A partnership between the Canadian non-profit organization, Global Citizen Forum, and The Chopra Foundation will bring bespoke longevity retreats to the Middle East for the first time with the inaugural retreat being held at the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, on November 12-15.
For the first time, Dr. Chopra will be sharing his personal longevity protocol developed throughout his life that fuses together timeless principles from wisdom traditions and modern science that metabolize experience with cutting-edge innovation.
The Chopra Foundation Retreat, supported by regional partner Global Citizen Forum, will allow attendees to pause from the stresses of daily life and receive practices from the most influential global leader in integrative medicine and personal transformation on techniques to prolong their lives while improving happiness. Dr. Chopra will be joined by global experts to provide members with cutting-edge DNA and biometric analytics while employing unique mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and other alternative practices. Guests will stay in the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, a property set within the 1,235-acre Al Wadi Nature Reserve and inspired by Bedouin architecture with breathtaking desert views.
As part of the wellness guru’s upcoming trip to the UAE, Dr. Chopra will be delivering a powerful activation at the Global Citizen Forum’s Annual Summit. The event is being held in Ras Al Khaimah from 16-17th November, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and presented in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
The Global Citizen Forum’s Annual Summit promises to bring together some of the world’s most inspirational leaders to discuss the role of human beings in the process of addressing key socio-economic issues. Themed under "The Butterfly Effect: Human Metamorphosis" this year’s Annual Summit aims to dwell into the way humanity is evolving as a result of the groundbreaking changes the last few years have brought about. For the first time in its history, the Summit will look into solutions to global challenges as part of the collective evolution process of humanity and will explore the current metamorphosis as the potential channel for progress. Last year’s speakers included actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Eva Longoria; President of Colombia, H.E. Iván Duque Márquez; Vice President of Liberia, H.E. Jewel Taylor; former Prime Minister of Italy, Matteo Renzi; Grammy-nominated singer and performer, Nicole Scherzinger; and former FBI hostage negotiator and Masterclass coach, Chris Voss. Deepak Chopra will be attending this year’s Global Citizen Forum, to deliver an activation specifically designed around the process of metamorphosis towards a more empathetic, kind, and inclusive community.
Dr. Deepak Chopra, Founder of The Chopra Foundation, shared: "Through The Chopra Foundation’s collaboration with the Global Citizen Forum, this retreat in Ras Al Khaimah will be the first in a series of retreats in the Middle East and will be curated to unlock participants’ infinite potential and allow them to create a collective reality that is fulfilling for everyone. I’m eager to share the lessons I’ve personally learned throughout my life. At the heart of modern leadership and longevity is wellness, which begins when we sleep deeply, eat food that nourishes, move our bodies, practice meditation, love ourselves and those around us, live with nature. I look forward to meeting new friends during my visit."
Armand Arton, Founder of the Global Citizen Forum, said: "In collaboration with The Chopra Foundation, we look forward to bringing this unique concept to the UAE. We cannot imagine a more opportune location as the region continues to attract the world’s business elite and global thinkers. Through this experience, we hope to offer agents of change the space to develop themselves beyond the confines of day-to-day thinking."
Talimka Yordanova, CEO of the Global Citizen Forum, said: "The concept of mindfulness is central to the work of the Global Citizen Forum. We believe that the root source of solutions to global challenges will come from leaders that have experienced an elevated sense of consciousness, wellness and have tapped into the concept of longevity in a deep and meaningful way. Through the Global Citizen Forum’s partnership with The Chopra Foundation, we will be bringing a series of retreats to the Middle East in the hopes that these ignite profound changes in the way decisions are made by leaders in key positions. We’re thrilled to be welcoming Deepak Chopra to this year’s Global Citizen Forum’s Annual Summit under the theme ‘The Butterfly Effect; Human Metamorphosis’ and are excited to offer to our guests this unique opportunity."
Poonacha Machaiah, Chief Executive Officer at The Chopra Foundation, said: "Investing in one’s personal growth and wellbeing are the hallmarks of conscious leadership, the type of leadership needed to address growing challenges in our communities. By viewing our lives – including work – as part of a long-term, collective plan we start to understand the importance of longevity in everything we do. We hope this new series of retreats offer attendees in the Middle East this clarity and allows them to strengthen their connections with one another."
During the retreat, other transcendental thought-leaders Eddie Stern, Gabriella Wright, and Dr. Ara Suppiah will lead, alongside Dr. Chopra, tea ceremonies, sound bowl healings, nutrition, and daily guided meditation sessions. Meditation has long been lauded for its health benefits, with trials showing a positive impact on people who regularly meditate including clinically lower blood pressure and reduction in feelings of depression1.
Dr. Chopra is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation who has authored over 90 books translated into over forty-three languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as "one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century." The longevity retreat will be part of a series of international events, often attended by world leaders and international celebrities.
The announcement comes as world leaders and activists prepare to gather in Ras Al Khaimah from 16-17 November for the Global Citizen Forum’s acclaimed Annual Summit. Tickets to the forum start from $1,500 for a Gala Pass which includes attending the fundraising auction to support UNHCR relief efforts for forcibly displaced individuals in Ukraine, the Middle East, and North Africa, and the acclaimed Gala Dinner. The retreat will be invitation only.
