I spotted that my last post on my favourite yoga classes and studios in Dubai still gets a lot of page views. However, its now woefully out of date, unsurprising given that I penned it over four years ago, there’s since been a global pandemic and I am now a yoga teacher myself!

I am asked a lot firstly if I still practice and go to yoga classes, and of course I do. Not always as much as I used to or, as much as I’d like now that I teach myself – there are only so many hours in a day even when one is meticulously organised. And secondly, I get asked to recommend my favourite places to practice, of which I have a few!

These days I tend to prioritise teachers I know and have practiced with for some time, and who know me and my practice. I understand that that isn’t always possible – especially if you are new to a city or prioritising proximity to home or to work. What I would recommend, is getting to know a particular teacher and attending a particular class regularly. Not only is this amazing for cultivating a routine and consistency, but I personally feel like I progress and enjoy my practice more this way. I also think it’s more beneficial to my students, too.

These are my go-to studios:

Zoga Yoga

The only carry over from my original post, Zoga really feels like my yoga home in Dubai. I did my first class here in 2017 and have practiced here since. Before I did my teacher training I had their unlimited membership and would be rolling out my mat in this studio six times a week – that was a really wonderful time in my yoga journey and I met some of my now favourite teachers and yoga mentors.

I love that this studio is on the ground floor and has huge windows giving natural daylight, the facilities are always spotless and there’s a cute cafe for after class (the matcha powerballs are delicious). I’ve always found this studio to be so friendly and welcoming, even when I had never heard of Lululemon and used to rock up to class in some dubious outfits. Their teachers are diverse and they offer a wide range of classes, including meditation and yin yoga, as well as workshops by visiting teachers.

Go-to classes: Yin with Nikki, Vinyasa with Sara and Guided Mediation with Neesha.

Inspire Yoga

I think every yogi in Dubai has practiced at least once at one of Inspire’s studios. I’ve attended the DIFC studio since it opened as the location is so convenient. The original Al Manara studio feels a little more cosy and offers workshops and teacher trainings, too. Inspire has always attracted some of Dubai’s best teachers and is where I have made many yogi friends who are consistent class attendees, too. I also did one of my in-person yoga teacher trainings at this studios – fond memories of coffee breaks in Bystro (now relocated) during the breaks!

I love their swing yoga classes in the DIFC studio which are fun and challenging, something a little different from your regular grounded class! There are also outdoor classes during the winter season which were so much fun last winter and much needed after a long summer and lockdown.

Go-to classes: Floating Bliss (swing yoga), Aromatherapy Yin with Lizel, Flexibility Flow with Neha.

Barakah

I am definitely not biased because I teach here but this studio is just beautiful. It’s the only fully ladies only studio I have come across and every little touch is so well thought out; from the little dishes for rings and jewellery in the lockers to the post class loose-leaf tea. I always feel relaxed and at home the moment I walk through the door. The studio feels like a cosy sanctuary and a beautiful space to teach and practice in. (It’s in Sharjah, not Dubai, but well worth the trip).

Collective Movement

Collective Movement doesn’t offer your traditional yoga classes but if you want to try something a little different then I highly recommend it. The studio is in a beautiful location within the Indigo Hotel (stay for breakfast or a coffee and get 20% off) and, again, every detail is really well through through; from mini knee-pads for low lunge sequences to essential-oil based mat cleaning sprays. The founder, Anthony, taught in lots of yoga and barre studios before opening his own space so he really understands what makes a class and a studio an amazing experience. The Collective Movement classes are fast-paced, sweaty, super fun but also mindful and supportive. I always leave with a smile on my face.

Other studios to try:

• Dryp – (very) hot yoga in Dubai Marina.
• Matcha Dxb – newly opened and where a few favourite teachers of mine have relocated.
• Yoga La Vie – beautiful studio on the Palm.
• Zen Yoga – if you’re looking for in-person teacher trainings in Dubai, they offer 200 hours, yin and prenatal courses.

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