Anurag Bhushan, consul general of India, was joined by Nilesh Ved, founder and chairman of Apparel Group and Dr Aysha Al Busmait, director of marketing & communication for Dubai Sports Council, at a press conference to announce more details on the initiative at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Wednesday.

“We believe that the theme of the event for this year which is centred on ‘Health, Harmony and Happiness’ is in line with the vision of Dubai to promote this wonderful city as the epicentre of health and happiness and we are extremely

proud to be holding our event alongside the residents of this city,” said Bhushan.

The event, which will take place on Saturday, June 18 at DWTC, will also welcome yoga expert Yogrishi Baba Ramdev, who is famous for popularising the form of exercise.

“There’s quite a buzz around this, both here and in India,” said Bhushan.

“People are really excited about the possibility that the UAE will be welcoming Yogrishi Baba Ramdev after many years. He doesn’t travel abroad much.”

Last year’s inaugural event saw nearly 10,000 people share their love of yoga and the second edition is estimated to double that.

Bhushan hailed the benefits of yoga and its impact on improving mind, body and overall health.

“Life has become too disconnected from self. Work is 24-7, you’re 24-7 connected to social media and lifestyle diseases become widespread,” he said.

“Whether you are very busy or an ‘indoor’ person, and regardless of your age and physical condition, yoga can be adopted easily.

If you have 10, 15 minutes, you can still do it with no equipment.”

Two sessions will run simultaneously, with the first starting at 19:30 in Hall 1, 2, 3 and 4 and the second at 20:00 in Halls 6, 7 and 8.