The UAE is set to mark International Yoga Day 2025 in a significant way, with over 35 key venues across the country confirmed to host community yoga sessions on June 21 and 22. With this year’s celebrations taking place under the broader ‘Year of Community’ initiative, the scale and inclusivity of the events reflect the nation’s deepening commitment to holistic wellbeing and communal harmony.
The event is expected to draw more than 30,000 participants, uniting residents through movement, mindfulness and meaningful connection.
Wellness at Iconic Venues Across the Emirates
Organised in collaboration with yoga centres, wellness collectives and local authorities, the sessions will take place in some of the UAE’s most recognisable landmarks.
Some of the confirmed venues include:
- Burj Khalifa – At the Top
- Dubai Frame
- Mall of the Emirates
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Al Khawaneej Walk
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- City Centre Mirdif
- Wafi Mall
- Silicon Central Mall
- Bright Riders School, Musaffah (Abu Dhabi)
- Tennis & Country Club Fujairah
- Jumeirah Park
- DAMAC Hills Park
- Danube Sports World
- Eco Yoga Sanctuary, Dubai
In addition to the grand-scale venues, sessions will also be held in labour accommodation communities and educational institutions, ensuring accessibility for a wide demographic of participants.
Theme: Yoga for One Earth, One Health
This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, highlights the interconnectedness of physical wellness, mental clarity, and environmental sustainability. It aligns closely with the UAE’s forward-looking vision for inclusive, healthy communities.
One of the main events will be hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, with senior officials in attendance. As part of the occasion, a special appearance is also expected from former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, underscoring the international dimension of the celebration.
The inclusion of well-known figures alongside UAE dignitaries reinforces the country’s cultural openness and continued emphasis on promoting tolerance and shared wellbeing across its diverse population.
Extended Sessions on Sunday, June 22
Several venues will continue hosting community yoga events on Sunday, June 22, while organizers have scheduled the main sessions for Friday, June 21. This extension allows for broader participation and reflects the country’s growing interest in wellness activities that go beyond a single-day celebration.
These additional sessions will take place at select locations such as residential parks, schools, and indoor fitness centres, offering both sunrise and sunset slots to cater to different schedules and preferences.
How to Join: Open to All, Free of Cost
Participation in the International Yoga Day events is free of charge and open to all age groups and skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or just starting out, these sessions aim to foster inclusivity and community spirit.
Event organizers encourage residents planning to attend to:
- Arrive early to secure a spot, especially at high-footfall venues like Burj Khalifa and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Bring a towel and water, while yoga mats are likely to be provided at most venues.
- Wear comfortable attire suitable for movement in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Many of the sessions will also be led by certified instructors, offering guided practices in breathing, posture alignment, and relaxation.
A Growing Culture of Wellness in the UAE
The International Yoga Day celebrations are part of a larger national effort to promote mental wellbeing, physical activity, and social connection. Over the past few years, Dubai and the wider UAE have seen a steady rise in yoga-focused offerings, including:
- Rooftop yoga events in city skyscrapers
- Sunrise beach sessions in Jumeirah and Saadiyat
- Corporate wellness programmes introducing yoga into the workday
- Women-focused yoga collectives and mindfulness retreats
This year’s community initiative builds on that momentum, encouraging people of all backgrounds to come together through a shared appreciation for wellness.
A National Message
With support from government bodies, local councils, schools, wellness hubs and businesses, the event is as much about unity as it is about yoga. It sends a powerful message: in the midst of fast-paced urban life, the city encourages residents to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves and others.
As the UAE continues to foster initiatives that support physical and mental health, the hope is that yoga will not only remain a part of the annual calendar, but become an integral part of daily life for many across the Emirates.
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