Mats ready for yoga celebrations across the country this weekend

Residents take part in a rejuvenation session organised by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi ahead of the fifth International Yoga Day. - ANI

Dubai - Yoga schools will be setting up kiosks and stalls on-site, and people can simply walk up to the centre and learn more about their offerings.

Thousands of yoga enthusiasts are ready to roll out their mats to celebrate the fifth International Yoga Day (IYD) this weekend in different locations across Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Vipul, Consul-General of India to Dubai, on Monday announced that the mission will be marking IYD in collaboration with several Indian associations in the Northern Emirates.
Aside from the huge gathering expected at Zabeel Park in Dubai on Friday, people are also invited to the mass yoga sessions in Ajman, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, he said.
"Yoga has played a significant role in promoting peace and tolerance," Vipul said at a Press meet in the consulate. Through the years, the popularity of the celebrations has grown consistently, extending to government departments like the Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Municipality. More schools have also been practising yoga, he added.
"Last year, nearly 4,000 people participated in the Yoga Day events at Zabeel Park. Given that June 21 falls on a weekend this year, we are expecting greater numbers in terms of participation," Vipul said.
Yoga schools will be setting up kiosks and stalls on-site, and people can simply walk up to the centre and learn more about their offerings. Organisations such as Isha Yoga Foundation, Art of Living, Heartfulness Yoga, and Raja Yoga will also be participating.
Though the common yoga protocol will be the highlight of the event, the consulate will organise competitions, cultural programmes, a documentary screening, and several other activities.
"We are also partnering with Indian curriculum schools. The Common Yoga Protocol will be performed by Shobana, the consulate's teacher of Indian culture and yoga," the envoy said.
In Sharjah, organisers like Ekata are expecting nearly 5,000 participants for their yoga event at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Rajeev Pillai, president of Ekata, said: "Last year, we organised it at Al Tiqah Club where we had 2,000 participants. This year, we are having it in collaboration with Sharjah Sports Council, and we are expecting larger numbers."
Roop Sidhu, general secretary of Ajman's Indian Association, said: "The celebrations will take place at the association's new premises in Ajman. We are hoping 800 to 1,000 people would participate."
YOGA DAY ACTIVITIES IN THE UAE

June 21

Dubai
>Venue: Zabeel Park (Gate 3, or Gate 2 for Metro riders)
>Time: Gates open at 6pm
>6.30pm: Cultural programme and documentary show
>7pm-7.30 pm: Yoga competitions on-stage
>7.30pm onwards: Main programme
>7.50 pm: Common yoga protocol
Sharjah
>Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
>Time: 6pm
>Contact: 050 6949788
Ajman
>Venue: Indian Association Ajman
>Time: 5.30pm
>Contact: 067467722
Ras Al Khaimah
>Venue: American University

June 22

Umm Al Quwain
>Venue: Etihad Hall
>Event: Yoga protocol and meditation
>Time: 11am
>Contact: 050 8650419
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai

Dhanusha Gokulan

• dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com