Yoga, once a foreign concept in Saudi Arabia, has gained considerable momentum in the Kingdom over the past two decades. This transformation can largely be attributed to one woman: Nouf Al-Marwaai. As the first certified yoga instructor in Saudi Arabia, Nouf has played a key role in making yoga an accepted practice, not only within the country but across the Arab world. Her dedication and efforts have earned her widespread recognition, including a prestigious honor from the Indian government.
Nouf Al-Marwaai: A Pioneer of Yoga in Saudi Arabia
Nouf Al-Marwaai’s journey in yoga began in 1998 when she sought alternative methods to improve her health. At the time, yoga was virtually unknown in Saudi Arabia, and wellness options were limited. Discovering yoga helped her physically, emotionally, and mentally, offering a holistic approach to self-care that was rare in the Kingdom.
In 2004, driven by her passion for yoga, Nouf traveled to India to become the first Saudi woman to receive a formal yoga certification. At that time, yoga was still seen as unconventional in Saudi Arabia, and she faced challenges. Despite these challenges, Nouf’s commitment to deepening her practice led her to bring yoga back to Saudi Arabia.
Upon returning, she encountered resistance but remained dedicated to introducing yoga to others. Teaching in private gatherings, she worked tirelessly to show how yoga could enhance people’s mental and physical health without conflicting with cultural and religious values. Nouf’s perseverance marked the beginning of a yoga movement in Saudi Arabia.
Founding the Arab Yoga Foundation
In 2004, Nouf Al-Marwaai began teaching yoga in Jeddah under the name Saudi Arabia Yoga School, marking the first steps in her mission to introduce yoga to Saudi Arabia. By 2010, as the practice began to spread across the Arab world, the school evolved into the Arab Yoga Foundation. This expansion reflected the growing demand for yoga training and the recognition of its benefits beyond just fitness.
Over the years, the Arab Yoga Foundation has made significant strides, with over 10,000 students and 700 certified yoga instructors across Saudi Arabia by 2019. In 2017, the Foundation achieved a major milestone when the General Sports Authority of Saudi Arabia officially approved Yoga Day celebrations. This recognition helped further integrate yoga into the Kingdom’s cultural and wellness landscape, solidifying its place as a respected practice for physical and mental well-being.
Yoga’s Official Recognition in Saudi Arabia
One of Nouf’s most significant achievements was her tireless work toward the official recognition of yoga in Saudi Arabia. For years, she advocated for the integration of yoga into the country’s fitness landscape, despite initial resistance. Her efforts culminated in 2021 when yoga was officially recognized as a sport by the Ministry of Sports. This landmark achievement also led to the creation of the Saudi Yoga Committee under the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, solidifying yoga’s place in the Kingdom’s wellness sector.
This success was a major milestone, not only for Nouf but for the entire yoga community in Saudi Arabia, marking the practice’s acceptance on both a cultural and governmental level.
Nouf Al-Marwaai’s Strong Connection with India
Nouf Al-Marwaai’s journey with yoga is deeply connected to India, where she first trained in 2004. As the first certified yoga instructor in Saudi Arabia, her experience in India laid the foundation for her pioneering work in spreading yoga across the Arab world.
In 2018, Nouf’s efforts were recognized by the Indian government with the prestigious Padma Shri Award, one of India’s highest civilian honors. This recognition highlights the significant role India played in shaping her yoga practice and how she continues to share its benefits globally. For Nouf, India remains a key source of inspiration in her mission to promote yoga’s transformative power.
Nouf Al-Marwaai at the International Yoga Conference on Sustainability
Nouf’s influence extends beyond Saudi Arabia, as she continues to speak at high-profile international events. Nouf Al-Marwaai is set to speak at the International Yoga Conference on Sustainability, organized by the UAE Sports For All Federation and Swasti Yoga Center in Dubai. This conference aims to highlight how ancient practices like yoga can offer modern solutions for pressing global issues such as climate change and sustainable living. By focusing on yoga’s role in promoting sustainability, the event will explore how holistic practices can contribute to environmental and social well-being.
Nouf will be sharing her insights on “Empowering Women Through Yoga: Strength, Resilience & Leadership.” In her talk, she will discuss how yoga can be a powerful tool for empowering women, fostering leadership, and cultivating resilience. The conference provides a valuable platform for global leaders, government representatives, and policy experts to engage in meaningful discussions on sustainability and yoga’s potential to drive positive change.
The Growth of Yoga in Saudi Arabia
Since Nouf’s pioneering efforts, the practice of yoga has gained widespread popularity in Saudi Arabia. Yoga is no longer viewed as an outsider’s practice but has become an integral part of the Kingdom’s wellness culture. Across the country, more and more people are embracing yoga as a means of improving their health, with yoga studios and wellness centers now commonplace.
Additionally, through her Nouf Sports Academy, Nouf continues to educate and train the next generation of yoga instructors, ensuring the growth of a knowledgeable and passionate yoga community in Saudi Arabia. Her work aligns with the country’s Vision 2030, which encourages healthy living and wellness as a priority for its citizens.
Bottom Line: Nouf Al-Marwaai’s Enduring Legacy
Nouf Al-Marwaai’s contributions to the growth of yoga in Saudi Arabia have made her a trailblazer in the fitness and wellness communities. From founding the Arab Yoga Foundation to advocating for the official recognition of yoga in Saudi Arabia, her efforts have had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of the Kingdom.
Her recognition on the global stage, including her Padma Shri award, speaks volumes about the significance of her work. As yoga continues to grow in Saudi Arabia, Nouf’s legacy will inspire generations to come, encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles and fostering a stronger sense of community and well-being.
