• Free blood-glucose check-ups arranged by Dubai Health Authority raise awareness on early detection, management and prevention of Diabetes
  • Landmark Group announces the first Beat Diabetes Awards for schools’ health initaitives
  • Recent survey commissioned for UAE residents by Landmark Group reveals 82% of the total population agree that an active lifestyle and healthy eating can prevent diabetes. 

Dubai, UAE: The 11th edition of the ‘Beat Diabetes Walk’, Landmark Group’s annual flagship CSR initiative, saw over 20,000 UAE residents come together to promote diabetes awareness and pledge for an active and healthier lifestyle. Held in association with the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30x30 this year, the event also doubled up as the closing ceremony of the thirty-day fitness challenge.

The 3km walkathon was held at Zabeel Park with the support of longstanding partners Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Emirates Diabetes Society (EDS), Dubai Municipality, Roads & Transport Authority and Dubai Police.

All proceeds from the registrations of the annual walkathon will be contributed to Al Jalila Foundation towards diabetes research, awareness and care. Since 2014, the Walk has raised over AED 3 million, contributing towards 15 research studies.

In a recent survey commissioned by Landmark Group, family/social support emerged as vital in successfully managing Diabetes - in addition to a thorough understanding of the initial signs and symptoms of the condition to prevent it. 82% of the total respondents agreed they can prevent diabetes by leading an active lifestyle and eating healthy.

Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman and CEO of the Landmark Group, said: “It is great to see the community come together year on year to be a part of the Beat Diabetes Walk. We owe much of our success and growth of this initiative to the people of UAE, the leadership and our longstanding partners - Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Health Authority, Emirates Diabetes Society, Dubai Municipality Roads & Transport Authority and Dubai Police.

This year is even more special for us as we announce the launch of the Beat Diabetes Awards, to recognize the health-driven initiatives taken by schools in the UAE. Through the younger generation, we will continue our efforts to build a healthier nation.

We are also taking our Beat Diabetes Walk to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. On 23rd Nov we will be hosting a 3-km community walk around the Jeddah Corniche.”

Free blood glucose tests were conducted by Dubai Health Authority open for all participants at the Walk. Dr Fatheya Al Awadi, Chair of DHA Diabetes Committee and Head of Endocrinology Department at Dubai Hospital said: “The increased incidence of diabetes is also attributed to a sedentary lifestyle. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise that will promote the wellness of the people. This initiative by Landmark Group in collaboration with DHA and EDS is significant in engaging the community meaningfully and making an investment in the biggest wealth of all – one’s health. It has also helped communicate the message of diabetes awareness to a large cross-section of the community.”

Participants also enjoyed a host of community-focused fitness, signature Imagine Fitness workout hosted by Fitness First and sports activities such as yoga and dance work outs. A Super Kidz Fun Arena kept the little ones engaged, where could enter the Creative Contest about healthy living along with fun activities like bouncy castle, energiser sessions, face painting and balloon bending.

Earlier this year, the Landmark Group was chosen as one of the first companies in the UAE to be awarded the Sport’s Imprint Award for the Beat Diabetes initiative. The award was presented by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.

-Ends-

About the ‘Beat Diabetes’ initiative:

Landmark Group launched the ‘Beat Diabetes’ initiative in 2009, with a focused view to spread awareness on the prevention and management of diabetes across GCC and India. 20% of the people diagnosed with the condition live in these regions and the number is growing exponentially.

The Beat Diabetes initiative started with an aim to encourage the community to step out of their comfort zone and show how 30 minutes of exercise every day can go a long way in preventing and managing the condition. The 2018 edition saw over 18,000 participants and engaged over 700 schools and corporates towards the cause.

The Beat Diabetes initiative conducts year-round programmes, community events and media campaigns, to manage and prevent diabetes and reaches over 20 million people annually. Key yearly activities include Take the Test - free blood glucose testing, Get Active- community-centric fitness events, Eat Healthy - cooking sessions and SuperKidz Programme, amongst others. Since its inception the initiative has also raised over USD 1 million for diabetes care and research. The initiative’s activities culminate with the Beat Diabetes Walk organised across five territories in November – World Diabetes Month.

About Landmark Group

Founded in 1973 in Bahrain, the Landmark Group has successfully grown into one of the largest and most successful retail organizations in the Middle East and India. An international, diversified retail and hospitality conglomerate that encourages entrepreneurship to consistently deliver exceptional value, the Group operates over 2300 outlets encompassing over 30 million square feet across the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian sub-continent.

Landmark Group has a strong workforce of over 55,000 employees and provides a value-driven product range for the family through its retail concepts: Centrepoint, Babyshop, Splash, Shoe Mart, Lifestyle, Max, Shoexpress, Home Centre, Home Box, Emax and UAE’s first food discounter VIVA. In addition to the brands developed in-house, the Group also holds the franchise rights for some of the world's leading fashion and footwear brands in the countries where it operates.

The Group has also diversified in the leisure, food and hospitality with Landmark Leisure, Citymax Hotels, Fitness First and Foodmark, the restaurant division, which operates the Group's own and franchise food outlets.

For more information please visit, www.landmarkgroup.com 

For more information, please contact:
Yasser Alvi | Iman Ahmed
ASDA'A BCW
Tel: (+971) 4 4507 600 
Email: yasser.alvi@bcw-global.com  | iman.ahmed@bcw-global.com 

© Press Release 2019

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