dubai-fitness-statistics

Exploring Fitness in Dubai: Key Statistics and Trends for 2024

| Last Updated: February 17, 2025
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Key Insights

The Dubai fitness service market was valued at AED 1.3 billion in 2022.
Digital fitness and well-being revenue in the UAE is projected to reach USD 218.30 million or AED 801.81 million in 2025.
The UAE fitness equipment market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% by 2027. 

The UAE, especially Dubai, is becoming an international wellness hub through programs like the Dubai Fitness Challenge. This initiative urges residents to do 30 minutes of physical activity every day for 30 days. 

But more than a personal pursuit, the city’s fitness industry contributes heavily to the local economy. The booming fitness market involves fitness centers, boutique studios, spas, organic nutrition, and wellness tourism.

Dubai’s efforts to promote health and fitness also align with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) fitness goals. Both desire to reduce sedentary lifestyles, fight obesity, and encourage regular physical activity.

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Since 2018, the UAE’s fitness levels started slightly below the global average but have since surged ahead, driven by the growing impact of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC).

In 2018, the UAE’s wellbeing index stood at 60.5, just below the international average of 60.6. By 2022, the UAE’s score rose to 65.4, a 4.9-point increase, while the global average dipped slightly to 60.

During the first DFC iteration, 19% of participants were exercising an hour per day or more. However, by 2021, this had soared to 36%. 

Given this increase, the number of participants working out beyond an hour per day has almost quadrupled from 149,340 in 2017 to 594,000 in 2021.

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Based on the graph, the UAE has seen a great revenue boom for digital fitness and well-being solutions. From USD 37.7 million (AED 138.47 million) in 2018, the market is expected to reach USD 281.21 million (AED 1.033 billion) by 2028.

Fitness trackers dominate the market as well. This aligns with the UAE’s tech-savvy population and the trend of integrating fitness into daily routines, aided by wearable devices.

In addition, health and wellness Coaching is continuously growing. Revenue in this segment will rise from USD 5 to 10 million in 2018 to over USD 50 million by 2028.

Dubai Fitness Challenge

The goal of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) is to encourage individuals to foster a fitness-oriented mindset and embrace healthier, more active lifestyles.

The challenge offers a packed schedule of fitness-related events across the city. This involves free workouts, exciting running, cycling, swimming, yoga, padel tournaments, and wellness-focused entertainment.

It also attracts over a million participants every year, which has significantly raised the number of people exercising regularly. For instance, those working out for 60 minutes daily grew from 19% in 2017 to 36% in 2021.

Gym Statistics in Dubai and the UAE

In 2016, the UAE fitness market was worth AED 1.3 billion. By 2026, it’s forecast to hit AED 3 billion, more than double in 6 years. 

More specifically, this sector is booming, with 800 fitness clubs and 523,000 members, representing a 6% gym penetration rate. This is far below mature markets like the UK, which boasts 15%.

Another thing that reshapes the market is the rise of boutique gyms offering specialized workouts, like indoor cycling and boxing, alongside low-cost gyms. 

For example, Gym Nation started with memberships as low as AED 99 per month, paving the way for affordable fitness options that could expand gym memberships across Dubai.

Popular Fitness Activities in Dubai

In 2024, the Dubai fitness services market was valued at over USD 700 million and is on a trajectory to cross the billion-dollar mark. 

This is because Dubai has become a welcoming hub for health buffs and fitness enthusiasts. Strength training, functional workouts like CrossFit, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and group workouts have also become popular.

The city’s love for running is also shown in large-scale events like the Dubai Marathon, which attracts thousands of participants annually. Plus, community running groups and jogging tracks in Kite Beach, Al Ittihad Park, and Dubai Canal have made outdoor running a favorite activity.

Yoga became popular too, with dedicated studios offering everything, from power yoga to hot yoga. Many gyms and wellness centers also provide meditation and mindfulness classes as well.

On top of that, water-based fitness activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, kitesurfing, jet skiing, and open-water swimming are becoming extremely well-known. 

Demographics of Fitness Participants in Dubai

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The male segment maintains a dominant market share in the Dubai fitness service market as of 2022. This shows its continued stronghold in the upcoming years. 

Still, the opening of women-centric gyms such as Fit Social set up in a 30,000-square-foot large facility indicates growing opportunities in the female segment. 

With over 30% of UAE women facing obesity and another 34% overweight, the demand for fitness services tailored to women is likely to increase in the coming years.

Role of Technology in Dubai’s Fitness Trends

Dubai’s fitness scene is quickly growing, and technology is crucial in transforming how residents approach health and exercise. 

Wearable fitness devices, AI-powered virtual workouts (AI-driven fitness, coaching, real-time performance tracking), and cutting-edge innovations have made fitness more accessible, personalized, and engaging.

The city has also seen a high adoption rate of fitness wearables for heart rate monitoring, step count, sleep analysis, and nutrition tracking. Brands like Apple, Garmin, Fitbit, and Whoop dominate this market.

Virtual fitness has also gained traction for those who prefer home-based and on-the-go workouts. Examples are fitness apps and streams of on-demand workouts.

Dubai Government Initiatives and Policies for Fitness

Dubai is actively working towards becoming one of the world’s healthiest cities by 2040. One of the main efforts is transforming the city into a pedestrian-friendly city all year round.

The government has launched several initiatives and policies to prioritize health and fitness through state-of-the-art infrastructure, citywide challenges, and wellness programs.

To promote an active lifestyle, Dubai has invested heavily in free and accessible fitness spaces, including over 100 public parks with jogging tracks, cycling lanes, and outdoor gym stations. 

The city also hosts international sporting events and community-driven activities to encourage mass participation in fitness, like the Dubai Spartan Trifecta Weekend 2025, Tough Mudder, Ironman Dubai, and corporate sports tournaments.

Challenges and Opportunities in Dubai’s Fitness Industry

Dubai’s fitness industry is evolving rapidly, though it’s not without its challenges. These include high average gym membership fees, which cost around AED 300 to 600 monthly. This is significantly higher than in many other global cities.

Market saturation is also a consideration. Dubai has over 800 gyms and fitness clubs, creating intense competition among traditional gyms, boutique studios, and outdoor fitness programs.

Moreover, Dubai’s extreme summer temperatures (up to 50°C) make outdoor workouts challenging for nearly half the year. Sports events and outdoor boot camps often struggle with lower participation during hotter months.

And globally, the average weekly gym visit per member is 2, but in some UAE gyms, it’s even lower. Factors include lack of motivation, engagement, or the UAE’s fast-paced style.

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