Active Nations in Gymnation

Rising interest in health and fitness is evident among consumers in the Middle East, with an industry survey showing that 92% of respondents aim to enhance their health and wellness.

This figure surpasses similar statistics from the UK and US, where the rates stand at 76% and 75%, respectively.

The inaugural 2024/2025 KSA and UAE Fitness Report, commissioned by GymNation, a leading low-cost gym operator in the Middle East, highlights the significant growth potential in the region's fitness market over the next five years.

This report, the largest of its kind in the region, examines consumer behaviors, socio-economic factors, and obstacles to fitness adoption and features feedback from 9,644 participants from Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Expanding the Fitness Market

GymNation’s CTO, Karl Foster, emphasized their mission to promote healthier, more fulfilling lives by making fitness accessible to all.

The survey revealed that over half of new GymNation members did not have a gym membership in the previous 12 months, signaling a rising interest in fitness among the general population.

Strength training emerged as the most popular gym activity (47% in KSA and 52% in UAE), followed by running clubs, yoga and Pilates, mindfulness sessions, and Hyrox-style workouts.

However, cost remains a significant barrier to gym adoption. Dubai and Riyadh were ranked among the world’s most expensive cities for gym memberships in a 2019 Deutsche Bank study.

The survey found that more than half of respondents (51% in KSA and 53% in UAE) considered current membership fees too high, pointing to the need for more affordable fitness options.

Another challenge identified was "gymtimidation," with concerns about using gym equipment correctly (noted by 75% of women and 50% of men) and self-consciousness about public exercising (mentioned by 34% of both men and women).

Social Hubs and Growing Enthusiasm

For those already in the fitness community, gyms in KSA and UAE are becoming more than just places to exercise.

About a quarter of respondents (27% in KSA and 25% in UAE) view gyms as social hubs, while nearly half (46% in KSA and 43% in UAE) see their gym as part of their social life.

There's also a growing willingness to invest more in health and wellness.

Over half of the respondents (62% in KSA and 55% in UAE) plan to increase their wellness spending in 2025.

Motivators include a developing passion for fitness, interest in purchasing gym apparel and wearables, and upgrading to premium memberships and services.

GymNation’s Expansion

Amidst this dynamic market, GymNation is strengthening its commitment to affordable fitness.

Following a successful 2024, during which the UAE-founded company launched six locations in Saudi Arabia, reaching a membership exceeding 110,000 across its 14 UAE sites, GymNation is gearing up for further expansion in 2025.

CEO Loren Holland shared plans to open 20 additional gyms across the UAE and KSA.

The Future of Low-Cost Fitness

Holland remarked on the early stages of growth in the low-cost fitness market in the Middle East, drawing parallels to the UK’s market evolution in 2011.

Research by the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Sport supports this observation, predicting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35-45% over the next five years in low-cost gym membership adoption.

With a robust strategy focused on expansion and innovation, GymNation aims to inspire action across the fitness sector, fostering a more active and inclusive Middle Eastern community.

Their commitment to making fitness affordable and accessible continues to drive this mission, ensuring a promising future for the regional fitness market.

Source: healthclubmanagement

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.