Every year, June 21 is observed as International Yoga Day to promote the ancient Indian practice of yoga and its wellness benefits. Dubai joins in on the annual fun with communal yoga events around the city that are open to the public and are free to boot. Whether you’ve mastered the downward dog or are still shaky when it comes to your tree pose, these 8 free yoga events around town are perfect for both beginners and experts. One of them is even pet-friendly!
1 . A free dog-friendly yoga session at DIP
You know who has mastered a good stretch? Your canine companion. It’s time to take their cute and stretch out those worries on World Yoga Day at the pet-boarding centre Doggy Doggy Home. On June 21, they’re holding a free ‘DOGA’ class led by yoga instructor Sidhima Intodia at their premises in Dubai Investment Park (DIP). She will lead yogis and their doggies through sequences of poses to limber up, relax and bond with your furry friend. Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome as are humans with all levels of yoga experience. Participants get goodie bags from Organic Foods and Cafe and Purina Pro Plan Arabia. All you’ve gotta do is bring your mutts and your mats.
From 11am; to book your free spot, WhatsApp 052 220 8370
2. Stretch for prizes worth AED 1000 and positive vibes at this free yoga event at Danube Sports World
The indoor sports airdrome off Sheikh Zayed Road is offerings a free-to-attend yoga session on June 21 called Yoga For Humanity. Danube’s vice chairman Anis Sajan and professional yoga guru Ram, from India, will walk you through a rejuvenating yoga session that’s perfect for all skill levels. There’ll be giveaways worth AED 1000, nourishing food and juices to snack on and an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals during the event.
From 7pm-8pm; visit www.danubesportsworld.com
3. Get into ship-shape at this at this ship-turned-floating hotel’s free yoga class
Dubai’s historic floating hotel the QE2, is celebrating International Yoga Day on June 21 with a relaxing 90-minute session of yoga. Under the guidance of certified yoga instructors, you’ll find yourself moving through a mix of meditation, breathing exercises and asana flow and even laughter yoga. As you work through stretches and yoga poses, the Dubai Handpan Family will play melodious, therapeutic music to create a soothing environment. Afterwards, check out kiosks and stalls displaying innovative wellness products and win prizes.
Call 600 500 400 or email reservations.qe2@accor.com to book your spot
4. Free yoga classes all day long at Iris Bay
If you’re strapped for time, Amina Yoga Centre’s International Yoga Day celebrations are ideal. Open to the public beyond, this event is happening at Business Bay’s Iris Bay towers on June 21. Classes include Hatha yoga and sound bath, chakra balancing and yoga meditation, ying yoga and power yoga. Classes take place every hour from 8am to 11am in the morning, followed by hourly classes from 5pm to 7pm in the evening slot.
Prior bookings are mandatory; contact 0504604083 or email ayc.7dubai@gmail.com
5. Test out free hatha yoga sessions at Dubai Marina Mall
Eclipse, a yoga studio in Dubai Marina is hosting a free Hatha Yoga class in the Dubai Marina Mall on June 21 to mark International Yoga Day. Pre-booking is required and you’ll have to get your own yoga mat. The sessions will be conducted in the mall’s Dome Atrium on the ground floor. After the yoga class, you can nosh on free coffee and breakfast at The Coffee Club and Carluccio’s.
From 8am to 9:15am To sign up for your free spot, visit www.goeclipse.com or WhatsApp 054 589 2262
6. Enjoy a blissful immersive yoga session at TODA for free
Detergent brand Ariel Arabia is organising free yoga classes at the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) on June 24 and 25. Enveloped in the refreshing and relaxing scents of lavender and the hypnotic visuals of TODA, this slow-flow yoga session will teach you to move with intention and breathe mindfully. Perfect for yoga practitioners of all levels this unique experience will teach you to relax and restore balance to the body. Reserve your spot now here
7. See free trance and acro yoga performances at Al Jadaff
On June 24, Sharjah-based Satyugyoga Studio is hosting a free event at the Dubai Police Officer’s Club in Al Jaddaf. The four-hour event will let participants try out hatha yoga and power yoga, witness live trance and acrobatic yoga performances, practice guided meditation and breathwork sessions and take part in a sound healing session with instruments. The event wraps it all up with an informative yoga life seminar. You’ll get to learn from 12 international yoga practitioners, including the world’s youngest certified yoga trainer, Praanvi Gupta, who’s a UAE resident.
From 6pm-10pm; reserve your spot here www.idydubai.com/registration-form/
8. Combine the joys of dance, meditation and yoga at this ladies-only three-in-one wellness session
Gaia Wellness Centre in Mirdif has an action-packed session of healing and wellness in store for June 21. Combining meditation, yoga and belly dance healing, this special wellness session promises to cheer women up, connect them to their feminine energy and relax. The event is ‘pay as you like’, so you can show your appreciation to the trainer and contribute an amount that reflects how beneficial you found the experience.
From 11am-12pm; to sign up visit www.gaiawellness.ae/classes
Love yoga and animals? There’s a puppy yoga session happening at this Dubai hotel on June 21