Sheikh Nahyan Leads Abu Dhabi’s 11th International Day of Yoga

Abu Dhabi, UAE — Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, led the 11th International Day of Yoga celebration at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The event, part of the Abu Dhabi Summer Sports Festival, welcomed more than 1,000 participants from different nationalities and cultures. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and ADNEC Group in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of India in the UAE, the celebration embraced the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

The large gathering reflected the UAE’s dedication to building a society rooted in openness, respect, and unity. The event demonstrated how yoga’s universal message of balance and harmony resonates within the multicultural fabric of the UAE.

Sheikh Nahyan’s Reflections on the Importance of Yoga

Sheikh Nahyan expressed his happiness at taking part in this meaningful occasion, praising yoga for its role in strengthening the bond between mind and body. He highlighted that the celebration represents the enduring friendship and cooperation between the UAE and India. The shared presence of so many people signified the strong ties between the two nations in political, economic, cultural, and social fields.

He emphasised that yoga, an ancient practice rooted in Indian wisdom, serves as a symbol of peace and dialogue. Sheikh Nahyan described the event as an opportunity to reaffirm the core values of tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion that are essential for building cohesive communities.

Relevance of This Year’s Theme

The theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” carried special significance, reflecting the connection between individual well-being and the health of the planet. Sheikh Nahyan noted that yoga teaches individuals to listen — to their inner selves, to one another, and to the environment. His remarks underscored the importance of nurturing both human health and environmental sustainability as part of a shared responsibility.

Sheikh Nahyan also highlighted how this commitment to well-being aligns with the vision of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He praised the ongoing leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for building a safe, inclusive, and prosperous society that prioritises the happiness and health of its people.

Year of Community and Shared Values

The International Day of Yoga celebration took on added significance in 2024 as the UAE marks the Year of Community. Sheikh Nahyan pointed out that yoga reflects the values at the heart of this national theme, promoting compassion, dialogue, and unity. The event highlighted the role of practices like yoga in building stronger, healthier communities by encouraging respect and understanding among people of all backgrounds.

He recognised the enthusiastic involvement of students and families, noting that introducing young people to yoga helps lay the foundation for compassionate and resilient communities. Sheikh Nahyan observed that these lessons go beyond physical well-being, teaching children and youth about responsibility, cooperation, and their potential to shape a better future.

Collaboration and Diplomatic Presence

The success of the 11th International Day of Yoga celebration was made possible through collaboration between key organisations and the support of the diplomatic community. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council, ADNEC Group, and the Embassy of the Republic of India in the UAE worked together to create an event that reflected the spirit of unity and shared purpose.

The celebration was further enriched by the presence of several ambassadors and dignitaries who attended to show their support. Among them were Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India; Ramūnas Davidonis, Ambassador of Lithuania; Alberto Alejandro Farje Orna, Ambassador of Peru; Tarik Ahamed, Ambassador of Bangladesh; Emilio Ben Gudos, Ambassador of Spain; and Anders Hansen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark. Their participation reinforced the unifying power of yoga in strengthening bonds between nations and communities.

Leaders from the UAE’s sports and wellness sectors also lent their support to the event. Notable attendees included Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC; Said Al Ajeel, President of the Arab Mini-Football Federation and Vice President of the UAE Sports for All Federation; Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Events at Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Ahmed Shaker, CEO of Capital 360; Abdulrahim Al Zarouni, Director of Corporate Communications at Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Saif Al Rashdi, Director of Protocol and Operations at ADNEC; and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza.

Community Participation and Celebration of Success

The high turnout demonstrated the growing awareness of yoga’s benefits as part of a healthy lifestyle. Talal Al Hashemi expressed pride in the event’s success, highlighting that the enthusiastic response from the community shows how yoga has become an integral part of the UAE’s approach to wellness. Participants from all walks of life came together to share in the experience, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated both health and harmony.

The celebration reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fostering tolerance, respect, and shared understanding. Through such events, the nation continues to build bridges between cultures and promote well-being as a shared responsibility. The International Day of Yoga provided a platform where people could come together to learn, practice, and embrace values that contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies.

Honouring India’s Leadership in Promoting Yoga

Sheikh Nahyan paid tribute to India’s role in promoting yoga globally and establishing the International Day of Yoga. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing this day to the world in 2014. His remarks acknowledged the dedication of yoga teachers, practitioners, and community leaders whose efforts have spread the message of peace, unity, and well-being.

The minister highlighted that yoga has grown into a worldwide movement that transcends borders and cultures. Through shared practice, people are reminded of their common humanity and the importance of working together for a healthier, more harmonious world.

Abu Dhabi’s Position as a Wellness and Cultural Hub

The 11th International Day of Yoga celebration reinforced Abu Dhabi’s role as a centre for wellness, sports, and cultural exchange. With support from ADNEC Group, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and the diplomatic community, the event demonstrated the city’s commitment to hosting initiatives that promote health, happiness, and social cohesion.

By bringing together people from many different backgrounds, the celebration showcased how yoga serves as a bridge for fostering connection and understanding. Abu Dhabi continues to lead in creating opportunities for its diverse population to come together in pursuit of common goals that uplift individuals and strengthen communities.