The UAE Yoga Committee is leading the organisation of events across the country
Dubai: To mark International Yoga Day on June 21, over 35 iconic locations across the UAE, including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and Expo Centre Sharjah, will host community yoga sessions, a top official has said.
Described as one of the largest yoga celebrations during the UAE’s Year of Community, the events are expected to attract more than 30,000 participants, said Ahmed Ibrahim, President of the UAE Yoga Committee and Vice Chairman of the Asian Yogasana Federation.
“As of Wednesday, we’ve confirmed 37 locations, and the number is still growing,” said Ibrahim. “Yoga centres across the UAE are supporting us in holding sessions throughout the country.”
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, will be the chief guest at the International Yoga Day event at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Held under the global theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the event is being organised by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza will be the guest of honour.
The Indian Consulate in Dubai will host a major yoga event at Expo Centre Sharjah, with over 5,000 participants from various communities expected to attend.
According to the UAE Yoga Committee, some of the venues across the UAE are:
Burj Khalifa (At the Top),
Louvre Abu Dhabi,
Dubai Frame,
Al Khawaneej Walk,
Mall of the Emirates,
City Centre Mirdif,
Wafi Mall,
Silicon Central Mall,
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC),
DAMAC Hills Park (multiple spots),
Danube Sports World,
Tennis & Country Club Fujairah,
Bright Riders School, Musaffah (Abu Dhabi),
New Academy School, Dubai,
Jumeirah Park,
DATCO Labour Camp,
Eco Yoga Sanctuary, Dubai
(Some sessions may also take place on Sunday, June 22, as part of extended celebrations).
“This is part of our ongoing commitment to community well-being,” said Ibrahim. We are not just celebrating yoga, we are uniting people through wellness," said Ibrahim. “We are trying to bring yoga into our culture.”
The UAE Yoga Committee, operating under the Ministry of Sports and the UAE Sports for All Federation, is also developing a national framework to regulate yoga practices and recognise qualified trainers across the Emirates.
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