Background: Diabetes is a growing public health crisis across the Arab region, where rapid urbanization, dietary transitions, and physical inactivity have contributed to some of the highest diabetes rates globally. Despite a growing recognition of the problem, most diabetes prevention efforts in the region remain small-scale or insufficiently adapted to the sociocultural realities of adults living in the UAE. Evidence-based diabetes prevention strategies, such as the United States’ Centers for Disease Control Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), reduce the risk of developing diabetes but remain underutilized. Methods: The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the systematic cultural adaptation of the Evidence-based Intervention for Diabetes Prevention (EID) using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications–Expanded (FRAME), and (2) assess the preliminary acceptability of the adapted materials through formative focus groups. Results: Materials were culturally tailored to address both deep and surface structures. Deep structure adaptations incorporated Arab cultural values, social norms, and religious practices, including Ramadan-specific content. The original 26-session curriculum was condensed to 12 weekly sessions based on prior research and stakeholder input. Surface-level adaptations included translation into Arabic and development of culturally relevant educational videos. Three formative focus groups (n = 7 total participants) provided preliminary findings of strong acceptability of simplified, culturally relevant, and digitally supported materials. Conclusions: This work will inform the adaptation of an evidence-based lifestyle change program aimed at preventing type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals to better meet the needs of adults living in the UAE. While some countries have created their own national diabetes prevention efforts, like the United Kingdom, there is notably no similar program in the Arab world.
Beasley et al. (2026) studied this question.