Abu Dhabi, Dubai: Grab your yoga mats and head out for a soothing session as UAE participates in the 4th International Day of Yoga today, June 21.
The day aims to raise awareness around the world of the many benefits of practicing yoga, as stated by the United Nation’s (UN) official website. This year, the theme for the celebration is ‘Yoga for Peace’.
Abu Dhabi
The Indian Embassy hosted Yoga Day celebrations at Umm Al Emarat Park from 6.30pm onwards. And they had a special guest. Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance, inaugurated the event.
The Chief Guest at #InternationalYogaDay2018 celebration in #AbuDhabi, HE Sheikh Nahayan said, #Yoga is being practiced by people of all faiths across the World. #Yoga helps us to engage with diversity & embraces the spirit of tolerance. pic.twitter.com/ZJrjzx7ZIA
— India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) June 21, 2018
Dubai
As part of the celebrations, thousands gathered at Zabeel Park in Dubai to strike a pose for an event organised by the Indian Consulate. The event included onstage yoga, posture and fitness competitions and sessions by various yoga schools.
Dubai residents do yoga along with Rajesh Jagasia.
Jagasia, a software engineer-turned-international instructor of the Art of Living Foundation, a humanitarian and educational non-governmental organisation, leads a session in pranayama
A speech by India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, was broadcast for participants at this Yoga Day event.
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Watch: Strike a pose at the International Yoga Day at Zabeel Park.
International Day of Yoga comes at a time when the #FitnessChallenge has become a viral trend. The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Minister of India, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore started a #FitnessChallenge on May 22 using #HumFitTohIndiaFit. Since then, many celebrities have taken up the challenge, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Events in other emirates:
Ajman: Indian Association Premises, 7pm onwards.
Sharjah: Expo Centre Sharjah, 4pm onwards on June 22
Ras Al Khaimah: American University, Ras Al Khaimah, 7pm onwards on June 22.
Fujairah: June 22 – Media Park Convention Centre, 6.30pm onwards on June 22
