The comprehensive report shows that while most people across the UAE and KSA aim to improve their health, the high cost of gym memberships and feelings of ‘gymtimidation’ are significant barriers to entry
A landmark survey released by GymNation, the UAE-based fitness giant, reveals a significant fitness boom in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with a staggering 92% of respondents expressing a desire to lead healthier lives in 2025. However, high costs and gym intimidation continue to prevent many from starting their fitness journeys.
With a mission to make fitness accessible and affordable for all, GymNation has become a trailblazer in breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity in the fitness industry. In its latest initiative, the brand has released the UAE & KSA Health & Fitness Report 2025, the largest survey of its kind in the region.
With responses from more than 9,600 residents across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), this report shines a light on barriers, opportunities and a fitness industry that continues to shift.
“We conducted this research to show our commitment to empowering our communities to strive for healthier, more fulfilling lives,” says Karl Foster, the company’s CTO. ”The findings show the region’s remarkable progress toward building healthier populations, as well as the need for more affordable, more inclusive and beginner-friendly gym experiences.”
Key Findings: A Strong Desire for Better Health
The desire to improve health is a common thread among respondents. Further, the findings reveal that fitness participation rates are experiencing the fastest growth in the world, with KSA leading at 16.8% CAGR (2020-The desire to improve health is a common thread among respondents. Further, the findings reveal that gym penetration rates are experiencing the fastest growth in the world, with KSA leading at 16.8% CAGR (2020-2023) and UAE at 5.8%.
Some additional key takeaways:
- 92% of respondents said that becoming healthier is a major aspiration for 2025, which is far higher than in the UK (76%) and the USA (75%).
- The majority (82%) of UAE and KSA respondents described themselves as at least somewhat active, with over three-quarters (79%) working out twice a week or more.
- 64% state that their health has improved over the past year, with an additional 26% having maintained it.
- 92% place high importance on mental well-being, viewing exercise as crucial for stress reduction and overall health improvement.
- Over 40% of participants also claimed to have increased their spend on fitness in the last 12 months, which is nearly double that of the UK at 24%.
“It is clear that our region is taking health and fitness seriously with commitments to healthier lifestyles and gym memberships increasing every year,” says Foster.
While the report paints an encouraging picture of rising fitness participation, it also makes clear that there is still work to be done to sustain and accelerate industry growth.
Barriers to Fitness: Affordability & Intimidation
Affordability emerged as the number one barrier to people joining a gym and one of the top reasons why people cancel their existing gym memberships. Over 50% of non-members in the UAE and KSA cited cost as the primary obstacle. Cities like Dubai and Riyadh rank among the world’s most expensive for gym memberships, with fees up to 150% higher than Stockholm and 25% more than London.
“Dubai and Riyadh are ranked as the 3rd and 5th most expensive cities globally for gym memberships – a reality that needs to change,” says Loren Holland, Founder and CEO of GymNation.
“By offering memberships at less than half the cost of competitors and providing flexible, pay-monthly options, GymNation is working to make fitness more accessible than ever.”
This strategy is having a tangible impact — breaking down barriers for individuals who want to lead healthier lives but have hesitated to take the first step in joining a gym.
“In our report, over half of new GymNation members said they had no prior gym membership in the 12 months before joining,” notes Holland. “This key finding highlights the significant role of affordable operators like GymNation in expanding the fitness market rather than simply taking market share from other existing operators.”
Another critical deterrent identified is “gymtimidation,” particularly among women. Nearly 50% of women and 42% of men reported feeling intimidated at the gym. The reasons cited include unfamiliarity with equipment (72% of women), lack of exercise knowledge, and self-consciousness about working out in front of others.
Being a Worthy Movement Partner
GymNation’s approach exemplifies how gyms can adapt to the evolving needs of their communities. By prioritizing affordability, inclusivity and accessibility, the brand has positioned itself as a leader in the Middle East’s fitness revolution.
“As The Region’s Movement Partner, we want to play a leading role in improving the health and well-being of the people in the region, democratizing health and fitness by making going to the gym less intimidating, more affordable, more accessible and fun for everyone,” says Foster.
Over the past year alone, GymNation opened 10 new gyms – including 6 in Saudi Arabia – and now boasts a membership base of over 110,000. Plans for 20 additional locations in 2025 signal GymNation’s commitment to meeting demand.
It’s clear that GymNation’s UAE & KSA Health & Fitness Report 2025 highlights a region poised for transformative growth. With collective efforts to tackle barriers like affordability, intimidation and accessibility, the Middle East’s fitness industry is on the brink of significant change. The global fitness and wellness industry can take cues from the report and the region’s growth as a roadmap to successful engagement and retention.
The report includes a deeper dive into barriers and motivation, diet and nutrition, social factors, financial considerations and more. View the full report and learn more about tapping into unexplored and underserved markets.
