What do you remember about 2014? It was the year we started taking daily selfies, watched 'Interstellar' for the first time, and cheered as the Algerian national football team made history by reaching the Round of 16.
But 2014 gave us something else — International Yoga Day, now celebrated every year on June 21. It all started when the Indian Prime Minister proposed the idea to the United Nations, and 11 years later, it is clear why the day has become so popular.
Yoga brings us together — whether it is a peaceful morning stretch in a cozy studio before work, or a way to unwind after a hectic day, practicing on your balcony mat while following a YouTube tutorial. With International Yoga Day just around the corner, we have rounded up the best places in Dubai to celebrate. Keep reading.
Morning yoga at African Queen
If you think International Yoga Day deserves more than just a morning class, consider celebrating at African Queen — because, honestly, any celebration without a delicious breakfast afterward is just a fancy workout!
Every Tuesday and Saturday at 9 am, African Queen hosts a beachfront yoga session. Imagine starting your day with the morning sun, a refreshing swim afterward, and fresh juice paired with avo eggs. Sounds like the perfect day to me!
If you are a top yogi who can easily tell Adho Mukha Svanasana from Phalakasana and Balasana, why not try something similar — but with a twist? Enter Aero Yoga! The key difference? Instead of practicing on your stationary mat, you will be floating on a hammock suspended above the floor.
The great thing is that Aero Yoga focuses a bit more on stretching and building your core strength, making it a fresh challenge for your body. And if you are someone who struggles with constant swelling (hey, I am on your team — I love drinking two glasses of water before bed), Aero Yoga can be a game changer.
Let me tell you a story — every morning as I arrived at Alserkal, I would spot these girls — in flawless ALO sets, with the hair pulled into perfect mid-ponytails, striding off with total confidence. They looked so cool and composed that I could not stop wondering, “Where are they all headed?”
Eventually, I found the answer. Shimis studio. If your idea of a yoga studio includes cool “Pilates girls,” Instagrammable changing rooms, and a post-class green smoothie boost — Shimis is your place. It is where yoga and style go hand in hand.
But do not let the aesthetic fool you — this isn't just about the vibe. Shimis takes the practice seriously. Beyond its signature yoga flows, you will find barre, prenatal/postnatal yoga, Jivamukti, yoga nidra, deep stretch — basically, whatever fits your body and mood.
If I had to pick the most wellness spot in Dubai, Paus would definitely be at the top. It starts with their guilt-free desserts in the cozy café downstairs and continues upstairs with the perfect setup for yoga, pilates, and strength training across two floors. There is a lot to try here — but since we are celebrating International Yoga Day, let’s keep it simple: on June 21, book yourself in for Fit Flow! It is the ultimate blend of strength, cardio, and flexibility.
And after class? How about playing chess and having a tiramisu latte under the tree growing right in the middle of the café? (Because... why not?)
Sure, it is a little later than International Yoga Day (actually on June 22 and every other Wednesday and Sunday) — but who says the celebration has to end? Picture yourself on a SUP board gliding over Nikki Beach’s crystal-clear pool, laughing with friends as cool splashes hit your skin. It is a pool party and a killer core workout rolled into one — perfect preparation for those summer outfits.
And let’s be honest: nailing yoga poses on water automatically earns you major balance bragging rights (+10 points, minimum).