There has recently been an uptick in events organised around yoga in the UAE. More and more people find themselves getting involved in the ancient mind-body health system for reasons of health, fitness and wellness. This may owe itself to the large number of expat Indians living in the UAE or because of the global increase in the awareness and interest in yoga. With International Yoga Day on 21 June, many Emiratis are gearing up for various events:
Localsas well as expats from various different counties got together last year for group yoga session as well as other officially organised events. Regular practitioners as well as newbies got together to do pranayam, basic yoga as well as power yoga.
Nouf Marwaai is the first certified yoga instructor from Saudi Arabia and will be leading the Dubai celebrations this year. She has been awarded the civilian honour Padma Shri by the Indian government. On 21 June, she will be seen leading thousands of yoga practitioners at Dubai's Zabeel Park.
At Zabeel Park yogis from from various yoga schools like Sahaj Yoga, Art of Living, Heartfulness Yoga, Raja Yoga Centre, Sky Yoga and Laughter Yoga also join in the event from 6pm to 9.30pm. The next day (22nd June) there will be other events at the Expo Centre Sharjah, American University in Ras Al Khaimah, the Indian Social Club in Fujairah and more.
You can indulge in a wellness day at Anantara Eastern Mangroves & Spa consisting of outdoor yoga, and meditation followed by healthy snacks and stress management sessions. Those looking for a way to celebrate yoga day in Abu Dhabi can head to Mangrove One on 22 June where Indian yoga experts will have free to attend 90 minute sessions for those looking to learn.
If you're in Dubai you may want to head to the Dubai Design District for the Mindful Yoga & Sound Journey event on 21 June. Featuring Tibetan bowls and gongs, this may be the stress buster you need. You may also be interested in a free-entry sunset yoga event hosted by Fitness First at the Palm Jumeirah. Doors at Rixos, The Palm open on 22 June at 4.30 for an event that focuses on mental as well as physical wellness.
There are many reasons why yoga need not be restricted to just a few days of the year. You could join a yoga class for continuing mind-body wellness. Recommended yoga classes in Abu Dhabi include BodyTree, The Hot House, Yoga One, The Studio and The Room among others.
Some of the top rated yoga studios in Dubai are Zen Yoga at Dubai Media City, Urban Yoga at Aspect Tower in Business Bay, 136.1 at Trident Bayside at the Dubai Marina, Define, Ashtanga Yoga.
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