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Time of India
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
UAE International Yoga Day: Sania Mirza joins thousands at Abu Dhabi as UAE hosts nationwide yoga events
Events held at ADNEC, Expo Centre Sharjah, and Danube Sports World brought together thousands across the UAE to mark the day with large-scale yoga sessions/ Image: X India in dubai On a luminous Saturday morning, the UAE woke up to more than just a sunrise. From Dubai's indoor arenas to the grand halls of Abu Dhabi and the vibrant pavilions of Sharjah, the country transformed into a massive yoga studio in celebration of International Yoga Day . Thousands of residents of all ages and backgrounds rolled out their mats, straightened their spines, and opened their hearts, not just in physical practice, but in a shared experience of mindfulness, movement, and community healing. The spirit of unity and wellness echoed from Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) to Danube Sports World in Dubai, with every venue seeing strong turnouts. Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza was among the high-profile attendees, joining the Abu Dhabi celebrations alongside Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Sanjay Sudhir, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE. — indembabudhabi (@indembabudhabi) A Morning of Milestones: Abu Dhabi Leads with Dignity and Heart In Abu Dhabi, the yoga session began at 10am at ADNEC, where the venue was filled wall-to-wall with yoga mats as instructors led a synchronized group session. The event drew thousands and stood out not only for its scale but also for its sense of occasion and inclusivity. A standout moment came when Zayne Merzi Sodawaterwala, a teenager on the autism spectrum, was honoured for a groundbreaking achievement. Zayne set a world record by becoming the fastest person to complete a 10km inline skate, clocking an impressive 40 minutes and 4 seconds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's What a 6-Hours Gutter Upgrade Should Cost You LeafFilter Partner Undo The award was presented by Sanjay Sudhir, who said, 'We are celebrating Zayne's achievement and yoga together. Yoga teaches us focus, balance, and discipline. His story inspires all of us.' Zayne, visibly moved, shared: 'Today is also UAE Father's Day, and UAE is like my home. It's a gift for my father. It's a great feeling to receive this award on such a special day.' He added: 'My journey was never about glory, it was about a father's prayer to see his son live a life of joyful independence with passion and purpose. Today, with God's grace, this recognition means the world because it says to every child like me – you matter, and your story matters.' Sharjah Shines in the Evening: Wellness, Wisdom, and Community Spirit As daylight faded, Sharjah stepped into the spotlight. Hosted by the Consulate General of India in Dubai, the Expo Centre Sharjah came alive with yet another mass yoga gathering, this one marked by a distinctive family-friendly energy. Crowds began gathering as early as 5:30pm, and among them were hundreds of schoolchildren from local institutions, eager to immerse themselves in the ancient healing practice. The event was more than a visual spectacle, it served as a communal classroom. Instructors demonstrated accessible postures while healthcare professionals spoke about yoga's practical benefits, including its ability to aid digestion, ease hernias, and support internal healing when practiced regularly under proper guidance. Speaking to local news outlet Khaleej Times, participant Meenakshi Raman, who attended the session with her 12-year-old daughter, shared: 'We do yoga at home every morning, but today felt very special. Practicing in a large group like this gives you more energy. You meet others who are also passionate about wellness, and you pick up new techniques.' Dubai: A Breath of Stillness in a City of Motion In the heart of Dubai, where movement often defines daily life, the yoga celebration took a different turn, inward. The city's Danube Sports World, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, hosted an indoor yoga event that welcomed over 300 participants. Attendees ranged from long-time practitioners to influencers, families, and curious first-timers. The evening's focus was clear: breathe deeply, rest consciously, and reflect purposefully. The program emphasized breathwork and deep relaxation techniques, offering a pause in the rush of daily routine. Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group and a regular yoga enthusiast, described the session as transformative: 'The breathing session was incredibly powerful. In our fast-paced lives, we forget to pause. Yoga teaches us to breathe right, and that one habit can change your life.' He added: 'Yoga is more than movement. It is reflection, it is grounding, and it is a path to healing, both individually and collectively. With so much happening around us globally, it is essential that we pause, reflect, and come together to heal as a community.' Also in attendance was Ahmad Ibrahim Busherin, head of the sponsorship and partnership section at Dubai Sports Council, who emphasized the council's commitment: 'This event reflects our commitment to encouraging healthy, active lifestyles across the UAE. We are proud to support such initiatives that inspire physical and mental well-being.' he said. International Yoga Day 2024 was not merely observed in the UAE. It was embraced, embodied, and elevated to a collective expression of purpose. The scale was vast, but what truly stood out was the spirit: here, yoga wasn't about performance, it was about presence. And everywhere, that presence was palpable.
Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Look: When UAE turned into a giant yoga arena; tennis star Sania Mirza among participants
On Saturday, venues across the UAE transformed into vast yoga arenas as thousands of residents gathered to mark International Yoga Day. From Abu Dhabi to Sharjah and Dubai, people of all ages and backgrounds took part in mass yoga sessions, celebrating the ancient Indian practice that nurtures physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In Abu Dhabi, the celebration kicked off at 10am at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). With yoga mats covering the floor, thousands of residents participated in the session led by expert instructors. The event was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Sania Mirza, former Indian tennis star, along with Sanjay Sudhir, the Indian ambassador to the UAE. One of the most heartfelt moments came when Zayne Merzi Sodawaterwala, a teenager on the autism spectrum, was honoured for his remarkable achievement in skating. He set a world record by becoming the fastest person to complete a 10km inline skate, finishing in just 40 minutes and 4 seconds. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Sanjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, presented Zayne with the award and said, 'We are celebrating Zayne's achievement and yoga together. Yoga teaches us focus, balance, and discipline. His story inspires all of us.' For the record holder, the recognition was deeply personal. 'Today is also UAE Father's Day, and UAE is like my home,' he said. 'It's a gift for my father. It's a great feeling to receive this award on such a special day.' 'My journey was never about glory, it was about a father's prayer to see his son live a life of joyful independence with passion and purpose. Today, with God's grace this recognition means the world because it says to every child like me - you matter, and your story matters." Sharjah came alive in the evening with the Consulate General of India in Dubai hosting the yoga event at Expo Centre Sharjah, drawing hundreds of residents, many of whom arrived well before the official start. Hundreds of schoolchildren from various institutions arrived at 5:30pm, eager to participate and learn the ancient wellness practice. Instructors led the crowd through accessible postures, while health experts spoke about yoga's long-term benefits, including helping manage digestive issues and hernia when practised regularly under guidance. Meenakshi Raman, a Sharjah resident who attended with her 12-year-old daughter, said: 'We do yoga at home every morning, but today felt very special. Practicing in a large group like this gives you more energy. You meet others who are also passionate about wellness, and you pick up new techniques.' As Danube Sports World in Dubai, an event was hosted indoors, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council. The event welcomed over 300 participants, including families, children, seasoned practitioners, and wellness influencers. The evening's focus was on breathing exercises and deep relaxation techniques. Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group, who is also a regular yoga practitioner, said, 'The breathing session was incredibly powerful. In our fast-paced lives, we forget to pause. Yoga teaches us to breathe right, and that one habit can change your life.' 'Yoga is more than movement. It is reflection, it is grounding, and it is a path to healing, both individually and collectively. With so much happening around us globally, it is essential that we pause, reflect, and come together to heal as a community,' said Sajan. Also present at the event was Ahmad Ibrahim Busherin, head of the sponsorship and partnership section at Dubai Sports Council. 'This event reflects our commitment to encouraging healthy, active lifestyles across the UAE. We are proud to support such initiatives that inspire physical and mental well-being,' he said.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE now 'India's closest partner' in region, says envoy
India and the UAE are redefining their relationship, with the UAE emerging as one of India's most significant global partners—symbolising not only a hub of innovation and investment but also a deepening diplomatic and economic bond. That's according to Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sanjay Sudhir who was speaking at the 'News9 Global Summit UAE' on Thursday. The event, themed 'India-UAE: Partnership for Prosperity and Progress,' was held at Taj Dubai, featuring policymakers, business leaders, tech executives, Bollywood stars, and influencers from the UAE and India. Sudhir said, 'This city, this country symbolises the energy of very different magnitude altogether. The UAE brings together people, the best minds, cutting-edge technology, and investment, and also provides a platform for ideas. But most importantly, India's relationship with the UAE is very special — and today, the UAE is perhaps India's closest partner in this part of the world," highlighting the growing strategic ties. The ambassador noted several recent milestones that underline this expanding partnership. 'Last year, we also witnessed the signing of the bilateral investment treaty which has further strengthened investor confidence on both sides. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the UAE into India reached approximately $4.5 million last year.' Cumulatively, the UAE has invested nearly $22 billion in FDI into India — an impressive feat, given that the UAE is a relatively new entrant among India's major foreign investors. Sudhir also emphasised the importance of a local currency trade settlement mechanism that allows bilateral transactions to be conducted in Indian rupees, further asserting the growing economic independence and confidence in domestic currencies. 'This step is such an important step towards asserting the confidence we have in our own currency,' he said, referring to the agreement enabling rupee-based trade. Among other notable developments is the UAE's launch of its national payment card, Jaywan, last year — a move seen as a step toward strengthening digital and financial cooperation between the two countries. Bilateral trade between India and the UAE has already crossed the $100 billion mark, an increase of 17 per cent year-on-year, further reinforcing their position as key economic allies. Startup synergy Consul General of India in Dubai, Satish Sivan, echoed the ambassador's sentiments and shed further light on the economic momentum between the two countries. 'Today, India is the UAE's second-largest trading partner and largest export destination, while the UAE ranks as India's third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination." 'He also emphasised the broader vision and strategic framework driving this partnership. 'It is about a shared vision for a dynamic, interconnected and innovation driven future. It is also a framework enabling investment, institutional partnerships and strategic cooperation across sectors. Indian MSMEs, for one, can benefit immensely through this wide network of CEPA agreements that UAE has concluded.' 'A stellar example of this vision is the Bharat Mart, a dedicated platform for Indian MSMEs being launched at Jebel Ali port by 2026 it will empower Indian enterprises to reach Gulf, Middle East and African Markets, leveraging the UAE's, especially Dubai's world class logistics infrastructure,' he said. Sivan also showcased the startup synergy, adding, 'India's dynamic startup ecosystem over 159,000 startups and nearly 120 unicorns is increasingly engaging with UAE platforms like DIFC Innovation Hub and events like expand North Star, paving the way for collaborative Innovation. Regulatory alignment under CEPA is opening UAE $50 billion healthcare market to Indian pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and delivering quality, affordable and innovative products.' UAE a vision in motion Barun Das, MD & CEO of TV9 Network, aptly described the UAE as 'a vision in motion,' highlighting how, since its founding in 1971, the country has been shaped by visionary leaders who turned bold ambitions into reality. At the News9 Global Summit UAE, Das also hosted two riveting sessions under the 'On Stage' edition of Dialogue — one with actor, producer, and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty, and the other with trendsetting TV and film producer Ektaa R. Kapoor. Another compelling voice at the summit was actor and UAE resident Vivek Oberoi. In a session titled 'The Second Act,' Oberoi spoke candidly about his journey from Bollywood stardom to becoming a bold entrepreneur and investor. He shared how passion, purpose, and perseverance helped him script a powerful second chapter in his life. Meanwhile, Barun Das reflected further on the UAE's remarkable trajectory. He said, 'I can only imagine the challenges and impediments they must have encountered at every step of executing their audacious feat. Yet the persistent, creative, thriving, progressing country…is the envy of the rest of the world. UAE is a nation that matters not just in the region but across the globe. It's world class, prosperous and safe cities become hubs of global business, innovation, investment and culture. 'I'm not just talking about Dubai's tallest building in the world — the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall — the world's largest shopping experience, or the beautiful Swami Narayan temple in Abu Dhabi that stands as a shining example of this nation's unquestioning love for anyone in the world. The UAE success lies in its unique DNA that it has created for itself,' adding that it is a powerful blend of resilience, opportunity, and forward-thinking that continues to set it apart.
Trade Arabia
24-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
IBPC conclave to focus on further boosting UAE-India ties
A major event to drive bilateral cooperation, economic development, and professional synergy between India and the UAE will take place in Dubai on Friday (April 25). Ram Nath Kovind, Former President of India, will be the Chief Guest for the Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai's 22nd Anniversary Conclave. The event, taking place at the Taj Exotica in Dubai, will unfold as a compelling narrative of progress, partnership, and purpose spotlighting India's path to Viksit Bharat (developed Bharat) and the UAE's growing role as a strategic partner in this journey. (Bharat is another name for India). The evening will feature thought-provoking conversations led by distinguished guests including Sanjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, and Maha Al Gargawi, Vice President of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers. Leadership from IBPC Dubai, including Chairman Siddharth Balachandran, Secretary General Dr Sahitya Chaturvedi and Vice President Sunil Sinha, will also share insights into the Council's renewed vision and expanding role. At the heart of the evening will be the keynote address by Kovind, titled 'Leading the Legacy.' His address is expected to offer a powerful reflection on leadership, progress, and India's global future. In addition, the conclave will include a powerful cultural segment titled 'Miracle on Wheels,' an acclaimed performance that celebrates inclusion and the power of the human spirit, featuring differently abled artists who are globally recognised for their awe-inspiring storytelling through dance. – TradeArabia News Service
