From Beginner to Pro: These UAE Events Will Guide You Towards Your Yoga Instructor Dreams

Love Yoga? Here are four upcoming events in Dubai that will inspire you to get more than just your downward dog on, this spring/summer. Start with a a couple of events for all abilities before pushing yourself to take on some grueling training, and you could be a total Yogi by July.

1) XYoga Dubai: March 16-17, Kite Beach Dubai

XYoga is the Middle East's largest yoga event with over 60 classes over two days. This holistic weekend aims to communicate the mental and physical benefits of yoga first hand with a diverse range of workshops and classes led by 35 renowned local and international yogis. Bollywood sensation, and yoga enthusiast Malaika Arora is confirmed to join.

Malaika has long been a strong advocate for fitness as a Reebok brand ambassador, and recently ventured into the yoga business through launching her own yoga studio in India. She will join runway-model-turned-international-yoga-guru, Yogi Cameron, in co-leading the festival's opening session for 1,000 yogis, March at 8 a.m.

Cost: All classes are free.

Registration: www.xyogadubai.com

2) Rooftop Yoga at Jumeirah Emirates Towers: March 19, Terrace in Emirates Towers Dubai

Practice under the stars from 7:30-9 p.m. in the heart of Dubai's concrete jungle. This is the ultimate urban yoga experience with stunning views of Dubai's skyline. Yogi Christina Najjar will lead the mixed-level Vinyasa class. Bring a yoga mat, bring water, and be ready for the city's best rooftop yoga.

Cost: Members/package holders of Urban Yoga:

• Pre-paid & pre-book = AED53
• Pay-on-the-day but pre-book = AED74

Non-members or package holders:

• Pre-pay & pre-book = AED90

• Pay-on-the-day walk-ins = AED105

Registration: www.urbanyoga.ae/rooftop

3) 7 Days of Transformation Yoga Retreat: March 24-30, Ras Al Khaimah

If a week-long UAE staycation is on your list, this retreat promises you'll reinvigorate body, mind and spirit. Experts in the health & wellness industry will be on hand to guide deep relaxation of body and mind, physical wellbeing as well as reduce mental stress and fatigue. Widely acclaimed Yoga guru Krishan Verma, Director of the Shri Shri Yoga academy and trainer of more than 2,000 teachers across all six continents, will lead the training.

Cost: $1,575 – $2,520 for a 6-night, 7-day stay including dining.

Registration: www.anantaretreat.com

4) Yoga Teacher Training (YYT 200) with Erica Blitz: June 25 – July 19, Yoga La Vie Studio, Dubai

American yogi Erica Blitz is coming to Dubai to teach a 200-hour Vinyasa yoga teacher training. The foundation of this course is the practice and study of yoga asana. The aim of this training is to cultivate the qualities of skill, passion, and intelligence to dive deeper into your own practice and to teach authentically. Students who complete the course will experience a new depth of their practice and feel confident in their ability to teach safely and effectively with insight into all that yoga embraces.

This curriculum meets the Yoga Alliance standards.

Cost: AED 12,500 + VAT (early bird before April 7) or AED 13,500 + VAT (after April 7)

Registration: www.ericablitz.com/