Look: When UAE turned into a giant yoga arena; tennis star Sania Mirza among participants
On Saturday, venues across the UAE transformed into vast yoga arenas as thousands of residents gathered to mark International Yoga Day. From Abu Dhabi to Sharjah and Dubai, people of all ages and backgrounds took part in mass yoga sessions, celebrating the ancient Indian practice that nurtures physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
In Abu Dhabi, the celebration kicked off at 10am at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). With yoga mats covering the floor, thousands of residents participated in the session led by expert instructors. The event was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Sania Mirza, former Indian tennis star, along with Sanjay Sudhir, the Indian ambassador to the UAE.
One of the most heartfelt moments came when Zayne Merzi Sodawaterwala, a teenager on the autism spectrum, was honoured for his remarkable achievement in skating. He set a world record by becoming the fastest person to complete a 10km inline skate, finishing in just 40 minutes and 4 seconds.
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Sanjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, presented Zayne with the award and said, 'We are celebrating Zayne's achievement and yoga together. Yoga teaches us focus, balance, and discipline. His story inspires all of us.'
For the record holder, the recognition was deeply personal. 'Today is also UAE Father's Day, and UAE is like my home,' he said. 'It's a gift for my father. It's a great feeling to receive this award on such a special day.'
'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 came alive in the evening with the Consulate General of India in Dubai hosting the yoga event at Expo Centre Sharjah, drawing hundreds of residents, many of whom arrived well before the official start.
Hundreds of schoolchildren from various institutions arrived at 5:30pm, eager to participate and learn the ancient wellness practice. Instructors led the crowd through accessible postures, while health experts spoke about yoga's long-term benefits, including helping manage digestive issues and hernia when practised regularly under guidance.
Meenakshi Raman, a Sharjah resident who attended with her 12-year-old daughter, said: '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.'
As Danube Sports World in Dubai, an event was hosted indoors, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council. The event welcomed over 300 participants, including families, children, seasoned practitioners, and wellness influencers. The evening's focus was on breathing exercises and deep relaxation techniques.
Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group, who is also a regular yoga practitioner, said, '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.'
'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,' said Sajan.
Also present at the event was Ahmad Ibrahim Busherin, head of the sponsorship and partnership section at Dubai Sports Council. '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.
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