Mass yoga session on Friday at Zabeel Park

Some 3,000 people expected at Dubai’s Zabeel Park ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21

Dubai: Roughly 3,000 people are expected to join a mass yoga session in Dubai’s Zabeel Park on Friday as an advance celebration of the world’s first International Yoga Day (June 21).

Dubai Municipality, in coordination with Friends of Yoga, will host the free 40-minute evening session at the Megabowl area of the park.

The UN recently decided to mark International Yoga Day on June 21 every year, starting from this year. As many as 170 countries, including the UAE, voted for the resolution.

Dubai will also hold another mass yoga session on June 21, expected to attract some 15,000 people at Al Wasl Club. The night-time session, organised by the Indian consulate in Dubai and Al Wasl Football Club, will fall in Ramadan, which is expected to start on June 17 or 18.

To make it easier for more people to join, Friday’s session was organised ahead of June 21, on the last weekend before Ramadan, officials said during a press conference on Sunday.

Though 2,000-3,000 people will practise yoga, a total of 12,000 visitors are expected at the park for Friday’s event, which will last from 6.30pm-9.30pm and include entertainment activities.

Entry to the park will be free for the event for participants and visitors alike.

Mohammad Al Fardan, Director of Parks and Horticulture Department, Dubai Municipality, said: “We are extremely pleased to celebrate the International Day of Yoga in Dubai as this would help Dubai position itself on the global yoga map. The civic authority is always keen on promoting a fitness culture among the residents. We urge the residents in Dubai and other emirates to join the event and get inspired to follow the practice throughout their life.”

He added that yoga was a popular early morning routine for many residents, who are welcome to hold group sessions in public parks even before the official opening timings. They will not be charged entry fees if they hold the sessions before the park’s opening, Al Fardan said.

K.B. Madhavan, Founder, Friends of Yoga, said: “The event is aimed to tap the growing popularity of this ancient Indian discipline to promote good health and peace of mind for the public.”

Manoj Menon, the event’s chief coordinator, added that those who want to practise yoga on Friday should bring their own yoga mat and entry is through Gate 3. There will also be a demonstration for people new to yoga. Other visitors are advised to enter through Gate 1 or 2.