Shaikha Al-Sabah spreading the light of YOGA

• Through her charitable efforts and cultural initiatives, Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has dedicated herself to bridging cultural gaps and fostering unity among people, in society and between nations.

The Times Kuwait Report

In a recent exclusive interview with The Times Kuwait, Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah spoke at length on her passion for yoga and her work to spread awareness on the physical and emotional benefits of yoga among a wider public in Kuwait.

She began by speaking about what inspired her to introduce yoga education in Kuwait. “First of all I would like to clarify that I did not introduce yoga to Kuwait. Yoga was always here. By God’s grace, and the alignment of circumstances, we formalized it. It was officially recognized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Kuwait, on 4 December 2014.”

Reflecting on her personal journey into yoga and well-being, Shaikha added, “Exercise has always been important to me. From school sports teams to walking and gym workouts at university. But somewhere along the way—becoming an adult, a new mother—I lost that body-mind connection. Yoga brought me back.
What I love about yoga is its flexibility, literally and figuratively! It can be gentle or intense, depending on my needs at any moment. I can practice at home anytime, with a yoga mat, an able body, and a willing heart. It nourishes me.”

Today yoga is recognized internationally for its physical and physiological benefits, so much so that the UN has designated 21 June each year as International Yoga Day. Despite this popularity, when asked why it is less popular in the Middle East, and what are some of the main objections that people have towards participating in yoga, Shaikha responded with a smile and a question: “Is it less popular in the Middle East? I don’t think so, otherwise we wouldn’t be having this conversation would we? Yoga is popular everywhere.”

Expanding on her pet-project and Kuwait’s first licensed yoga studio, ‘Dar Atma.’ Shaikha explained, “It was officially founded on 4 December 2014. The name is a combination of my own traditional language Arabic and the language of Yoga, Sanskrit. Dar means ‘home’ in Arabic, and Atma in Sanskrit is ‘that which never dies, the soul’.

“Establishing Dar Atma was a journey of love and service. My dream was to create a safe welcoming space where we can share knowledge, and practice together. Our mission was to be a light in the community, and my goal was to open doors and create opportunities for yoga practitioners in the region.”

Asked about the challenges she faced in establishing Dar Atma she said:

“By God’s Grace, there were no challenges except bureaucracy,” she laughed. “But even that was manageable; with a smile, a lot of patience, and trust in the process. Nothing is truly difficult; just our thoughts about it.”

“With that in mind, I took it step by step. Kuwait is a supportive country for its citizens. The government provides systems and institutions that encourage entrepreneurship. So rather than calling them challenges, I see them as steps in a process.”

Outlining the role that yoga plays in fostering cultural exchange between Kuwait and India, Shaikha pointed out, “Kuwait and India have relationships spanning 250 years of documented history; possibly more. Yoga adds a wellness dimension to this rich and old relationship. It’s a small but meaningful part of our cultural exchange.”

Speaking about how she envisions the future of yoga evolving in the Arab world, Shaikha shared exciting news, “Some of our fellow GCC countries already have established Yoga Committees, and on 28 April 2025, Kuwait joined them. The Kuwait Olympic Committee officially announced the formation of The Kuwait Yoga Committee.

“Our goal is to spread awareness about yoga’s wellness benefits and promote it as a tool for stress relief and enhanced athletic performance. We are collaborating with committees across the region to promote yoga as a sport in the Mena region.”

“I would like to give special thanks to H.E. Mrs. Nouf Al-Marwai, president of Saudi Arabia Yoga Committee and Yogasana Asian Federation, the UAE Yoga Committee headed by H.E. Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, as well as Sheikh Hassan Al-Thani of Qatar. Last but not least H.E. Mr. Saeed Al-Ajil, of the UAE’s Sports for All Committee, for his unwavering support and guiding wisdom.”

In reply to whether it was difficult integrating traditional Kuwaiti values with yoga practices, she offered a thoughtful response, “Why assume they are different? Kuwaiti and Indian values share much in common—family, community, hospitality. Goodness transcends culture.

We are all human beings, trying to contribute positively to the world. Questions that emphasize division only distract from our shared humanity.”

To those new to yoga. Her message is simple, “There are many styles of yoga; try a few before deciding what suits you. It’s a vast expansive practice. Don’t give up after one class.”

Turning to her being awarded the Padma Shri by the Indian government and whether she felt more inspired by this honor, Shaikha replied, “I feel truly blessed. To be recognized by the birthplace of yoga for service to the practice; it is deeply humbling. I am inspired to continue spreading the light of yoga.”

Shaikha’s work continues to inspire many in Kuwait and beyond. Her advocacy for yoga and cultural exchange positions her as a key figure in the global wellness community. Through her efforts, she has not only introduced yoga to a wider audience but has also reinforced its role in fostering peace and well-being. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of yoga—not just as a practice but as a philosophy that connects people across borders.