Sheikh Nahyan during the yoga session in Abu Dhabi. WAM

The event formed part of the Abu Dhabi Sports Summer activities and was organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and ADNEC, providing a common ground for yoga practitioners of all nationalities, cultures and age groups.

Sheikh Nahyan said, "I am pleased to participate in celebrating the tenth International Day of Yoga. We are interested in what this practice embodies and its impact on developing relationships with others based on the four principles of Respect, Understanding, Acceptance and Appreciation, which in turn reflect the UAE’s principles of tolerance and coexistence."

He explained that the UAE pursues tolerance, coexistence and individual empowerment, based on the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in providing opportunities for growth and achievement for everyone living in the country. His Highness’s approach to achieving this goal was clearly comprehensive, promoting the values of peace, harmony, happiness and prosperity for all.

The minister remarked that the different nationalities, cultures, religions and ethnicities of the participating yogis reflected the diversity of the population and the integrated fabric of the UAE, characterised by the strength of its tolerance and coexistence. The UAE, he explained, is one of the most peaceful, harmonious and prosperous places on the face of the earth, setting an example for the world to follow in how to coexist, communicate and cooperate for the benefit of all within a framework of tolerance and respect for others.

He added, "The celebration of the International Day of Yoga, here in Abu Dhabi, is also a celebration of the distinguished relations between India and the UAE based on mutual respect and appreciation, and the close political, commercial and cultural ties between the two countries, which herald more cooperation in all areas of humanitarian work.”

For his part, Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the UAE, said, "The participants in the International Day of Yoga activities in Abu Dhabi this year represent more than 50 nationalities, which indicates that yoga brings people together, because it is a philosophy, a way of life, and a path to a healthier and more peaceful world. Amidst the complexities of modern life, yoga is a safe haven and a tool for mental resilience and emotional balance.”

Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Al Awani said, "The number of participants in the activities of International Day of Yoga during the past three years exceeded 10,000 people, which indicates its importance as it represents a state of harmony between the mind, body and spirit, and is based on a balance between thought and action, providing a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that achieves a feeling of mental peace.”

he largest of its kind in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi Summer Sports is held over an area exceeding 35,000 square metres. It is organised by ADNEC Group in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and aims to motivate community members to follow a healthy lifestyle and exercise in a suitable environment during the summer.

WAM