The Landmark Group, one of the region’s leading retail and hospitality conglomerates, is sponsoring the ‘Beat Diabetes’ walkathon for the second year, and this year they have expanded the event to five other countries – Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and India, in addition to the UAE, where the campaign will host walkathons and free blood glucose screening throughout November.
Vipen Sethi, CEO, Landmark Group, said: “Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate across the globe. When we reviewed the research figures about its impact on this region last year, we realised that a high percentage of the individuals who are living with Type-2 diabetes are not even aware of the fact that they are suffering from this condition. This prompted us to take up the cause and help spread awareness about diabetes.
“As a retail network of over 900 stores across 15 markets, we realised it is also our responsibility to communicate to our customers the need for regular medical check-ups, adopting the right lifestyle and help increase awareness levels in the community. At this stage, we are focused on relaying this message through partnerships with specialist organisations and like-minded corporations.”
Wasim Akram, legendary cricketer and an international spokesperson for diabetes, said: “It is good to see Landmark Group taking the initiative to continue the ‘Beat Diabetes’ campaign to the second year. I will join the ‘Beat Diabetes’ walkathon’ in Dubai on 12 November, and urge everyone in the community to come forward to support this cause. Awareness is the first step in the battle against this condition”
Wasim’s personal battle with diabetes has been a source of inspiration to several individuals. The role model cited his disciplined lifestyle and a concerted effort to observe a healthy diet as the key factors that have helped him cope with the disease.

