Landmark Group hosted the 16th edition of its Beat Diabetes Family Event at Za’abeel Park, drawing more than 17,500 participants to one of the UAE’s largest family-focused wellness initiatives.
Held under the theme “Step into a Healthier Tomorrow,” the event aligned with the UAE’s Year of Family agenda and national priorities on diabetes awareness, prevention, and early detection. The annual initiative encourages active and healthy lifestyles across generations, highlighting the role families play in shaping long-term health outcomes.
The event was inaugurated by Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman of Landmark Group, alongside His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, Her Excellency Hessa Abdulrahman Tahlak from the Ministry of Family, and Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation. Their presence, alongside partners including Lions Clubs International Middle East and GEMS Education, reflected strong public-private collaboration.
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Hareb said: “The Dubai Sports Council has proudly partnered with Landmark Group on the Beat Diabetes Family Event for several years, and we are pleased to see it grow into one of Dubai’s most impactful community wellness initiatives, bringing people together around a shared purpose. In the Year of Family, initiatives such as this play a vital role in promoting physical activity and healthy living as essential foundations for a stronger, healthier, and more resilient society.”
Engaging young participants
The Superkidz Programme returned in partnership with GEMS Education, featuring the Superkidz Writing Competition for students from 15 schools. The competition encouraged children in Grades 4 and 5 to explore healthy living through storytelling, with winners announced during the event.
Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director of Landmark Group, said: “The response to this year’s Beat Diabetes Family Event has been truly inspiring. Seeing families and children come together in such strong numbers reflects how deeply this initiative resonates with our community. This year, through initiatives such as Al Jalila Foundation’s Wellness on Wheels mobile unit and the dedicated Emirates Health Services section within the Family Zone, we were able to bring preventive healthcare, early screening, and education directly to families in practical and accessible ways.”
Health and fitness activities
The event featured a 2-kilometre community walk, fitness and sports challenges, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and educational workshops. Participants had access to free blood glucose testing, health screenings, vaccinations, and nutrition consultations through partnerships with Al Jalila Foundation and Emirates Health Services.
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni said: “Our long-standing partnership with the Landmark Group reflects a shared commitment to advancing health for humanity by building health awareness and encouraging meaningful community engagement. We believe that prevention and early detection are fundamental to improving long-term health outcomes, particularly when awareness is translated into practical actions that make a real difference for families across the UAE.”
Since its launch in 2009, Beat Diabetes has engaged more than 165,000 participants in the region, promoting the message: Take the Test. Eat Healthy. Get Active. All proceeds from the 2026 event, including registration fees and in-store donations, will support diabetes research, treatment, and patient care through Al Jalila Foundation.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
