Dubai against Diabetes programme officially launches by achieving Guinness World Record
UAE residents, as part of the Stay Strong Campaign, have set a Guinness World Record by lighting 11,022 bulbs, which represent the number of Stay Strong app downloads in the UAE, on the 25th of December at the Burj Park, showing their support and raising awareness about diabetes.
Undertaken by Benchmark Middle East, an award winning Healthcare communication agency, in partnership with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the event, entitled ‘Celebrating the Moment’, officially kicked off the Dubai Against Diabetes three year programme.
It was a spectacular lighting ceremony initiated by 18 individuals, symbolising unity against diabetes.
Speakers at the event included Stay Strong campaign ambassadors. Abdulla Al Hashidi, an Emarati with diabetes, gave attendees an inspirational story of how he overcame obstacles while living with diabetes, and Raha Moharrak, the first and youngest Saudi woman to climb Mount Everest. Fayez Al Saed, Emarati singer, also attended the event as a supporter and guest of honour.
Speaking about the campaign, Mohamed Hammad, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Benchmark Middle East, said, "We are extremely delighted and proud that we were able to bring 11,022 UAE residents together to support DHA’s attempt to set a Guinness World Record in support of the Dubai Against Diabetes programme. It is time to revolutionise health education in the Middle East thereby preventing diseases from spreading, and minimising complications due to the lack of awareness and availability of resources for accurate information. We at Benchmark Middle East believe we need to communicate in an innovative way to the public, and adding more effort in educating the new generations for a better future." Attendees of the event included Dr. Fathia Al Awadi, Chairperson, Dubai Diabetes Control and Combat Committee at Dubai Health Authority, Dr. Abdelrahman Al Jasmi, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Hospital, Dr. Jamal Al Saleh, Acting Director, Dubai Hospital, Dr. Mouza Sharhan, President of Emirates Medical Association, Ghanim Abdullah Lootah, Director of the Department of Institutional Marketing and Communication at Dubai Health Authority, Mohamed Hammad, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Benchmark Middle East, Guinness World Records representatives, Haitham Al Sayed from Life Scan, Johnson and Johnson’s, Ahmed Abo Al Fadl and Ahmed Azhary from Merck Serono, and representatives from Novo Nordisk and Astrazeneca.
