Bollywood star Esha Gupta and international yoga sensation Jacob Manning opened XYoga event in Dubai
A huge number of yogis between the ages of 2 and 82 participated in a full weekend of sea, sun and asanas at Dubai’s Kite Beach. More men and children than ever before enjoyed the variety of classes, workshops and sessions on offer with 3850 men and over 200 children.
Over 2000 yogis of all ages, abilities and nationalities joined Bollywood star Esha Gupta and international yoga sensation Jacob Manning for a mass yoga session to open the region’s largest and most holistic yoga festival, XYoga Dubai presented by Dubai Holding. In addition to Jacob Manning, other international Yogis joining the who’s who of the local yoga community in leading a variety of practices were Australian adventure-yogi, Sjana Elise Earp and Egyptian American Amina Taha.
Designed for yogis of all levels and ages, many of this year’s sessions were filled to capacity as the event has become known as a highlight on the Emirate’s yoga and fitness calendar. This year’s edition also attracted more men and children than ever before with 3850 men and 200 children among the over 20,000 who attended. The youngest yogi participating in classes was just 2 years old while the oldest, 82.
Since launching in Dubai in 2016, the festival has continued to grow in popularity with its inclusive line-up of sessions and activities designed to engage, enlighten and entertain with the past three editions. Not only did the event attract men and women of all ages, nationalities, experience and fitness levels but it also brought yogis from different disciplines from all over the world to lead the array of classes over the two days.
Speaking about her experience at this year’s festival alongside Jacob Manning, Bollywood actress Esha Gupta said: “Visiting Dubai has always been a joy but sharing my passion for yoga with 2000 people was truly memorable. We live in such a fast-paced time and society that demands so much of us, so to be part of an event like XYoga Dubai which promotes meditation, mindfulness and togetherness was something very special.”
Jacob Manning, who was at XYoga Dubai presented by Dubai Holding for the first time said: “I’ve had the opportunity to lead classes in Dubai before but sharing yoga over these past two days with thousands of people of all ages and all walks of life was fantastic and I hope to return next year.”
Along with members of the public, Dubai Holding employees were also out in full force enjoying all that the festival had to offer: “This year’s edition was absolutely fantastic and the fact that the event is taking place on the beach is ideal with its scenery, open space and fresh sea breeze,” said Nida Masoud, Associate Director Business and Financial Planning, Dubai Holding.
“The fourth edition of XYoga Dubai has been nothing short of spectacular,” said Mohammed Javad, General Manager of XDubai, organisers of the festival. “It has been a pleasure watching the festival grow and evolve each and every year, both in size and programming, allowing more people to ‘defy their limits’ in their own unique way.”
The two-day festival offered over 60 complimentary classes & workshops and entertainment. Among the more popular classes were Active Stretch, Sound Healing and Conscious Vinyasa. SUP Yoga, Dad & Me Yoga, Flexibility Flow, Piano Flow, Animal Flow and Ladies-Only classes and Yoga in Arabic, All About Inversions and Backbends, Turn it UP (side down), Ladies-Only Yoga and both Mom & Me and Dad & Me children and parent classes. Throughout the festival area, yogis were also able enjoy entertainment, activations and healthy food and beverage options from Dubai’s much-loved Ripe Market.

Written by: Bandana Jain
Photos: supplied Dubai Holding
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this article was published in OutdoorUAE printed magazine issue #96 May 2019
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