Yogis were out in force this weekend for the third edition of the XYoga Dubai festival, presented by Dubai Holding. Over 17,600 yogis took to Kite Beach for a weekend of inspiration, invigoration, community and calm, taking in over 63 complimentary and inclusive yoga classes, meditations, talks, workshops and musical performances.

The festival – the largest and most holistic in the region - opened on Friday, 1st February at 8am with an energetic mass session for over 2,500 yogis, led by Indian yogi Deepika Mehta, with special guests, actress Nargis Fakhri and football legend, Luís Figo. What followed was two full days of classes led by an illustrious line-up of international and local yogis, representing some of the region’s top yoga studios. Among the international yogis were inversion specialist Laura Sykora; creator of the Shiva Yoga® system Garth Hewitt, best-selling author and celebrated mind and body wellness expert Davidji, as well as global yoga warrior Janet Stone.  New classes that debuted this year included Iyengar yoga, TRX yoga, Hula Hoop yoga, Bollywoord dance, Tai Chi and Acroyoga.

“Now in its third edition, XYoga Dubai is about inviting both new and experienced yogis alike to defy their limits,” said Mohammed Javad, General Manager of XDubai, organisers of the festival. “Every edition has been special but this year, we not only welcomed some of the world’s and UAE’s most respected yogis, but also special guests Luis Figo and Nargis Fakhri, to encourage and inspire attendees in their practice. The response from both the yoga community as well as the wider community, has once again exceeded all expectations.’’

Amit Kaushal, CEO of Dubai Holding, the presenting sponsor of the event, added: “As an organisation, we firmly believe in championing health and wellness amongst not only our employees, but also the wider community. The overwhelming support for festivals such as XYoga Dubai underscores the appetite and passion for events that bring people together to encourage them to lead healthy and active lifestyles.”

Designed for people of all ages and abilities, the festival showcased multiple disciplines of yoga at what was the largest festival ever to take place in the region. This year’s edition also saw the city’s local yoga studios and pre-eminent yogis leading a variety of signature sessions at the festival.

Speaking of his experience participating in the opening session at XYoga Dubai, presented by Dubai Holding, football legend Luís Figo said: “It was a great experience for me, and it was a positive way for me to start the day. It gave me the chance to calm my mind and start the day with balance. At the same time, I got the chance to stretch and it was great.”