New Delhi

Six years after the Saudi authorities declared Yoga as ‘Halal’ (doable for Muslims as per their religion) and its introduction in the universities for both men and women, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is going to introduce this ancient Indian spiritual and physical wellness regime in the offices.

The Yoga Committee of Saudi Arabia headed by Princess Mishael bint Faisal and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development signed an agreement “to collaborate on promoting the benefits of yoga in the community.”

This is aimed at enhancing the well-being and presenting the activity as a way to improve quality of life.

According to Arab News, under the agreement employees will be encouraged to integrate yoga practices into their daily routines, and workers in ministry-run care centers and shelters will be provided with tools to help them manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall levels of physical and mental health.

Princess Mishael bint Faisal of the Yoga Committee of Saudi Arabia (Left) and Huda Al-Haidari, director of the ministry’s social responsibility after signing the agreement 

They added that the committee and the ministry are committed to creating harmonious and balanced workplaces that prioritize the holistic well-being of employees and the people they work with, in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 national development plan.

Princess Mishael bint Faisal, the vice chair of the Saudi Yoga Committee, and Huda Al-Haidari, director of the ministry’s social responsibility department in Riyadh region, took part in the signing ceremony for the agreement.“It’s a very important step for creating equal opportunities for all segments of society and investing in youth human capital, which is considered as one of the goals of Vision 2023,” said Princess Mishael while talking to Arab News.

The crown prince said that it is the largest wealth owned by the Kingdom, so investing in it is a renaissance for society and the realization of the vision.”

The collaboration will offer people the chance to participate in a variety of sports and therapeutic yoga techniques and help harness the benefits of sports science to serve society, she added.

Nouf Marwaai in Rishikesh, India

Nouf Marwaai, Saudi’s first certified yoga instructor has been credited as the driving force behind this development. Marwaai is the founder of the Arab Yoga Foundation in the Kingdom.

A few years back, The Saudi Ministry of Trade and Industry officially approved the teaching of yoga and listed it under their sports activities. Those wishing to practice or teach yoga can now collect a license from the Ministry.

The approval of yoga comes following several reforms in the Kingdom including more freedom for women and a general opening of the society and economy of the once closed Kingdom.

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Each year the Saudi organisations hold Yoga festival to promote this wellness regime.