Dubai-founded GymNation has revealed plans to open 50 new fitness centers in Saudi Arabia, targeting the kingdom’s booming fitness industry. The mid-market brand, established six years ago, currently operates 11 gyms in Dubai, with six more set to open soon. Founder and CEO Loren Holland stated that six sites in Saudi Arabia are already in progress, with locations in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar, and two more pending finalization.
The Saudi fitness sector is valued at approximately SAR16 billion ($4.26 billion), with a workforce of over 23,000 professionals. According to Raid Ismail, head of Mena direct investments at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP reached 0.15 percent in 2022.
Another Dubai-based sports company, Champs, is also looking to expand into Saudi Arabia. Launched in Dubai in 2021, Champs currently operates in three venues in the emirate. Founder and CEO Fadi El-Khatib aims to expand further into Abu Dhabi and across Saudi Arabia, with plans including flagship Champs venues and basketball locations in Riyadh, Jeddah, and potentially Khobar.
Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the government aims to increase the proportion of the population engaged in physical activities to 40 percent. UK-based fitness brand PureGym has signed an agreement to open at least 130 gyms across the region, including 40 in Saudi Arabia by 2025.
Despite the growing interest in fitness, gym membership across the country currently stands at only 3.7 percent, indicating significant growth potential in the market. With ambitious expansion plans and a focus on fitness and wellness, GymNation, Champs, and other international brands are poised to make a significant impact on Saudi Arabia’s fitness industry.
