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Starting a Gym or Fitness Center Business in Dubai, UAE

Updated 14 August 2024

As people become more aware of the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, the fitness business sector is also continuously rising. Gyms are no longer associated with Jason Momoa look-alikes; they are now a haven for professionals, health fanatics, fitness freaks, and foodies. Each year, the worldwide health club sector generates approximately $81.2 billion. This […]

Brenda18 July 2022

Each year, the worldwide health club sector generates approximately $81.2 billion. This is good evidence that people invest a significant amount of time and money at gyms for getting in shape. That is why you should open your gym in Dubai.

This detailed guide will teach you how to start a gym or fitness center business in Dubai, UAE.

Let’s go.

Why Start Gym or Fitness Center Business in Dubai, UAE

Demand for high-end gyms with professional equipment and facilities is continuously growing. It means there are more lucrative business opportunities in the fitness industry. Other than gyms, businesses relating to people’s well-being and fitness such as health clubs, gym equipment, fitness centers, fitness spas, and nutritionists are in high demand.

The cardio training fitness equipment sector contributes to the majority of the overall fitness equipment market share in the UAE. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the homes of the majority of health clubs and gyms. But the other emirates are catching up and will have a greater number of fitness centers and gyms in the coming days. These gyms and fitness centers generate a lot of revenue and they will continue to grow in the future.

The spa business, boutique fitness classes, and healthy eateries are also in high demand in Dubai. The people’s increasing disposable income and steadily lowering the cost of sessions are driving more interest in these fitness entities. People also desire to live a healthy lifestyle and are more aware of their health.

The utilization of wearables and mobile applications is one of the most recent additions to the business opportunities in the UAE. More people are utilizing these applications and wearables to stay fit and healthy and these gadgets are becoming increasingly popular.

The cost of starting up a gym in Dubai is not that high as compared to other businesses. If you want to get an idea about the expense of establishing your fitness center business in Dubai, you can get in touch with the business setup consultants of Riz and Mona.

Process to Open Gym or Fitness Center Business in the UAE

−1. Choosing Business Structure

The first thing you have to do is choose a business structure from multiple options. In the UAE, there are numerous legal business structures that you can opt for. You can start an independent brand, join hands with an already established gym or fitness center franchise, or go for some other option.

All of the available options have their own costs, requirements, limitations, and opportunities. In the end, it’s up to you to select a business structure that suits your business requirements and goals. We recommend that you choose the LLC (Limited Liability Company) business model.

If you decide to open an independent gym or fitness center business, you will be able to keep all of your earnings and will have complete control over the way your setup is handled. The disadvantage of this model is that gaining recognition in your community might take a lot of your money and time.

On the other hand, if you go with the franchise model, you will have the advantage of the existing popularity of the brand. Plus, you will save yourself from the efforts you would need to establish it. Hence, it will make it easier for you to grow your customer base and attract new ones.

A comprehensive solution is generally provided by the franchise firm, which includes the smooth supply of equipment, assistance with the incorporation procedure, and marketing services. Some franchises assist you in leasing a location through one of their reputable real estate partners.

Talking of disadvantages of the franchise model, the company will charge you a portion of your earnings or a fixed fee for the opportunity you have of representing their company or brand. You must also adhere to the price guidelines and business guidelines & policies on the classes or services you will provide. You may also be asked to agree to only accept customers from a specific geographic area in some rare cases.

+2. Factors to Remember

Before starting your fitness center, you need to get:

Authorization from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Approvals from The Emirates Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Committee, Juvenile, and Sports Welfare Authority, and Health Department.
Submit a signed lease and Partnership memorandum to the designated authorities.
To apply for a gym license in Dubai, you should be older than 21 years old.

+3. Activities Allowed in the Gym

You are allowed to let your clients do the following activities in your gym or fitness center:

Variety of massages for relaxing and soothing the body.
Losing weight through exercise or other kinds of physical training.
Meditative sports includING yoga and tai-chi.

+4. Activities Prohibited in the Gym

There are only a limited number of activities that are allowed in the gym. Some activities are strictly prohibited in the fitness center or gym by the authorities. These activities are:

No Noisy sports activities should be conducted inside the fitness center or gym
No physiological or medical treatment can be given in the gym for arthritis, rheumatism, or any other disease
No Personnel is allowed to enter unnecessarily female-only wellness clubs, gyms, and fitness clubs
No entrance for patrons suffering from any type of infectious disease in the gym facility.
No use of equipment or devices that are used for diagnosis purposes including X-ray or ultrasound machines.
Men-only gyms, fitness centers, or massage parlors cannot hire female employees.
Only a qualified nutritionist can prescribe other kinds of weight gain or loss medications such as shakes, pills, etc.
Use of fitness center or gym premises is not allowed for staff accommodation under any circumstances.

+5. Get Trade License

To start a gym or fitness center business in Dubai, UAE, you also need to get a trade license. Following are the requirements to issue a trade license:
Submit the photocopies of your (visit or resident) visa and passport
Obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for approval of the company name and preliminary approval.
Sign the Memorandum of Approval (MoA) that your UAE national sponsor and you wrote and agreed on before.
Finalize your gym or fitness center business’s location in Dubai and sign the lease.
Submit all of the above-mentioned documents to the DED and receive a receipt.
Pay all of your bills and charges.
Collect the Gym or fitness center business trade license that has been issued by the relevant authorities.

Experts at Riz and Mona can help you in getting a trade license for your gym.

Requirements for Running Gym or Fitness Center Business in Dubai, UAE

No Smoking

Dubai is declared a no-smoking zone by the government authorities. They have also placed a ban on indoor smoking. Craft a no-smoking policy for your gym and displace it outside your gym or fitness center so that your clients can be informed about restrictions on indoor smoking.

Dress Code

All of your clients, staff members, gym instructors, fitness trainers, and masseuses must all adhere to the gym dress code and wear appropriate clothing. You should immediately escort anyone who does not wear appropriate clothing off the fitness center.

Good Location

You should look for a location for your gym on the building’s ground floor. Ensure that the installed gym equipment is exclusively used for the activities mentioned on the trade license.

Be Prepared for Emergency Situation

The gym must be prepared to handle any kind of emergency situation. In addition to that, you should also have a complete first-aid kit available at any time.

Hire Qualified Employees

You should only hire highly trained and qualified employees for your gym or fitness center business in Dubai. The staff should have certification from the DOHMS (Department of Health and Medical Services).

Proper Ventilation and Lighting

Your primary aim should be to make the gym enjoyable for everyone even after a full day of usage of equipment. There should be proper lighting and ventilation in the gym. Ensure that you have enough fans and exhaust fans to accommodate the full facility’s load.

Hygienic and Clean Premises

Maintain hygienic and clean premises in your gym or fitness center that are up to the standards issued by the DOHMS (Department of Health and Medical Services).

Benefits of Setting Up a Gym or Fitness Center in the UAE

The availability of specific locations, a thriving real estate market and cutting-edge infrastructure will give you a huge boost and confidence to start a gym or fitness center business in Dubai, UAE. The fitness industry is expected to grow massively soon because the supplementary industries of medical tourism and healthcare have grown dramatically.

The following are some of the main benefits of setting up a gym or fitness center in the UAE:

Growing and Strong Industry

No matter what the situation or scenario is, a person’s fitness is vital. The ups or downs of the business of some specific industries depend on the country’s economy. More and more people are obtaining health club memberships during the last few decades, and the data shows that this trend will rise in the future.

Huge Variety of Options for Developing Your Business

A businessman in the United Arab Emirates has a variety of business setup possibilities. You have the option of starting your own company, buying a business franchise, or collaborating with another company in the fitness industry. The business structure that you need to choose should be determined by the requirements of your business and the activities that you would conduct in Dubai.

Flexible Size

A company is established with the goal of expanding it in the future. A gym or fitness center demands relatively fewer available resources to grow, and it can simply expand in terms of company size when needed and services provided to the clients.

Tons of Business Opportunities

Your target market in Dubai is diverse and massive. This indicates that you have a fantastic business opportunity here in Dubai. You can get this opportunity in the form of a gym, fitness resort, or any other unique and new concept that keeps your clients’ health in check.

Considerable Target Audience

Everyone, regardless of the job they do, needs to be physically fit. Physical and mental fitness has great importance in the life of both children and adults. This implies that the industry has a considerable target market.

Awesome Revenue

The majority of firms pay their executives revenue every year. But the case is different in the fitness industry. Regardless of whether or not a person uses the services, the monthly fees must be paid. This ensures a nonstop and steady stream of money for your company.

Growing Demand in the Industry

The growing awareness of fitness across the globe, especially in Dubai, gives you enough proof that it is very profitable and advantageous to establish a gym or fitness center in the UAE. Tons of people are attempting their best to make their lifestyles healthier because they are aware of the advantages of doing so.

Conclusion

A person who has never worked out will not be able to master all the fitness equipment in a gym on their first visit. In the same way, expecting a businessman or an entrepreneur to complete the process of starting a gym or fitness center business perfectly on their own would be unrealistic. Allow experienced professionals at Riz and Mona to handle all your business setup process and paperwork, so that you can focus on launching and marketing your newly opened gym or fitness center in the UAE. Simply, contact us and leave the rest to us.

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Published 18 July 2022 · Updated 14 August 2024