In the UAE, Reading and Yoga Become Popular Beach-side Activities

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There are so many activities that people can enjoy while at the beach: building sandcastles, sun tanning, playing in the water, and jogging. But a few unlikely activities are becoming more and more popular.

Nearly half of all beach goers — 48% to be exact — prefer reading over any other activity while at the beach. And according to The National, a new program in the United Arab Emirates is combining this love of reading at the beach with the curiosity of young children.

“I liked the idea of reading at the beach,” said Tala Mohammed, a Palestinian fourth grader. “I am a reading lover as I read everyday before I go to sleep — two stories because it is beneficial, enjoyable, and entertaining.”

A total of 50 kids, between the ages of five and 14 years old, participated in the event: A Story At The Beach. The program was held at the Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) Kite Beach Centre. The National Competencies Foundation organized the event, as part of their attempt at raising awareness about youth reading and promoting the importance of reading wherever they want to.

“It aims to make them aware of how reading is important and to show them how to use reading practically through workshops and to let them know that reading is everywhere and all the time,” said Al Ali, one of the lead organizers of the event.

Dina Mahmoud, a 9-year-old girl, is another youngster who was excited about taking to the beach with her books.

“I liked the idea of holding a story book and reading it while sitting at the beach in front of the sea,” Mahmoud said.

According to the Khaleej Times, in addition to reading, two other activities are becoming more popular.

Like reading, yoga and meditation are both peaceful and beneficial and they are just as easy to be performed at the beach, as they are anywhere else.

“We are generally trying to increase awareness that a simple change in life can bring about a massive difference in our lives,” said Harpreet Karla, a trainer at Kite Beach in Jumeirah.

Hurtfulness UAE and Nirvana Yoga partnered up and conducted a 75-minute yoga and meditation session at the beach in order to improve the lives of all the participants.

As reading has been shown to improve a person’s cognitive ability and memory, both yoga and meditation can do the same.

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