UAE International Yoga Day: Sania Mirza joins thousands at Abu Dhabi as UAE hosts nationwide yoga events
On a luminous Saturday morning, the UAE woke up to more than just a sunrise. From Dubai's indoor arenas to the grand halls of Abu Dhabi and the vibrant pavilions of Sharjah, the country transformed into a massive yoga studio in celebration of
International Yoga Day
.
Thousands of residents of all ages and backgrounds rolled out their mats, straightened their spines, and opened their hearts, not just in physical practice, but in a shared experience of mindfulness, movement, and community healing.
The spirit of unity and wellness echoed from Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) to Danube Sports World in Dubai, with every venue seeing strong turnouts. Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza was among the high-profile attendees, joining the Abu Dhabi celebrations alongside Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Sanjay Sudhir, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE.
— indembabudhabi (@indembabudhabi)
A Morning of Milestones: Abu Dhabi Leads with Dignity and Heart
In Abu Dhabi, the yoga session began at 10am at ADNEC, where the venue was filled wall-to-wall with yoga mats as instructors led a synchronized group session. The event drew thousands and stood out not only for its scale but also for its sense of occasion and inclusivity.
A standout moment came when Zayne Merzi Sodawaterwala, a teenager on the autism spectrum, was honoured for a groundbreaking achievement. Zayne set a world record by becoming the fastest person to complete a 10km inline skate, clocking an impressive 40 minutes and 4 seconds.
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The award was presented by Sanjay Sudhir, who said,
'We are celebrating Zayne's achievement and yoga together. Yoga teaches us focus, balance, and discipline. His story inspires all of us.'
Zayne, visibly moved, shared:
'Today is also UAE Father's Day, and UAE is like my home. It's a gift for my father. It's a great feeling to receive this award on such a special day.'
He added:
'My journey was never about glory, it was about a father's prayer to see his son live a life of joyful independence with passion and purpose.
Today, with God's grace, this recognition means the world because it says to every child like me – you matter, and your story matters.'
Sharjah Shines in the Evening: Wellness, Wisdom, and Community Spirit
As daylight faded, Sharjah stepped into the spotlight. Hosted by the Consulate General of India in Dubai, the Expo Centre Sharjah came alive with yet another mass yoga gathering, this one marked by a distinctive family-friendly energy.
Crowds began gathering as early as 5:30pm, and among them were hundreds of schoolchildren from local institutions, eager to immerse themselves in the ancient healing practice.
The event was more than a visual spectacle, it served as a communal classroom. Instructors demonstrated accessible postures while healthcare professionals spoke about yoga's practical benefits, including its ability to aid digestion, ease hernias, and support internal healing when practiced regularly under proper guidance.
Speaking to local news outlet Khaleej Times, participant Meenakshi Raman, who attended the session with her 12-year-old daughter, shared:
'We do yoga at home every morning, but today felt very special.
Practicing in a large group like this gives you more energy. You meet others who are also passionate about wellness, and you pick up new techniques.'
Dubai: A Breath of Stillness in a City of Motion
In the heart of Dubai, where movement often defines daily life, the yoga celebration took a different turn, inward. The city's Danube Sports World, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, hosted an indoor yoga event that welcomed over 300 participants. Attendees ranged from long-time practitioners to influencers, families, and curious first-timers.
The evening's focus was clear: breathe deeply, rest consciously, and reflect purposefully.
The program emphasized breathwork and deep relaxation techniques, offering a pause in the rush of daily routine. Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group and a regular yoga enthusiast, described the session as transformative:
'The breathing session was incredibly powerful. In our fast-paced lives, we forget to pause.
Yoga teaches us to breathe right, and that one habit can change your life.'
He added:
'Yoga is more than movement. It is reflection, it is grounding, and it is a path to healing, both individually and collectively. With so much happening around us globally, it is essential that we pause, reflect, and come together to heal as a community.'
Also in attendance was Ahmad Ibrahim Busherin, head of the sponsorship and partnership section at Dubai Sports Council, who emphasized the council's commitment:
'This event reflects our commitment to encouraging healthy, active lifestyles across the UAE.
We are proud to support such initiatives that inspire physical and mental well-being.' he said.
International Yoga Day 2024 was not merely observed in the UAE. It was embraced, embodied, and elevated to a collective expression of purpose. The scale was vast, but what truly stood out was the spirit: here, yoga wasn't about performance, it was about presence. And everywhere, that presence was palpable.
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