Join the rest of the world in celebrating the first International Yoga Day with a fit and educational initiative to honour the discipline held in Dubai.

– Going Out: Watch this summer’s top sporting events at Time Cafe Dubai
– Going out: Have fun and compete at Elite Squash Festival
– Going Out: Enjoy a delightful summer at Nezesaussi in Dubai

Head to Al Wasl Sports Club on Sunday, June 21, for a programme that will further the love of yoga for practitioners and help newcomers learn of the powerful benefits of the exercise on the mind and body.

The celebration will commence with an introduction to yoga as a sport and conclude with a prize ceremony in various categories to volunteers who have made a substantial contribution and effort in spreading the awareness of yoga.

The Consulate General of India, Dubai, will host the event, with a crowd of more than 15,000 people of different nationalities and backgrounds expected to come from across the UAE. Also involved will be Indian schools, local universities, members of the diplomatic community, Dubai Government Authorities and residents of the Indian community in Dubai.

Learn about the different forms and techniques of yoga. Hatha is one of the most popular and combines breathing with poses.

Kundalini is more spiritual, focusing on building inner strength through chanting, breathing and meditation. Bikram uses a hot climate to loosen muscles and increase flexibility. These are just some of the many styles of yoga, with many more that make it great for everyone.

International Yoga Day, proposed by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, and supported by many global leaders, was approved by consensus by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 11, 2014.

More than 170 countries, including the United States, Canada, China and the UAE supported the event, with 175 nations co-sponsoring the initiative to make it the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA resolution of its nature.

The programme will begin on Sunday at 20:00 and continue throughout the night. You can register for the celebration, as well as learn more information about the event and yoga, at www.iyd.ae.

Whether you’re a yoga fanatic or just want to get familiar with another method of fitness and exercise, International Yoga Day is a celebration worth attending.

What: International Yoga Day celebration
Where: Al Wasl Sports Club grounds, Dubai
When: Sunday, June 21, from 20:00 onwards 
Contact: Visit www.iyd.ae to register for the programme.