International Day of Yoga was declared an official global day by the UN General Assembly in 2015, and it takes place annually on June 21, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. Here are some ways to take part in the activities that are being held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Covering Concepts
Thursday, June 20
Covering Concepts hosts a half-day yoga and well-being retreat to promote happiness, physical and mental health and productivity. Take part in five sessions that feature techniques on how to de-stress, cope with depression and anxiety, sound energy, celebrating love and love, and an interactive talk on creating a positive workplace culture. There will be skin and hair analysis, body physiotherapy assessments and diet management sessions. The sessions conclude with a quick, rejuvenating massage by Altitude Spa.
9am to 2pm, free, Covering Concepts, Building 5, Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai, www.coveringconceptsglobal.com
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YogaOne
Friday, June 21
Register to take part in the complimentary Playful Salutations session at YogaOne. The class takes participants through Sun Salutation A, B and C, step by step for proper alignment and balance to get more from your poses. The class is held in aid of Yoga Gives Back, which supports under-served women and children living at risk in India.
11am to 12.30pm, free with registration, YogaOne, Mangrove One, Abu Dhabi, 02 562 1217, info@yogaone.ae
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Bodytree Studio
Friday, June 21
Celebrate with a programme of yoga and health events, including a two-hour class of 108 guided Sun Salutations led by Joelle Beyrouthy (pictured), followed by a calming sound-healing practice. This specific series of movements warms up the body and benefits with cleansing and detoxifying. There will also be a light body activation workshop to activate the chakras and balance the body energy and a whole day of training for instructors on the science of rolling.
5pm to 7pm, free with registration, Bodytree Studio, Abu Dhabi, 02 443 4448, info@bodytreestudio.com
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The Hot House
Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22
Enjoy a weekend of celebrations with two workshops led by British yogi Daniel Morgan at The Hot House. On June 21, take part in Control & Calibrate – The Mastery of Mobility, which gives insight into key principles for developing strength that can be applied to your daily movement practices. On June 22, Hands as Feet is a handstand class that will focus on the five key points of an inversion to help build a solid foundation from which to build your practice. The classes are suitable for all levels.
11am to 3pm on June 21; 10.30am to 1.30pm on June 22, from Dh285 per workshop, The Hot House, Al Zeina, Abu Dhabi, 02 583 7753, www.thehothouseuae.com
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The Studio
Saturday, June 22
Celebrate at the ladies-only The Studio, with a workshop on Mind Body Soul. Join founder Mariam and other inspiring women for this wellness event that features mat Pilates, fulfilment coaching, guided meditation and energy bites session that will leave you feeling refreshed and replenished. The price includes a Studio Blends smoothie, healthy snacks and energy bites.
9am to noon, from Dh350, The Studio, Villa 42, between 6th Street and Al Bateen Street, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, www.thestudiouae.com
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Anantara Eastern Mangroves
Sunday, June 23
Enjoy a 90-minute mindful yoga session at Anantara Eastern Mangroves. Rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit as you explore facets of the practice including chakra balancing, sound-healing, breathing exercises and meditation. The session concludes with nutritious smoothies.
6.30pm to 8.30pm, from Dh150, Anantara Eastern Mangroves, ballroom, Abu Dhabi, 02 656 1146, easternmangroves_spa@anantara.com
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Fitness First at Cove Beach
Friday, June 21
Register to take part in a free beach yoga session with Fitness First at Cove Beach. Practice your sun salutations while experiencing the sun set on the longest day of the year. The 90-minute class includes traditional yoga poses that focus on physical and mental health. Bring your own yoga mat, water bottle and towel.
5.30pm to 7pm, free with registration, Cove Beach, Caesars Palace, Bluewaters Island, Dubai, uae.fitnessfirstme.com/beachyoga2019
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Enlighten Yoga Centre
Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22
Take part in a two-day workshop on Creative Movement Therapy (CMT) that teaches participants to use their natural movement styles to explore self-care, release stress and tension, enhance coping skills, become self-aware and express more freely. The class is led by Tripura Kashyap, who encourages the use of CMT for body and mind-based development. The course is ideal for caregivers, therapists, dancers, counsellors, yoga practitioners and more.
June 21-22, 9.30am to 6pm on June 21; 10am to 6pm on June 22, from Dh650, Enlighten Yoga Centre, Oud Metha, Dubai, info@iicdgroup.com
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Al Jalila Children’s Hospital
Friday, June 21
Take part in a record-setting attempt for the world’s largest parent and child yoga gathering. With more than 500 people expected to attend, the event, led by Charm Yoga Dubai, will aim to get families to collectively perform sun salutations, asanas, breathing techniques and the favourite yoga position, the downward dog. There will be a band, dance show, children’s activities and food and beverage vendors.
9.30am to noon, free, Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Al Jaddaf, Dubai, register on the Kidzapp mobile app or at www.kidzapp.com
