Open‑Air Yoga Draws Community to Louvre Abu Dhabi Dome

Arabian Post

11-06-2025

Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi are offering a free, open‑air yoga session under the museum's famed dome to mark International Yoga Day on 21 June. Doors will open at 18:00, with the session scheduled from 18:45 to 19:45. Prior registration is required and participants can either bring their own mats or use those provided.
Organisers emphasise the inclusivity of the event, welcoming all ages and backgrounds to enjoy a serene practice framed by the museum's architectural splendour. The setting is designed to foster both personal wellness and communal connection, in line with the global ethos of yoga.
This outdoor session is one of two major events planned in Abu Dhabi for International Yoga Day. Earlier in the day at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the Indian Embassy will host a 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' event. This gathering will feature global yoga experts, with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, presiding as chief guest. Tennis champion Sania Mirza will attend as guest of honour.
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Event organisers have committed to ensuring comfort and accessibility for participants. Yoga mats, IDY T‑shirts, water, and refreshments will be made available on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Shuttle services and alternative parking arrangements are ready to handle the expected turnout.
Louvre Abu Dhabi's collaboration with the Indian Embassy is part of a broader cultural outreach strategy aimed at promoting health and well‑being through shared cultural experiences. The museum's dome—designed by architect Jean Nouvel—is an iconic backdrop, offering a soft afternoon light and an ambiance of peace and reflection.
Yoga Day in the UAE has grown substantially over the years, evolving from small gatherings into large communal exercises embraced by government, cultural institutions, and local communities alike. This year's theme aligns with global emphasis on planetary well‑being, underscoring yoga's potential to foster harmony between individuals and the environment.
At ADNEC, the morning event opens at 09:00 for participants, with the yoga session taking place between 11:00 and 12:00. By scheduling events at both ADNEC and Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Indian Embassy hopes to reach different segments of society—from wellness enthusiasts to families and cultural patrons.
Museum officials remind attendees to arrive early, ideally 30 minutes before the session start time, to ensure smooth entry and placement under the dome. Participants are encouraged to bring a towel and personal water bottle, though amenities will be provided on site. Photography and video coverage will be conducted by the event organisers for promotional purposes.
Indian diplomatic sources emphasise that this initiative reflects long‑standing ties between India and Abu Dhabi, extending beyond political and economic dimensions to cultural and social engagement. These yoga events underscore the belief that shared wellness practices contribute to deeper mutual understanding.
Ticket information confirms that sessions are free of charge, though advance booking is mandatory. The Louvre Abu Dhabi website provides booking access, and mats will be distributed on a first‑come, first‑serve basis—attendees may bring their own but mats from the museum are available.
For the broader community, the atmospheric combination of gentle exercise, architectural wonder, and cultural exchange offers a distinct way to observe the yoga day. Observers note that hosting yoga in such a prominent cultural venue signals a shift towards integrating wellness into mainstream cultural programming.
Looking ahead, organisers see this year's events as a prelude to more frequent wellness initiatives at cultural hubs across the region. Whether this marks the start of a tradition that combines heritage and well‑being remains to be seen, but the response this year is expected to set the tone.