Thousands of residents across the UAE marked International Yoga Day today with mega yoga sessions that transformed community venues into hubs of wellness and cultural exchange.
In Dubai, the Consulate General of India organised a yoga session at the Dubai Police Officers’ Club in association with Dubai Police. More than 1,500 people of all ages took part in the event, including families, schoolchildren, seasoned practitioners, and wellness enthusiasts, joining in breathing exercises, stretching routines, and guided relaxation sessions. The event also featured a special performance by the Dubai Police Band. This year’s International Yoga Day was celebrated under the theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Satish Kumar Sivan praised the strong turnout and expressed his gratitude to Dubai Police for their support, describing the event as a demonstration of the deep ties between the Indian community and the UAE. The Consul General also applauded the large number of students who participated in the event.
Major General Mohammed Essa Al-Adhab, Director of the General Department of Logistic Support at Dubai Police, said the scale of participation sent a clear message about yoga’s growing appeal in the country. Reflecting on the longstanding relationship between the two nations, he recalled growing up in Dubai’s Meena Bazaar district-long associated with the Indian community-and witnessing their contribution to the city’s development.
In Abu Dhabi, the celebrations took on a distinctive setting. Around 1,000 yoga enthusiasts and members of the diplomatic corps gathered under the iconic dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi for a serene session organised by the Embassy of India to mark the occasion. The event brought together participants from across the diplomatic and wider community at one of the emirate’s most recognisable cultural landmarks.
Significant community activities took place throughout the day, including “Stronger for Longer” classes at Dubai Sports World in the Dubai World Trade Centre and a free two-hour mixed-level practice at Al Ghurair Centre.
