Description
Yogafest is about Community, Connection and Contribution.
We create community by offering free classes in beautiful outdoor spaces so everyone can attend.
We create connection by bringing wellness professionals and students together to learn, share and experience.
We contribute by organising donation based events to raise funds for needy charities in the region.
How it all started
Elaine Kelly founded Yogafest ME, the largest and only sustainable wellness event in the Middle East, in 2010 when she became a certified yoga teacher while working for Microsoft.
With 30 years experience in the fitness industry, she wanted to support her fellow employees with their work life balance, and the idea for Yogafest was born.
On 21st December 2010 a one day event was held to celebrate the full moon taking place on the winter solstice, something that only happens every 400 years. 350 people attended seven yoga classes from sunrise to sunset.
Since then Yogafest has been held every year to raise funds for various children’s charities.
In 2013, Full Moon Fridays were launched and offer participants the opportunity to enjoy yoga and meditation by the lake once a month from November to May.
In 2016, over 5,000 participants attended 100 classes in five themed tents.
AED 230,000 has been raised to date for children’s charities around the region.
