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Key Points

Gulf nations enthusiastically celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga with large-scale events across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE. Prominent figures like Saudi yoga pioneer Nouf Marwai and Kuwaiti royal Sheikha Shaikha participated, alongside Indian diplomats and tennis star Sania Mirza. The Indian embassies coordinated sessions emphasizing yoga's benefits for holistic health, drawing thousands of participants. The celebrations reinforced yoga's growing cultural significance in the Middle East.

Key Points: Gulf Nations Celebrate Yoga Day With Saudi Royals and Sania Mirza

  • Saudi Yoga Committee leads Riyadh celebrations with Indian embassy
  • Kuwait event draws 1500 including royal advocate Sheikha Shaikha
  • UAE Minister Nahyan bin Mubarak joins Sania Mirza for yoga
  • Diplomats highlight yoga's role in daily well-being
2 min read

Gulf countries spotlight importance of integrating yoga into daily life

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and UAE mark International Yoga Day with royal figures, diplomats, and athletes promoting wellness through yoga.

"Yoga unites us all for One Earth, One Health – Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika"

Riyadh, June 21

Several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Saturday celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) under the global theme of 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', highlighting the significance of yoga for the overall well-being.

The IDY celebrations in Riyadh were organised by the Indian embassy in association with the Saudi Yoga Committee and the Indian diaspora.

Leading Saudi yoga personality and the President of Asian Yogasana Sports Federation Padma Shri Nouf Marwai, Director of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Sport Shahad Al Mufti, CEO of Saudi Yoga Committee Ahmed Alsady and several other Saudi officials and members of the diplomatic community in the country attended the event.

The Common Yoga Protocol was led by local yoga instructors Nervin Asharam and Seema Ghanam.

In Kuwait, over 1500 people came together at the Salmiya Boulevard Cricket Ground to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga. The grand yoga session was organised by the Indian embassy in Kuwait in association with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the Ministry of Ayush, and in collaboration with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

The participants from all walks of life — including diplomats, students, Indian community members, and yoga enthusiasts — gathered early Saturday morning to take part in the event.

Addressing the crowd, the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, highlighted the importance of integrating yoga into daily life for overall well-being. He thanked all attendees for their enthusiastic participation in the celebrations.

The event witnessed participation from Padma Shri awardees Acharya H.R. Nagendra, founder of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, and Sheikha Shaikha A.J. Sabah, a prominent member of the Kuwaiti royal family and a strong advocate for yoga in the region.

Additionally, the Indian embassy in the UAE, together with Abu Dhabi Sports Council, organised IDY celebrations at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC). The Chief guest of the event, Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Co-Existence, along with tennis ace Sania Mirza and Indian Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir joined yoga enthusiasts in celebration of the global festival.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
So proud to see our ancient practice being embraced globally! The Gulf countries' participation shows yoga truly transcends borders. Hope this leads to more cultural exchange between India and the Middle East. 🙏
R
Rahul S.
While I appreciate the global recognition, I wish our own government would promote yoga more domestically. Many schools still don't have proper yoga programs. Charity begins at home!
A
Ananya M.
The participation of Saudi royal family members and Kuwaiti officials is remarkable! Shows how yoga has become mainstream in conservative societies. India's soft power at its best 💪
V
Vikram J.
As an NRI in Dubai, seeing yoga unite people from all backgrounds is heartwarming. The Abu Dhabi event had Emiratis, Indians, Filipinos - all doing surya namaskar together. This is the real spirit of yoga!
S
Sunita P.
Yoga diplomacy is working wonders for India's image abroad. But we must ensure the original spiritual essence isn't lost in commercialization. The Gulf events seem to maintain that balance well.
K
Kiran D.
The economic potential is huge! With Gulf countries embracing yoga, Indian yoga instructors could find great opportunities there. Maybe the government should start certification programs for yoga teachers wanting to work abroad.

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