What is Walk 2019?

Walk was created in 2007, in celebration of World Diabetes Day – a day created by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the health threat posed by diabetes.

2019 marks the 13th anniversary of The Walk and is set to take place from 2pm on 15 November. The event encourages the local community to kick start an active lifestyle, in a fun and interactive way, by coming together to walk 5km around Abu Dhabi’s iconic Yas Marina Circuit. The afternoon and evening will be packed full of family-friendly activities including a DJ, fitness sessions with instructors, children’s arts and crafts, a climbing wall, cooking displays and much more. Walk 2019 is a perfect Friday afternoon out.

Over 20,000 participants from all walks of life are expected to take part in the 13th anniversary event – so get your friends and family together and join the UAE in making a difference.

Walk to beat diabetes. Walk for Life.

Entries cost just AED 10 includes VAT and you will receive a fantastic participation pack.

WALK 2019 is more than just a walk; it is a powerful movement created by Imperial College London Diabetes Centre to prevent and tackle diabetes by raising awareness, and by providing the whole community with an opportunity to come together and celebrate healthy lifestyle choices.

How do I purchase a ticket?

Registering is simple. Visit www.walkon.ae, click ‘Register’ and insert your details and payment method. Your confirmation email will be emailed directly to the email address that you provide. Please bring this with you on the 15th November to access the event and redeem your participation pack. Tickets cost just AED 10 includes VAT and include a fantastic participation pack. To register more than one ticket, please refer to ‘How do I register other people online?

Can I pay my entrance ticket by cash at the day of the event?

Yes, you can pay your entrance tickets by cash on the day of the event at the ticketing booth.

Can I pay my entrance ticket by card at the day of the event?

No, you cannot pay your entrance ticket by card on the day of the event. Only cash is accepted.

How do I register other people online?

Once you entered your personal information, and before entering payment details, select ‘Add another participant’ box under ‘Registering more than 1 person?’ question.

1.    Additional participant information block will appear, where you will need to enter personal information about the participant – First Name, Last Name, Age Group, and Gender.

2.    If the additional participant is 17 years or older, please also enter their Email address and Company Name.

3.    When you registered all additional participants, proceed to checkout.

4.    Please note, purchase confirmation and tickets will be sent to the main participant’s email address.

5.    Don’t forget to bring printed tickets to the event on November 15!

How much is registration?

Tickets cost AED 10 including VAT. All participants will receive a branded Walk 2019 dri-fit t-shirt, drawstring bag and cap, which you will collect on the day of the event at Yas Marina Circuit, as well as a Walk 2019 Official Certificate.

Do children need to buy a ticket?

Children under the age of 16 enter for free and are not required to purchase a ticket.

However, under 16s will still need to register for the event to receive a participation pack – if registering online, please use the Under 16 entry category. For more information, please see ‘How do I register other people online?’

Can I bring a stroller or scooter for my children?

Strollers and buddies are absolutely allowed. For the safety of all participants, scooters are not permitted.

Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted at Walk 2019.

How can I enquire about corporate tickets?

Walk 2019 is a great way to bring your team together, and make a difference for the UAE. If you would like to purchase group tickets for your company, please email us directly on walkon@icldc.ae and we can facilitate corporate ticket purchase.

How far is the walk?

Walk 2019 is a 5km walk around Abu Dhabi’s iconic Yas Marina Circuit. This is a family event, open to all ages and abilities. The objective is not to record your personal best – the objective is to have a great time with friends and family, kick start a healthier lifestyle, and raise awareness of diabetes.

What should I wear?

We recommend you wear comfortable sports attire and sports shoes. Once you collect your Walk 2019 participant pack, wear your t-shirt and cap and store your belongings in your Walk 2019 drawstring bag.

What time does the event start?

The venue opens at 2pm, with live entertainment and delicious food and drink for the whole family in the Festival Area. The walk starts at 5pm. Please make sure you are on time to beat the queues and take full advantage of the track and festive time. The live entertainment and food trucks starts at 2pm. Walk 2019 is a perfect Friday afternoon out.

What time does the event finish?

Gates will close at 8pm

Do I get a certificate for completing the walk?

Absolutely! To celebrate your completion of Walk 2019, all participations will receive a Walk 2019 Official Certificate.

How can I get there?

You will need to get to Yas Marina Circuit, Red Car Park for easy and quick access to the event. For directions, please click here (google map link to Red Car Park at Yas Marina Circuit).

Please note, all participants who buy tickets online will also receive a full information pack via email, including details on how to get to the venue and parking facilities.

I want to drive to the event, where can I park?

There is a big car park at Yas Marina Circuit specially reserved for event participants. When you get to the venue, please find Red Car Park. To view a map, please Click here (google map link to Red Car Park at Yas Marina Circuit).

Please note, all participants who buy tickets online will also receive a full information pack via email, including details on how to get to the venue and parking facilities.

What is included in the Walk 2019 pack?

As part of your registration fee, you will receive a Walk 2019 dri-fit t-shirt, a drawstring bag and cap. You will collect your t-shirt, drawstring bag and cap from the venue on the day of the event. All those who complete the 5km walk will also receive a Walk 2019 Official Certificate.

Where do I collect my t-shirt and cap from?

After your ticket is scanned you will be given a coupon (please specify your t-shirt size when you are collecting it). Once you have the coupon, please proceed to the Pack Collection Area, which will be sign-posted. Your dri-fit t-shirt, drawstring bag and cap will be waiting for you. Do not lose your coupon and make sure you pick up the right size!

How do I select my shirt size?

Once your ticket is scanned, one of Walk 2019 team members will give you a coupon for your pack collection. Please specify your t-shirt size when you are collecting the coupon.

I have bought a ticket but cannot attend the event, what can I do?

The event ticket is non-refundable. However, you do have the option to transfer your registration to another person – simply provide them with your ticket or confirmation email.

Are wheelchairs permitted to take part in Walk 2019?

Walk 2019 is wheel chair accessible, and wheel chair users are encouraged to take part. Please contact us at walkon@icldc.ae to arrange parking, if required.

Is Walk 2019 a timed event?

The event is not timed – Walk 2019 is not a race, it is an opportunity to join a movement in the UAE to fight diabetes. Take as much time as you need – as long as you complete the 5km and have a great time in doing so, you’re a winner in our eyes!

All those who complete the 5km walk will receive a Walk 2019 certificate.

Can I spectate at the event?

All people attending Walk 2019 are required to purchase a ticket, which gives you access to the Festival Area and the walk route.

You are not obliged to complete the walk, but we do encourage it!

Do you accept credit/debit card at the event?

If you are planning to purchase your ticket on the day of the event, please bring cash with you as we do not accept credit/debit card. Tickets cost AED 10 including VAT, with children under 16 years entering for free.

Yas Marina Circuit does have ATMs, but we advise that you bring cash as the ATMs are located away from the Walk 2019 event area.

Can I bring water to the event?

Of course – this may be subject to security checks, but we encourage you to stay hydrated! There will also be water stations along the course to keep you and your family hydrated.

Is there a bag drop at the event?

There is no bag drop or storage at the event. You can use your Walk 2019 drawstring bag to keep your essentials. Otherwise we suggest you leave any non-essentials at home or in your car. It will help with faster access through security gates as well.

Can I take part in the Walk 2019 if I am pregnant?

Pregnant ladies are more than welcome to participate in Walk 2019. We advise, for your best interest, to consult your doctor before participating.

What if there is bad weather?

Walk 2019 will take place, rain or shine. If the weather proves to be dangerous, we will take necessary action.

What do I need to bring to the event?

We recommend we bring the following items:

·         Water to stay hydrated! There will also be complimentary water along the 5km course.

·         Camera to capture memories for the day. Remember to tag us in on social media using the hashtag #Walk2019 and #WalkOn.

·         Comfortable training shoes and clothing.

·         Ticket (for those who have purchased pre-event) and cash (for those wishing to purchase a ticket on the day of the event).

·         Cash if you wish to purchase food and drink at the venue.

·         Mobile phone – with over 20,000 people are expected to take part in Walk 2019 so be sure to bring your mobile phone in case you get separated from your friends or family.

I still have a question; how can I contact you?

Please email us on walkon@icldc.ae. We’re here to help!

Where can I find Walk 2019 on Social Media?

Follow us on Facebook (/ICLDCUAE), Instagram @icldc and Twitter (@icldc). We would love to see your journey to a fitter and healthier lifestyle – be sure to tag us into your posts, and use the hashtag #WalkOn and #Walk2019.