Yoga for All: UAE Yoga Committee Sets New Global Benchmark by Regulating Yoga Practice for 200+ Nationalities

In a landmark move blending wellness, inclusivity, and global harmony, the UAE Yoga Committee, operating under the Sports for All Federation and supported by the UAE Ministry of Sports, has launched an ambitious regulatory framework to standardise and expand yoga practices across the Emirates. With participants from more than 200 nationalities, the UAE becomes one of the first countries in the world to formalise yoga at a national level, not just as a wellness activity, but as an accredited discipline with deep community impact.

Accredited, Inclusive, and Culturally Sensitive Yoga Practice
At the heart of the new initiative is the national accreditation system for yoga instructors and centres, aligned with internationally accepted protocols such as the WHO-endorsed Common Yoga Protocol. The framework establishes clear standards for certification, curriculum, ethical conduct, and operational guidelines for both public and private yoga facilities. Importantly, it is designed to be culturally respectful and inclusive—ensuring safe, non-discriminatory participation by women, children, senior citizens, and people of determination.

A Structured Pathway: From Practitioner to Certified Instructor
The newly proposed structure introduces tiered yoga training levels, allowing enthusiasts to advance from beginner to certified instructor through recognised modules and skill assessments. This structure is backed by the Asian Yogasana Sports Federation (AYSF), and will contribute to both recreational and professional yoga development in the UAE. Instructors who meet the criteria will be listed in a centralised national registry, offering transparency, safety, and trust for practitioners and institutions alike.

From Dome of Louvre Abu Dhabi to Desert Retreats: Yoga as Cultural Diplomacy
Over recent years, the UAE has hosted stunning yoga experiences under the dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, on serene desert dunes, and in public parks across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. These events have not only promoted mental and physical wellness, but also positioned yoga as a medium of cultural exchange and soft diplomacy. This new regulatory initiative seeks to build on that momentum by integrating yoga into mainstream lifestyle and national identity, making it accessible, affordable, and standardised across all Emirates.

Strengthening UAE’s Position in Yogasana Sports
The move also strengthens the UAE’s growing leadership in yogasana sports, particularly in light of the upcoming 6th Asian Yogasana Championship, which the country is scheduled to host. By establishing an ecosystem that supports talent development, ethical standards, and high-quality instruction, the UAE is building a strong foundation for yoga as a competitive discipline as well as a community practice.

Leadership Speaks: Yoga as Unity and Wellness
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed Ibrahim Musbeh, Vice President of the UAE Yoga Committee, stated, “Our goal is to ensure that yoga becomes a safe, structured, and accessible experience for everyone—regardless of age, background, or nationality. This initiative reinforces our commitment to holistic health, social cohesion, and a better quality of life for all.”

Padma Shri Nouf Al Marwaai, Chairperson of the Asian Yogasana Sports Federation and a key figure in shaping the framework, added, “Yoga is not just physical—it is deeply transformative. By regulating it inclusively, the UAE is setting an inspiring example for the world.”

Rollout Timeline and Next Steps
The initiative will roll out in three key phases:

Phase 1 (Q3 2025): Launch of national accreditation portal, onboarding of instructors, and curriculum publication.

Phase 2 (Q1 2026): Certification of yoga studios, wellness centres, and integration into school/community programs.

Phase 3 (Mid-2026): Hosting regional yogasana events and scaling the regulatory framework to international standards.

A Nation Where Yoga Belongs to Everyone
The “Yoga for All” initiative isn’t just about wellness—it’s about identity, unity, and global leadership. In a country where diversity thrives and over 200 nationalities coexist, yoga becomes a language that transcends religion, race, and borders. With this initiative, the UAE stands tall as a beacon for peace, purpose, and progress—one breath at a time.