The 10th International Day of Yoga is being celebrated with great enthusiasm in the UAE, highlighting the growing popularity of yoga in the region. From fitness centers to schools and even hospitals, yoga has become an integral part of life for many residents, offering numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Yoga has become a mainstream activity in the UAE, integrated into various aspects of daily life.
- The UAE government and Indian missions have played a significant role in promoting yoga.
- Yoga offers a holistic approach to well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health.
Events Celebrating the 10th International Day of Yoga
The UAE is hosting several events to mark the 10th International Day of Yoga:
- Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
Personal Journeys
Dora Vargas
Colombian expat Dora Vargas moved to Dubai 17 years ago and has been practicing yoga for 16 years. She believes the UAE’s proximity to India has facilitated the growth of yoga in the region. "Yoga is not just exercise; it’s a comprehensive philosophy that integrates various practices to guide us towards a balanced life," she says.
Riitta Goshayeshi
Riitta Goshayeshi from Finland discovered yoga during a holiday in Dubai in 2005. She has been teaching meditation for free since 2007 and believes yoga’s popularity stems from its ability to provide mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Government and Community Support
Kumar Kota
Indian expat Kumar Kota, COO of Gulf Medical University, has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. He credits yoga with improving energy and stress management. "The UAE government has been conducting fitness challenges and health awareness campaigns to motivate a healthy lifestyle," he says.
Sanjay Meherish
Sanjay Meherish, regional director for a popular meditation foundation, has seen the UAE government encourage the growth of yoga. "Our Foundation has been active here for 20 years, and we have been officially approved by the Dubai Sports Council and the UAE Federation of Sports," he notes.
Benefits for Residents and Students
Yoga has shown significant benefits for residents and students in the UAE. Schools have reported improved behavior and focus among students practicing yoga. "Working with children of determination has been particularly heartwarming," says Meherish.
Tackling Stress at Work
Pankaj Singh
Indian yoga instructor Pankaj Singh highlights yoga’s role in improving mental health, especially in urban environments where stress levels are high. "Yoga has been really popular in the UAE because of its effectiveness in improving mental health," he says.
Yoga During Pregnancy
Dr. Lina Barot Rathod
Dr. Lina Barot Rathod, a homeopath and yoga consultant, started practicing yoga in 1997 and experienced significant benefits during her pregnancy. She believes yoga’s accessibility and adaptability make it popular. "Yoga can be practiced by anyone, anywhere," she says.
Integrating Yoga into Healthcare
Dr. Swati Prasad
Dr. Swati Prasad, a specialist in Internal Medicine, has seen the potential of yoga in managing hypertension. A recent case study showed that a structured yoga program significantly reduced blood pressure and improved overall health in a patient with hypertension. "These findings support the integration of yoga into routine medical care for various chronic conditions," she says.