Ski Dubai joins global diabetes awareness campaign

The popular ski resort, and close to 700 other monuments across the globe, will observe World Diabetes Day on November 14 by illuminating their facilities in blue - the colour of the diabetes circle, the global symbol of diabetes and logo of the World Diabetes Day campaign.

The World Diabetes Day 2008 Monument Challenge will illuminate close to 700 monuments and iconic buildings around the world on November 14, putting the spotlight on diabetes. Ski Dubai will join other world-renowned destinations such as the Pyramids (Egypt), Niagara Falls (Canada/US) and the London Eye and Tower of London (UK) in the campaign.

The theme of this year's awareness campaign is "Diabetes in Children and Adolescents" and Ski Dubai will also hold additional activities to create greater understanding about the disease. On November 15, Ski Dubai will stage its Frostbite Show to explain diabetes to children and give them tips on healthy eating habits.

Introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in response to the alarming rise in diabetes around the world, World Diabetes Day is a global awareness campaign. In 2007, 279 iconic destinations were lit and the campaign's message reached over 1.2 billion people. According to the figures revealed by IDF, 200 children under the age of 15 globally develop type 1 diabetes every day.

Mike Mahoney, General Manager, Ski Dubai, said:

"Every ten seconds a person dies of diabetes-related causes globally, and it is only through awareness that we can save lives. We are honoured to be part of this global event that marks World Diabetes Day, and would like to extend our support in every possible manner in spreading awareness amongst the residents of the UAE."