Beat Diabetes Family Event 2026 Launches 16th Edition In Dubai With Family Wellness Activities

Landmark Group is preparing the 16th edition of its Beat Diabetes Family Event, scheduled for 8th February 2026 at Zabeel Park in Dubai. The gathering focuses on families and public health, and will be one of the largest wellness activities held during the UAE’s Year of the Family, encouraging long-term healthy habits.

Beat Diabetes started in 2009 and has since grown into a regional awareness drive across the Gulf. More than 165,000 people have taken part so far, turning the initiative into a regular fixture in the UAE health calendar. Its core message remains clear: Take the Test, Eat Healthy and Get Active.

The 2026 Beat Diabetes Family Event is organised with several national health and sports bodies. Dubai Sports Council, Al Jalila Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, and Emirates Health Services are confirmed partners. Lions Clubs International Middle East returns as CSR volunteering partner, while GEMS Education continues as the school partner, with more collaborators expected.

Programming for the Beat Diabetes Family Event spans a full day, built around a 2-kilometre community walk and a wide schedule of activities. Families can join guided fitness and sports sessions, access healthy food distribution points, receive free blood glucose tests and wider health check-ups, attend vaccinations, and take part in health education sessions, live entertainment and a larger Kids Zone.

The Superkidz programme will again be a major feature of the Beat Diabetes Family Event, designed to involve younger participants through games and learning. The Superkidz Writing Competition, organised with GEMS Education, will highlight children’s views on health, with winning entries revealed on the event day, reinforcing early education about diabetes and lifestyle choices.

Diabetes remains a major public health issue in the Middle East, affecting about one in six adults, and the Beat Diabetes Family Event aims to respond to this burden. The initiative seeks to encourage preventive action, identify people at higher risk and direct them towards further care. Registration fees and in-store donations from Landmark Group outlets will go to Al Jalila Foundation to support diabetes research and treatment.

Beat Diabetes Family Event schedule and ticket details

Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director at Landmark Group, said the initiative reflects the group’s belief that long-term health outcomes are shaped by everyday habits and shared responsibility, adding that the Year of the Family gives renewed relevance to empowering families and engaging children early. Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, said the event has become one of Dubai’s most impactful community wellness initiatives, reinforcing the importance of physical activity in building a healthier society. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said the partnership supports awareness and community engagement, encouraging healthier lifestyles and delivering lasting impact.

The Beat Diabetes Family Event will run on Sunday, 8th February 2026, from 08:00 to 13:00 at Zabeel Park, Gate 3. Access is priced to encourage broad participation, with different rates for adults and children, and free entry for the youngest age group.

The Beat Diabetes Family Event aligns with the UAE’s Year of the Family focus by placing households at the centre of prevention. Through screenings, education, children’s activities and coordinated partnerships, the initiative supports public health goals while giving residents a structured space to learn about diabetes and adopt healthier daily routines.

With inputs from WAM