Ras Al Khaimah: RAK Hospital’s flagship community initiative, the RAK Diabetes Challenge (RAKDC24), celebrated the success of over 5,000 participants from across the UAE as the three-month challenge concluded on World Diabetes Day. Conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) in Ras Al Khaimah, the third edition of this initiative awarded AED 20,000 in cash prizes, along with generous gift vouchers from sponsors such as ADI, RAK Mall, Auto Nation Services, Rixos Bab Al Bahar, Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island and Double Tree by Hilton.
Mr. Khalid Abdulla Mohammed AlShehhi, Director of the Representative Office at MOHAP RAK, attended the award ceremony at RAK Hospital, recognizing the accomplishments of participants across three competitive categories: Physical, Virtual, and Corporate. Each participant embarked on a 12-week journey aimed at achieving significant improvements in diabetes management and overall health.
Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, lauded the participants’ commitment, saying, “The RAK Diabetes Challenge has once again highlighted the resilience and determination of our community. Through disciplined lifestyle changes, participants have demonstrated that diabetes can be managed effectively, empowering themselves to take control of their health. We are proud to see the incredible progress they’ve made, which inspires others to focus on preventive care. This challenge is a testament to our commitment to building a healthier nation, one step at a time.”
Interestingly, in the Physical Category, top male winners included inspiring stories from three dedicated taxi drivers. Alim Ullah Ali Sher, a Pakistani national residing in Ajman, claimed first place and AED 5,000 after lowering his HbA1c from 13.36 to 6.59. Runner-up Khawar Abrar Abrar Ahmad also from Pakistan and living in Ras Al Khaimah, reduced his HbA1c from 13.71 to 7.94, earning AED 3,000, while third-place winner Muktar Hussaim, a Bangladeshi national brought his HbA1c down from 11.38 to 6.96, receiving AED 2,000. Their determination and adherence to strict dietary and exercise routines set a strong example of the challenge’s impact.
Among female participants, Indian national Rejeena Saji earned first place with an HbA1c reduction from 11.86 to 8.98, receiving AED 5,000. Second-place winner Susamma Thomas was awarded AED 3,000, while third-place winner Rosan Rani won AED 2,000. Their achievements are the result of consistent exercise and a healthy diet. This year’s challenge had participation from UAE’s diverse population. Approximately 89% of participants were from Ras Al Khaimah, with 11% joining from other Emirates. Asian expatriates made up 43% of the total participant base, followed by 33% from Arab countries, 10% Emiratis, and 14% from other backgrounds. Male participants accounted for 79%, while 21% were female.
Health assessments revealed that 97% of participants had an HbA1c level above 5.7% at the start, with the highest recorded at 13.99%. In terms of BMI, 41% of participants were classified as overweight, 40% as obese, and 19% fell within the normal range.
