligns with our overall vision to encourage a healthy lifestyle and adopt necessary preventative measures against lifestyle diseases like diabetes. With Aster joining as the health and wellness partner, we want to educate people to take measures that are easily accessible today. Diabetes is a silent killer and we want people to not let the disease hamper their life. The power of awareness, the power of knowledge, the power of modification and the power of support is our pledge to you. Individuals attending the event would have an opportunity to undertake a free diabetes test at the Aster zone.”