Dubai: As the UAE gears up to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on Saturday with various free yoga sessions across the country, yoga instructors emphasize the widespread adoption and immense popularity of the ancient Indian practice. This surge in interest is particularly notable since the introduction of IDY.
Yoga’s appeal in the UAE spans across diverse nationalities and social backgrounds, with many embracing its physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation for improved overall health. The annual IDY events, led by Indian missions in collaboration with UAE authorities, feature massive free yoga sessions that attract a large following.
10th International Day of Yoga Events in the UAE:
- Dubai:
- Date: Saturday, June 22
- Time: 5pm-7pm
- Venue: Sheikh Saeed Halls 1,2,3, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
- Organized by: The Indian Consulate in Dubai, Dubai Sports Council
- Abu Dhabi:
- Date: Saturday, June 22
- Time: From 6pm
- Venue: Atrium at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Organized by: The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Sports Council
- Louvre Abu Dhabi:
- Date: Sunday, June 23
- Time: From 7.30pm
- Venue: Promenade and Dome View Rooftop, Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Organized by: The Indian Embassy and Louvre Museum
Colombian expat Dora Vargas, who has lived in Dubai for 17 years, shared her journey into yoga, which began after her move to the UAE. “The prevalence of yoga studios and practitioners here made it easy to immerse myself in the practice,” she said. Now a life coach and yoga teacher, Vargas notes the UAE’s proximity to India as a key factor in yoga’s accessibility and quality.
Finnish expat Riitta Goshayeshi echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how yoga and meditation brought her inner peace and flexibility. After training in India, she has been teaching meditation for free since 2007, emphasizing yoga’s comprehensive benefits beyond physical exercise.
Indian expat Kumar Kota, COO of Gulf Medical University, has practiced yoga for over 20 years and teaches yoga to blue-collar workers and students. He credits yoga for improving energy and stress management and appreciates the UAE government’s support for health initiatives that include yoga.
Sanjay Meherish, regional director for a meditation foundation, noted the UAE government’s encouragement of yoga through official recognitions and approvals. He has seen firsthand the positive changes in energy, calmness, and relationships among practitioners.
Yoga’s role in mental health is particularly highlighted by Indian yoga instructor Pankaj Singh, who offers private and fitness center sessions. He emphasizes yoga’s effectiveness in reducing urban stress levels and improving overall mental and physical health.
Yasha Nirav Shah and Dr. Lina Barot Rathod also shared their experiences and observations on yoga’s benefits for weight management, stress relief, and overall well-being. They advocate for incorporating yoga into school curriculums and corporate routines to enhance health and reduce stress.
Healthcare providers, such as Dr. Swati Prasad from Aster Royal Clinic, have begun integrating yoga into treatment plans for conditions like hypertension. Dr. Prasad presented a case study showing significant blood pressure reduction and improved well-being in a patient following a structured yoga program.
The growing popularity of yoga in the UAE, supported by the government and experienced firsthand by diverse practitioners, highlights its potential as a holistic approach to health and wellness.
