More than 16,500 residents, including approximately 3,500 children, participated in the 15th annual Beat Diabetes Walk held at Za’abeel Park in Dubai.

The event aims to raise awareness about diabetes and address the growing concern of paediatric diabetes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Organized by Landmark Group, the initiative acts as a core component of the Beat Diabetes programme and aligns with the UAE's Year of Community and the 'Forward Society' pillar of the 'We the UAE 2031 Vision'.

The event focused on encouraging early detection, prevention, and management of diabetes through promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

Medical professionals have increasingly raised alarms about the rising prevalence of Type 1 diabetes among children, with reports indicating that 24,000 children were diagnosed with diabetes in the UAE in 2024 alone.

Participation in the Beat Diabetes Walk spanned various sectors, including private organisations, government entities, schools, and community groups, reflecting broad support for raising awareness about diabetes and promoting early detection and healthy living across generations.

A notable feature of this year's event was the collaboration between Landmark Group and GEMS Education for the Superkidz Writing Competition.

This competition aimed to inspire students to explore themes of healthy living through storytelling, attracting over 1,000 entries from students in Grade 4 and Grade 5 across GEMS schools.

The traditional 2-km walk was complemented by fitness activities, sports events, and educational sessions.

Free health services were also made available, including blood glucose testing through the 'Wellness on Wheels' programme facilitated by Al Jalila Foundation.

Participants had access to influenza vaccines and nutritional consultations provided by Emirates Health Services.

The event was inaugurated by prominent figures including Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman of Landmark Group, Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, and Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation.

In statements regarding the event, Saeed Hareb commended the success of the Beat Diabetes Walk in fostering community engagement and commitment to health and wellness.

Dr. Al Zarooni emphasized the importance of community-driven health initiatives, noting that they help to empower individuals to take charge of their health through prevention, early detection, and patient-centered care.

Since its inception in 2009, the Beat Diabetes campaign has been instrumental in raising diabetes awareness, supporting diabetes treatment, and advocating healthier lifestyles.

Proceeds from the event are directed to Al Jalila Foundation to fund diabetes treatment and research, illustrating a collective community effort to combat diabetes.

Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director at Landmark Group, expressed gratitude for the substantial support received from the UAE community, highlighting participation from children and families.

Jagtiani reaffirmed the organization's commitment to advancing the Beat Diabetes initiative, stressing the importance of regular diabetes testing and the adoption of healthy lifestyles.

The event underscored the community's enthusiasm for initiatives aimed at fostering a healthier future for all.