Nahyan bin Mubarak attends International Day of Yoga celebrations The event was held at ADNEC as part of the Abu Dhabi Sports Summer

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the tenth International Day of Yoga celebrations, which were held under the slogan “Yoga for Self and Society”, at ADNEC. The event formed part of the Abu Dhabi Sports Summer activities and was organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and ADNEC, providing a common ground for yoga practitioners of all nationalities, cultures and age groups.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said: “I am pleased to participate in celebrating the tenth International Day of Yoga. We are interested in what this practice embodies and its impact on developing relationships with others based on the four principles of Respect, Understanding, Acceptance and Appreciation, which in turn reflect the UAE’s principles of tolerance and coexistence."

His Excellency explained that the UAE pursues tolerance, coexistence and individual empowerment, based on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State (may God protect him) in providing opportunities for growth and achievement for everyone living in the country. His Highness’s approach to achieving this goal was clearly comprehensive, promoting the values ​​of peace, harmony, happiness and prosperity for all.

His Excellency remarked that the different nationalities, cultures, religions and ethnicities of the participating yogis reflected the diversity of the population and the integrated fabric of the UAE, characterised by the strength of its tolerance and coexistence. The UAE is one of the most peaceful, harmonious and prosperous places on the face of the earth, setting an example for the world to follow in how to coexist, communicate and cooperate for the benefit of all within a framework of tolerance and respect for others.

His Excellency added: “The celebration of the International Day of Yoga, here in Abu Dhabi, is also a celebration of the distinguished relations between India and the UAE based on mutual respect and appreciation, and the close political, commercial and cultural ties between the two countries, which herald more cooperation in all areas of humanitarian work.”

For his part, His Excellency Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the country, extended his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for the latter’s continuous support, generous patronage, and honorable attendance at the International Day of Yoga celebrations.

Sudhir said: “The participants in the International Day of Yoga activities in Abu Dhabi this year represent more than 50 nationalities, which indicates that yoga brings people together, because it is a philosophy, a way of life, and a path to a healthier and more peaceful world. Amidst the complexities of modern life, yoga is a safe haven and a tool for mental resilience and emotional balance.”

His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, extended his sincere thanks and gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for his constant support and continuous attendance at various sporting events, including yoga events in the UAE.

Al Awani said: “The number of participants in the activities of International Day of Yoga during the past three years exceeded 10,000 people, which indicates its importance as it represents a state of harmony between the mind, body and spirit, and is based on a balance between thought and action, providing a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that achieves a feeling of mental peace.”

He also commented on the participation of thousands of people from different nationalities and cultures which reflects the quality of life of individuals in society, as well as indicating the extent to which societial groups interact with the activities and initiatives provided by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with its partners throughout the year, as they strive to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for all.

Al Awani praised the fruitful cooperation of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council with the Indian Embassy, the ADNEC Group, and all partners and volunteers, for their great role in providing an event befitting the Emirate’s status within the activities of the third Abu Dhabi Sports Summer, which provides ample opportunities for sports participation in a safe environment.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “Holding this event reflects ADNEC Group’s keenness to support all community initiatives and programmes in accordance with the aspirations of the wise leadership aimed at affirming the position of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as the capital of sporting events and activities and an incubator for creativity and innovation in these vital sectors.”

Al Dhaheri emphasised ADNEC’s hosting of this important event over the past years reflects its strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and their joint efforts to make various sporting events a success, producing them in a way that befits the reputation and status of the country at the regional and international levels, in conjunction with the activities of the largest session of the Abu Dhabi Summer Sports.

Abu Dhabi Summer Sports is the largest event of its kind in the Middle East and held ove an area exceeding 35,000 square metres. It is organised by ADNEC Group in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and aims to motivate community members to follow a healthy lifestyle and exercise in a suitable environment during the summer.

India had submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations in 2014 to designate 21 June of each following year as the International Day of Yoga. The draft resolution received the support of a large number of member states. The resolution pointed to the importance of providing healthy options for individuals and groups from around the world, urging them to follow lifestyles that enhance their collective health and wellness.