Want to find your zen somewhere other than a traditional yoga studio? You’re in luck as there are plenty of fun ways to practise your flows here in Dubai. From yoga 210m up in the sky, to yoga under the full moon, yoga on the beach and yoga in an aquarium – the choices are wide and fun-filled. So if you’re looking to stretch and flex someplace different, read on for the most unusual yoga classes in Dubai.
For traditional yoga studios in Dubai, click here.
Aerial yoga at Air Yoga
Forget chilling out and lying flat on a mat, this one will see you swinging from the ceiling and showing off your inner circus shills. Aerial yoga uses silk hammocks to help you try a totally different way of seeing things (literally) as you hang upside down and swing from the silks. Not quite as simple as it sounds, but still a whole load of fun, the swing yoga equipment allows you go into other poses more easily than if you were grounded. Looking for a mother-daughter activity that’s a little different? You can practise with your child here too. Excellent for stretching and toning, the more you go, the better you’ll get, plus classes are tailored for beginners so there’s no need to be shy.
Dhs150 (for three sessions). Dubai Silicon Oasis, airyoga.ae (058 524 1156).
HIITasana Yoga at Dryp
Think yoga meets – you guessed it – HIIT, this fast-paced class is a hybrid of heart pounding body weight movement and yoga asanas for people who want to get the most from their workout. Not only will calorie-busting cardio movements help you burn fat and improve your overall fitness levels, but when combined with traditional yoga poses, you’ll also sculpt longer and leaner muscles while increasing mobility, improving posture and reducing stress. A typical class will have you flowing to chilled beats one minute then pushing your heart rate to the max with yoga burpees the next.
Dhs125 per class. Dryp Dubai Marina; dryp.ae
New & Full Moon Yoga at Jumeirah Al Qasr
There’s something special about al fresco yoga, especially under the night sky. So if you’re in the mood to reflect and chill out, new and full moon yoga are for you. Having a powerful impact on our mood, these classes take place every month (on the new and full moons) at Jumeirah Al Qasr hotel, on the private beach or in the yoga garden. The soothing sounds of the waves will wash over you, leaving you calm and reenergised. This month full moon yoga is happening at 7.30pm on Wednesday April 24.
Dhs100 (new moon yoga), Dhs120 (full moon yoga). Monthly, dates vary. Jumeirah Al Qasr, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com.
Sky-high Yoga at Ciel Spa
Swap a studio setting for soaking in the Dubai skyline with a class on Ciel Spa’s terrace on the 69th Floor at SLS Dubai. Stretch up into the clouds during a 60-minute session that has been designed to leave you feeling renewed. Scheduled on both days of the weekend, you can make a day of it as guests receive access to the chilled pools and spa facilities pre or post the yoga class. Wanting the ultimate self-care day? Yogis can also enjoy 30 percent off selected spa treatments on the same day for even more relaxation for a self-care weekend.
Dhs120. Sat 10.30am, Sun 9.30am, Wed, 7pm. Ciel Spa Terrace, SLS Dubai, Marasi Drive, Business Bay (04 607 0654).
Sunset Beach Yoga
What’s better than sunset yoga? Sunset yoga on the beach, that’s what. Relax and stretch into a series of hatha yoga poses with sights – and sounds – of the Arabian Gulf as your backdrop. Classes take place four times a week beside the Celeste pool at Jumeirah Al Qasr Beach and are a brilliant way of getting some exercise in a fun way. It’s also a top shout for if you have active guests in town.
From Dhs90. Wed, Fri 6pm-7pm, Sat-Sun 5.30pm-6.30pm. Talise Spa, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, mjtalise@jumeirah.com (04 366 6818).
The Box Yoga at Shimis Yoga
If you thought it was just HIIT classes that were done in heart-racing, neon-lit rooms then think again – The Box Yoga throws all regular relaxation connotations out the window and replaces them with flashing lights and loud music that allows you to let yourself go and flow with the music. A unique yoga concept, the room is also heated to around 34 °C using high-quality infrared panels, leaving you to sweat out all those toxins through a series of vinyasa yoga moves such as the cat-cow stretch and side plank pose. You’ll leave feeling well and truly invigorated.
Dhs60 for your first class, Dhs120 thereafter. Timings vary. Shimis Yoga, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, shimis.com
Underwater Yoga at The Lost Chambers
So this is not actually underwater, but it’s as close as you’ll get and is a total Dubai bucket list for fitness fans. This 60-minute session takes place every Saturday and Sunday morning in the Atlantis Lost Chambers Aquarium. It’s aimed at all levels and involves a calming sequence of postures and breathing exercises to help you kick-start your day in the best of ways. Chill out and watch the 65,000 species of fish glide by for one of the most serene experiences you’ll find in Dubai.
Dhs175. Sat & Sun 8am-9am. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 1000).
Yoga in the Sky at AURA Skypool
Not only is AURA Skypool Time Out Dubai’s Best Pool Club 2023, it’s also a place to practise your asanas while you gaze out at the city from 210m up in the sky. Four days a week AURA lays on yoga sessions at its sky-high vantage point in the Palm Tower. Ready to flex? Monday classes focus on ‘dynamic stretch’ in the morning, while Tuesdays are balancing flow. Fridays are power fit – with a vinyasa-inspired class, while on Saturdays it’s time for yoga dance – an evolution of vinyasa, with sequences set to pop and hip-hop. All of these include breakfast and a drink in the lounge afterwards, with Asian bowls, avo toast and more to choose from. If you’re not after a meal, then yin yoga and sound healing on a Monday from 8pm or sunrise flow on a Friday at 6.30am are for you.
Dhs180 (Mon, 8pm, Fri 6.30am), Dhs280 (Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat 8am followed by breakfast). The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, auraskypool.com (04 566 2121).
