JEDDAH: Half Moon Beach in Alkhobar will this week be the tranquil environment for a long-awaited mass yoga gathering that aims to highlight the individual and community benefits of this ancient practice.

The sessions on Friday will be part of the “Goodness Event” organized by a local health club, Salt Gym, in cooperation with the Saudi Yoga Committee, and a local business.

The classes are open to people of all ages. There will be a morning session from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m., and one in the evening from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Nouf Al-Marwaai, president of the Saudi Yoga Committee, said she was happy to have helped organize the event because it promotes community cohesion, and assists in bringing the private sector on board with wellness activities.

“We thank Najah Al-Hassan for organizing this event, and we urge everyone, from lovers, practitioners and professionals of yoga, to participate in such distinguished events.

“In the Saudi Yoga Committee, we hope to see many of these activities held by the private sector in the near future,” she said.

She said her organization remains committed to supporting these events, which would assist in achieving the government’s goals of developing a healthy society.

It is hoped the event would encourage more people to take up the practice as part of a wellness lifestyle to build a “generation of yoga lovers,” said Al-Marwaai.

Meanwhile, Al-Hassan, general manager of Influence of Success Co., said this was the first event of its kind launched by the private sector, which helps to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, particular with regard to the health of girls and women.

Al-Hassan said the event showcases the ability of women to be an integral part of creating awareness and teaching the benefits of yoga. She hoped that this would motivate other companies to become more involved in such wellness activities.