UAE to Launch India House, a Yoga & Culture Hub
The cultural bond between India and the United Arab Emirates continues to grow stronger, with two landmark initiatives announced during recent bilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi — the establishment of India House and the UAE’s decision to recognize yoga as a competitive sport.
India House Coming Up in Abu Dhabi
A dedicated India House is set to be built in Abu Dhabi within the next few years. Designed as a cultural landmark, the centre will:
- Showcase Indian art, heritage, and cultural history
- Promote student and academic exchanges
- Serve as a hub for yoga training
- Act as a platform for artistic collaboration between both nations
The initiative was discussed at the Second Joint Steering Committee Meeting, held on October 8–9 in Abu Dhabi, which included officials from multiple Indian ministries and their UAE counterparts.
Yoga to Become a Competitive Sport in the UAE
In a first for the Gulf region, the UAE is preparing to formally declare yoga as a competitive sport.
The UAE Yoga Committee — under the Ministry of Sports — is currently developing a national framework, reflecting the rising popularity of yoga among residents. With this step, the UAE aims to integrate yoga into mainstream sports and wellness activities.
Deepening Cultural Cooperation
High-level discussions were led by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Director-General Nandini Singla, who met with leading cultural and academic institutions in the UAE to explore partnerships in arts, museology, and youth engagement.
These collaborations build on the momentum from the first steering committee meeting held in New Delhi in March 2023, and align with the vision shared by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2022.
India-UAE Cultural Council Forum
Created in 2022 through a Memorandum of Understanding, this forum reinforces cultural diplomacy alongside the rapidly growing economic ties between the two nations.
A recent UAE–India cultural roundtable in New Delhi brought together prominent Indian artists and designers. Discussions centered on India House becoming a vibrant space to celebrate India’s heritage as well as its modern creative industries.
