Nahyan bin Mubarak Attends the 11th International Day of Yoga Celebration in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency 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). The event was organized 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 various nationalities and cultures, reflecting the spirit of openness and coexistence that characterizes the UAE society.
In his address, His Excellency expressed his delight in participating in this annual occasion, praising yoga for its vital role in promoting balance between mind and body and emphasizing the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and the Republic of India.
He said: “I am pleased to be with you today to celebrate the International Day of Yoga, which reflects our ongoing commitment to this ancient practice rooted in Indian wisdom and embraced by peace-loving people around the world. Our shared presence this morning is a living testament to the profound friendship between India and the UAE, and to the strong ties that unite our nations across economic, political, cultural, and social domains.”
He added: “This year, as we mark the ‘Year of Community’ in the UAE, we also celebrate the core values of compassion, dialogue, peace, and mutual respect—values promoted by yoga and essential to building cohesive, connected societies.”
His Excellency further emphasized the relevance of this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” and said: “Our well-being as individuals is inseparable from the well-being of our planet. Yoga teaches us how to listen—to ourselves, to one another, and to the world around us.”
He continued: “Our national commitment to well-being stems from the vision of our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and continues under the wise and visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. His Highness has built a safe, prosperous, and inclusive society that prioritizes health, happiness, and the full potential of every individual.”
His Excellency noted that it is no coincidence the event is supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, saying: “This partnership, along with the enthusiastic participation of students and families, affirms our belief that nurturing both mind and body from an early age builds strong and compassionate communities.”
He also commended the engagement of students, stating: “Our students—our future leaders—are learning lessons today that go beyond the classroom. They are discovering their role in the world, seeing the power of unity and shared experience, and realizing that each of us has the ability to shape a better future.”
In conclusion, His Excellency said “This global celebration is a moment to express our gratitude, especially to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating this day in 2014, and to all those who helped organize this event—teachers, practitioners, and community leaders. Your efforts nurture understanding, spread tolerance, and promote peace. Let us leave today with a renewed commitment to unity, believing that as one human family, we can care for One Earth and nurture One Health.”
For his part, H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, expressed pride in the event’s success, highlighting that the high turnout from across society reflects growing awareness of yoga as a healthy lifestyle. He said: “More than 1,000 participants from diverse cultures is a new achievement that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s community sports movement and reflects genuine engagement with the Council’s initiatives to promote quality of life and active living.”
Al Hashemi also praised the fruitful collaboration with the Indian Embassy and all partners, including volunteers, noting that the success of the event further establishes Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global destination for sport and community events.
The celebration was attended by several ambassadors to the UAE, including H.E. Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India; H.E. Ramūnas Davidonis, Ambassador of Lithuania; H.E. Aleksandar Mostrokol, Ambassador of Montenegro; H.E. Alberto Alejandro Farje Orna, Ambassador of Peru; H.E. Tarik Ahamed, Ambassador of Bangladesh; H.E. Emilio Ben Gudos, Ambassador of Spain; and H.E. Anders Hansen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Also in attendance were H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council; H.E. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC; Said Al Ajeel, President of the Arab Mini-Football Federation and Vice President of the UAE Sports for All Federation; H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Events at Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Ahmed Shaker, CEO of Capital 360; Abdulrahim Al Zarouni, Director of Corporate Communications at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Saif Al Rashdi, Director of Protocol and Operations at ADNEC; and renowned Indian tennis player Sania Mirza.
During the event, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Musbeh, Chairman of the UAE Yoga Committee and a member of the UAE Sports for All Federation, presented H.E. Sheikh Nahyan with a report highlighting the achievements of yoga in the UAE to date.
It is also worth noting that the event specifically included students from grade nine, aiming to raise awareness among youth and encourage them to adopt yoga as part of a balanced lifestyle.