Abu Dhabi, Jun 21 (IANS):Thousands of people including Indian expats celebrated the fifth International Yoga Day in the UAE capital with a message of peace and harmony.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi hosted the celebrations at the Umm Al Emarat Park from 7 p.m. onwards on Thursday evening. Around 4,000 yoga enthusiasts of various nationalities took part in the event, Gulf News reported.
Ten yoga schools in Abu Dhabi performed at the event. A video message of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who initiated the International Yoga Day in 2015, was also displayed.
United Arab Emirates' Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, who was the chief guest along with Charge d'Affaires of the mission, Smita Pant, inaugurated the event. Top Indian businessman B.R. Shetty also attended the event.
Several cultural performances were held during the event. Tweeting about it, the Indian Embassy said: "Cultural performances by Indian Ladies Association marked the end of #IDY2019 celebrations in #AbuDhabi, See you all next year."
Consul General of India in Dubai Vipul joined the members of the Bohri community at a yoga session in Deira, Dubai, on Friday .
Sheikh Nahayan 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 will also hold another yoga event on June 28 at Jahili Public Park Al Ain.