emirates7 - Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, took part in the celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga, which was held as part of the Abu Dhabi Summer Sports Festival at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The event was organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and ADNEC Group in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of India in the UAE, under the theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
More than 1,000 participants from diverse nationalities and cultures gathered for the occasion, showcasing the spirit of openness and coexistence that defines UAE society.
In his speech, Sheikh Nahyan expressed his happiness to be part of this yearly event, praising yoga for its important role in promoting harmony between mind and body, and highlighting the strong historical ties between the UAE and India.
He said, “I am pleased to join you today in celebrating the International Day of Yoga, which embodies our continued dedication to this ancient practice rooted in Indian tradition and embraced by peace-loving communities worldwide. Our collective presence today is a living symbol of the deep friendship between India and the UAE, and the robust connections that unite our countries across economic, political, cultural, and social fields.”
He added, “As we observe the ‘Year of Community’ in the UAE, we also honour the fundamental values of compassion, dialogue, peace, and mutual respect—principles promoted by yoga and vital to fostering united and connected societies.”
Sheikh Nahyan further highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” stating, “Our personal well-being is closely linked to the health of our planet. Yoga teaches us to listen carefully—to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us.”
He continued, “Our national focus on well-being is inspired by the vision of our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and is carried forward under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has built a secure, prosperous, and inclusive society that values health, happiness, and the full potential of every individual.”
The minister pointed out that the event’s support from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council is intentional, saying, “This collaboration, along with the enthusiastic involvement of students and families, reinforces our belief that nurturing both mind and body from a young age builds strong and compassionate communities.”
He also praised the engagement of students, noting, “Our students—tomorrow’s leaders—are gaining lessons today that extend beyond academics. They are learning about their role in the world, experiencing the strength of unity and shared experiences, and understanding that each person has the power to a better future.”
In closing, he said, “This global celebration is an opportunity to express our thanks, especially to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for founding this day in 2014, and to everyone who contributed to organising the event—teachers, practitioners, and community leaders. Your efforts foster understanding, promote tolerance, and encourage peace. Let us depart with a renewed dedication to unity, confident that as one human family, we can care for One Earth and nurture One Health.”
The event was attended by numerous ambassadors to the UAE, including Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India; Ramūnas Davidonis, Ambassador of Lithuania; Alberto Alejandro Farje Orna, Ambassador of Peru; Tarik Ahamed, Ambassador of Bangladesh; Emilio Ben Gudos, Ambassador of Spain; and Anders Hansen, Ambassador of Denmark.
Also present were Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; 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; 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 the renowned Indian tennis player Sania Mirza.
Talal Al Hashemi expressed pride in the event’s success, emphasizing that the large turnout from all segments of society reflects the growing recognition of yoga as a healthy lifestyle choice.
The event was organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and ADNEC Group in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of India in the UAE, under the theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
More than 1,000 participants from diverse nationalities and cultures gathered for the occasion, showcasing the spirit of openness and coexistence that defines UAE society.
In his speech, Sheikh Nahyan expressed his happiness to be part of this yearly event, praising yoga for its important role in promoting harmony between mind and body, and highlighting the strong historical ties between the UAE and India.
He said, “I am pleased to join you today in celebrating the International Day of Yoga, which embodies our continued dedication to this ancient practice rooted in Indian tradition and embraced by peace-loving communities worldwide. Our collective presence today is a living symbol of the deep friendship between India and the UAE, and the robust connections that unite our countries across economic, political, cultural, and social fields.”
He added, “As we observe the ‘Year of Community’ in the UAE, we also honour the fundamental values of compassion, dialogue, peace, and mutual respect—principles promoted by yoga and vital to fostering united and connected societies.”
Sheikh Nahyan further highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” stating, “Our personal well-being is closely linked to the health of our planet. Yoga teaches us to listen carefully—to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us.”
He continued, “Our national focus on well-being is inspired by the vision of our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and is carried forward under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has built a secure, prosperous, and inclusive society that values health, happiness, and the full potential of every individual.”
The minister pointed out that the event’s support from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council is intentional, saying, “This collaboration, along with the enthusiastic involvement of students and families, reinforces our belief that nurturing both mind and body from a young age builds strong and compassionate communities.”
He also praised the engagement of students, noting, “Our students—tomorrow’s leaders—are gaining lessons today that extend beyond academics. They are learning about their role in the world, experiencing the strength of unity and shared experiences, and understanding that each person has the power to a better future.”
In closing, he said, “This global celebration is an opportunity to express our thanks, especially to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for founding this day in 2014, and to everyone who contributed to organising the event—teachers, practitioners, and community leaders. Your efforts foster understanding, promote tolerance, and encourage peace. Let us depart with a renewed dedication to unity, confident that as one human family, we can care for One Earth and nurture One Health.”
The event was attended by numerous ambassadors to the UAE, including Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India; Ramūnas Davidonis, Ambassador of Lithuania; Alberto Alejandro Farje Orna, Ambassador of Peru; Tarik Ahamed, Ambassador of Bangladesh; Emilio Ben Gudos, Ambassador of Spain; and Anders Hansen, Ambassador of Denmark.
Also present were Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; 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; 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 the renowned Indian tennis player Sania Mirza.
Talal Al Hashemi expressed pride in the event’s success, emphasizing that the large turnout from all segments of society reflects the growing recognition of yoga as a healthy lifestyle choice.