News DeskDubai, UAE: Landmark Group has announced the 16th edition of its flagship Beat Diabetes Family Event, one of the UAE’s longest-running community health and wellness initiatives, set to take place on February 8 at Zabeel Park, Dubai. The family-focused event aims to bring communities together in a collective push towards healthier living and diabetes awareness.
This year’s edition carries added national relevance as it is positioned as the first and largest family-oriented health, wellness and fitness initiative during the UAE’s ‘Year of the Family’. Held under the theme “Step into a Healthier Tomorrow,” the event highlights the role families play in shaping long-term health outcomes and encouraging sustainable lifestyle habits.
Launched in 2009, the Beat Diabetes campaign has evolved into a regional movement, engaging more than 165,000 participants across the Gulf. The initiative continues to champion its core message: Take the Test, Eat Healthy and Get Active, with a strong focus on early detection, prevention and healthier lifestyle choices.
The event is organised in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, Al Jalila Foundation – Dubai Health and Emirates Health Services. It is supported by Lions Clubs International Middle East as CSR Volunteering Partner and GEMS Education as School Partner, with additional public and private sector collaborators to be announced.
The programme will feature a 2-kilometre community walk and a full day of family-friendly activities, including fitness and sports sessions for adults and children, free blood glucose testing, health check-ups, vaccinations, health education sessions, healthy food distribution, live entertainment and an expanded Kids Zone. The Superkidz programme will also return, engaging children through educational activities and the Superkidz Writing Competition, held in collaboration with GEMS Education.
With the Middle East among the regions most affected by diabetes—impacting nearly one in six adults—the initiative aims to strengthen awareness and preventive action while connecting high-risk individuals to appropriate follow-up care. Proceeds from event registrations and in-store donations across Landmark Group outlets in the UAE will go to Al Jalila Foundation to support diabetes research and treatment.
Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director, Landmark Group, said: “Beat Diabetes reflects our belief that long-term health outcomes are shaped by everyday habits and collective responsibility. As we mark the 16th year of this initiative, our focus remains on empowering families, engaging children early and working alongside our partners to build healthier communities. In the UAE’s ‘Year of the Family’, this commitment feels more relevant than ever.”
Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary-General of Dubai Sports Council, added: “The Beat Diabetes Family Event has become one of Dubai’s most impactful community wellness initiatives, bringing people of all ages together through a wonderful combination of movement, education and prevention. For us at the DSC, this is more than a commitment as events like ‘Beat Diabetes’ reinforces the essential role of physical activity in building a healthier society.”
Dr Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said “The continued support generated through Beat Diabetes enables us to advance vital research and treatment for individuals living with diabetes. This partnership demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives in creating lasting health outcomes.”
Event details:
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: 8 am – 1 pm
Location: Zabeel Park, Dubai (Gate 3)
Tickets: Adults AED 20, children (7-12 years) AED 10, children 6 & below go free.
Registration:
Residents are invited to register and participate via
https://www.beatdiabetes.me/ae/en/register-walk/individual
Further announcements on partners, activities, and programmes will follow in the lead-up to the event. Media interviews with organisers and health experts are available upon request.
