Abu Dhabi, Jun 21 (IANS): Thousands of Indian expat residents and others participated in yoga sessions in Abu Dhabi to mark the fifth International Yoga Day, the media reported on Friday.

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi hosted the celebrations at the Umm Al Emarat Park from 7 p.m. onwards on Thursday evening, reports the Gulf News.

Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Minister of Tolerance, who was the chief guest along with Charge d'Affaires of the mission, Smita Pant, inaugurated the event.

Around 4,000 yoga enthusiasts of various nationalities took part in the event. Ten yoga schools in Abu Dhabi performed different yoga demonstrations.

A video message of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who initiated the International Yoga Day in 2015, was also displayed.

Shaikh Nahyan congratulated India on the occasion and said: "Yoga encourages an attitude that looks towards a common humanity as an extension of the ancient principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."

The Indian Embassy in cooperation with the UAE authorities organised the event.

Other demonstrations by yoga enthusiasts from different countries were on display at the park.

The session was followed by a cultural programme.

The embassy will also hold another yoga event on June 28 at Jahili Public Park Al Ain.