Dubai Internet City (DIC), a member of TECOM Group, the leading technology communities in the Middle East, hosted the seventh edition of the annual Yogafest, one of the largest yoga gatherings in the Middle East.

The successful three-day event that drew the participation of over 5,000 visitors, offered fitness enthusiasts of all age groups over 130 free yoga classes and related wellness activities, led by renowned international practitioners. Held at the Dubai Internet City amphitheatre, the event featured seven tents, including a dedicated Yoga Tent, a so-called Healing Hut, a Shakti Tent, a Movement Tent, a Meditation Tent, a Family Tent as well as a Learning and Al Jalila Tent.

Speaking on the successful partnership with the Yogafest organisers, Ammar Al Malik, Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, said: “Our focus is not only to provide a creative business community but a holistic environment that includes knowledge sharing opportunities, networking, social, wellness and sporting activities. Bringing back Yogafest Dubai for the seventh consecutive year is testament to this commitment.”

Notable classes given during the festival, included a mediation class given by Dr Awatif Sharaf, the Vice President of Bahrain Meditation Centre, who led a Raja yoga meditation class that required attendees to concentrate at one point with the aim to help them release stress and resolve inner conflicts. Master Oh, a London-based Qi Gong practitioner who gave a class on how to get in touch with one’s inner self. While Diana Bordón, another practitioner, taught participants how to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles during a fun and engaging facial yoga session. Aimed at inducing genuine feelings of joy through prolonged voluntary laughter, Suman Saneja, led a laughter yoga session that attracted attendees in large numbers.

Families gathered to the dedicated Family Tent where a variety of tailored classes were hosted for all, including yoga with children, prenatal yoga, mother-and-daughter yoga, family yoga, and partner yoga.  All donations received during the event will support Al Jalila Foundation’s Ta’alouf programme, which empowers children of determination. The funds will finance a 5-week training program for parents and guardians to impart them with life-changing skills that will eventually help children rise above their disabilities.

In line with the wellness and sustainability theme of the festival, healthy food vendors and eco-friendly product retailers set up shop on the lawns of the amphitheatre, offering yet another reason for the health-conscious crowd to visit the festival.