Etisalat Group, the leading telecoms operator in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, celebrated the successful completion of an arduous 1,500km cycling tour through three European countries by its team of riders. Finishing in Geneva on 12th September, the mHealth Grand Tour 2015 provided a global stage to raise awareness of diabetes – a syndrome affecting millions of people around the world – but was also an opportunity to test the latest mobile technologies to manage healthcare.
Comprising of 11 riders from across its international footprint, Team Etisalat crossed the line in Geneva, 9 days of cycling over 3 stages after the tour began in Brussels.
The tour has seen employees riding in relay format from Etisalat Group Head Office (Abu Dhabi), Mobily (Saudi Arabia), PTCL and Ufone (Pakistan), as well from Etisalat Afghanistan and Ms. Nichola McDonald, a long-standing Etisalat customer from Dubai, participated and completed the epic ride. Nichola was diagnosed Type 1 diabetes 30 years ago and upon reaching the finish line in Geneva said: “I personally thank Etisalat team involved with putting together this tour with mHealth. I have learnt so much about my blood sugars through endurance activities which will certainly benefit me. For me as a Diabetic it was wonderful to see Etisalat supporting Diabetes awareness and I hope to see more of this in the future. It will help other Diabetes in the region to see how they can lead a very active sports live and in have better control over their condition.”
Hailing the team’s accomplishment, Dr Ahmed Bin Ali, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications, Etisalat Group, commented: “I want to congratulate every member of Team Etisalat on their magnificent achievement. Not only did they test their physical and mental capabilities to the limit, they did so in order to help make progress in tackling such an important health issue.”
Alongside the tour Etisalat demonstrated advanced vital performance monitoring tools integrated into uniforms and wearable devices during the exhibition that took place in Brussels. These devices provide real time critical data to riders and their coaches and medical practitioners. Dr Bin Ali added: “The mHealth Grand Tour is an ideal platform to test and develop the mobile technologies that have the potential to significantly improve day-to-day life for diabetics, and help in the development of future, wider mHealth solutions.”
Diabetes is a syndrome that affects 387 million people, or 8.3%[1] of the global population in 2014. Its growth shows no sign of slowing, and the International Diabetes Federation estimates that there will be close to 592 million people with the condition by 2035. The impact of diabetes is felt particularly strongly in MENA with one in ten adults in the region believed to be diabetic.
Source: Etisalat