United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Gulf nation is poised to declare yoga a competitive sport, making it the first country in the region to grant full sporting recognition to the ancient Indian practice. The move marks a new phase in the UAE’s efforts to integrate wellness, culture, and sports under its national identity, according to a report.
The decision was announced during the second Joint Steering Committee Meeting of the India-UAE Cultural Council, held in Abu Dhabi on October 8–9, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cultural diplomacy.
The Indian delegation, led by Nandini Singla, Director-General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), held deliberations with the UAE team headed by Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State in the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to officials, the UAE’s Ministry of Sports, in coordination with the UAE Yoga Committee, is developing a national framework for yoga competitions, which will include structured events, official rankings, and performance metrics to place yoga alongside other recognised sports disciplines.
“The UAE is home to a large Indian community that has contributed immensely to our cultural fabric. Recognising yoga as a sport celebrates both tradition and inclusivity,” a UAE official was quoted as saying.
The move comes amid the growing popularity of yoga across the UAE, where thousands of residents participate in International Yoga Day celebrations each year. The initiative aims to bring yoga into mainstream sporting circuits, blending ancient wellness with modern athletic discipline.
Alongside the yoga recognition, the UAE also announced plans to establish an India House in Abu Dhabi, a first-of-its-kind institution designed to promote art, cultural exchanges, student collaborations, and the shared heritage of both nations.
The upcoming India House will include an art gallery, cultural auditorium, and a dedicated yoga and wellness space. It is expected to serve as a hub for artists, students, and intellectuals to collaborate on projects celebrating Indo-Arab ties.
Ambassador Alshaali described India House as “a symbol of the creative spirit that unites our two nations,” adding that it will “create opportunities for artists and audiences to meet, share, and collaborate.”
During her visit, ICCR DG Nandini Singla also met representatives from New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi and the Louvre Abu Dhabi to discuss educational and artistic collaborations.
These initiatives build upon the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which emphasised expanding cultural cooperation beyond trade and energy into arts, heritage, and education.
The recognition of yoga as a sport and the establishment of India House collectively reflect a new chapter in India-UAE relations, strengthening people-to-people connect and celebrating India’s soft power through culture and wellness.
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