UAE to Establish ‘India House’, Plans to Recognize Yoga as a Competitive Sport

Nearly 20 months after Abu Dhabi’s Hindu temple inauguration, the UAE plans to build an India House in its capital to promote cultural ties, student exchanges, and shared heritage. The Gulf nation, home to four million Indians, also aims to recognize yoga as a competitive sport. These initiatives were discussed during the second India-UAE Cultural Council Joint Steering Committee Meeting (Oct 8–9) in Abu Dhabi, led by ICCR DG Nandini Singla and UAE Minister Noura Al Kaabi. Both sides also explored collaborations in arts, education, tourism, and archives, further deepening the nations’ growing cultural and strategic partnership.