Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga, held as part of the Abu Dhabi Summer Sports Festival at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
According to Emirates News Agency, the event was organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of India in the UAE, under the theme: 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. The celebration brought together over 1,000 participants from multiple nationalities and cultures, reflecting the spirit of openness and coexistence that characterises UAE society.
In his address, Sheikh Nahyan expressed his delight in participating in this annual occasion, praising yoga for its role in promoting balance between mind and body and emphasising the ties between the UAE and India. He commented on the shared presence at the event as a testament to the profound friendship between India and the UAE, highlighting strong ties across economic, political, cultural, and social domains.
Sheikh Nahyan noted the relevance of this year's theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', underlining the connection between individual well-being and planetary health. He credited the vision of the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for fostering a society that prioritises health, happiness, and individual potential.
He highlighted the importance of nurturing both mind and body from an early age and praised the engagement of students in the event, noting that they are gaining insights into unity and shared experience. He concluded by expressing gratitude to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating this day in 2014, and to all event organisers for nurturing understanding and promoting peace.
The celebration was attended by several ambassadors to the UAE, including Sunjay Sudhir from India, Ramunas Davidonis from Lithuania, Alberto Alejandro Farje Orna from Peru, Tarik Ahamed from Bangladesh, Emilio Ben Gudos from Spain, and Anders Hansen from Denmark. Also in attendance were key figures from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and ADNEC, as well as Indian tennis player Sania Mirza.
Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Events at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, expressed pride in the event's success, highlighting the growing awareness of yoga as a healthy lifestyle.