A new report from GymNation reveals that 92% of residents in the UAE and KSA are focused on improving their health in 2025, reflecting a significant commitment to wellness in the region. This finding underscores a growing aspiration for healthier lifestyles among the population, far outpacing global averages like the UK (76%) and the USA (75%).
GymNation Health & Fitness Report 2025
The GymNation UAE & KSA Health & Fitness Report 2025 highlights a remarkable trend in the region, with the vast majority of respondents prioritizing health as their main goal for the year ahead. The survey reveals a deep commitment to physical and mental well-being, marking the UAE and KSA as regional leaders in health aspirations.
Karl Foster, CTO of GymNation, explained, “We conducted this research to show our commitment to empowering our communities to strive for healthier, more fulfilling lives. The findings show the region’s remarkable progress towards building healthier populations, as well as the need for more affordable, more inclusive, and beginner-friendly gym experiences.”
Affordability still a barrier to fitness
While residents are eager to improve their health, the study also reveals that affordability remains a significant barrier to fitness. Over 50% of non-members in the UAE and KSA cited cost as the primary reason for not joining a gym. Despite this challenge, the region is experiencing rapid growth in gym memberships, driven by more accessible and budget-friendly gym options.
GymNation has responded to this challenge by offering affordable memberships that are significantly cheaper than competitors. “We want to play a leading role in improving the health and well-being for the people in the region, democratising health and fitness by making going to the gym less intimidating, more affordable, more accessible, and fun for everyone,” Foster added.
A rising commitment to fitness
The report also reveals that 82% of UAE and KSA residents describe themselves as at least somewhat active, with 79% working out at least twice a week. This reflects a region increasingly dedicated to fitness, with gym penetration rates growing at an accelerated pace. KSA, in particular, has seen an impressive 16.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in gym memberships from 2020 to 2023, and the UAE follows with a 5.8% growth rate.
In addition to physical benefits, 92% of respondents also view exercise as a critical tool for reducing stress and improving mental well-being, reinforcing the importance of fitness in both physical and emotional health.
As a leading fitness brand in the region, GymNation is focused on addressing affordability by offering flexible, pay-monthly memberships that make gym access more accessible to a wider range of people. In the past year alone, GymNation opened 10 new gyms, including six in Saudi Arabia, and plans to open at least 20 more in 2025. These efforts aim to reduce the barriers to fitness and make it easier for more residents to get active.
Loren Holland, Founder and CEO of GymNation, said, “Dubai and Riyadh remain as the 3rd and 5th most expensive cities in the world for gym memberships—a reality that needs to change. GymNation continues to tackle a lack of affordability head-on. By offering memberships at over half the price of competitors, we are making fitness more accessible than ever before.”
Looking towards a healthier future
The findings from GymNation’s report suggest that the UAE and KSA are on track to continue their impressive progress toward healthier lifestyles. With increasing health aspirations, rising fitness investments, and a commitment to addressing barriers to access, the region is well-positioned to lead the way in global fitness trends in 2025 and beyond.
As Karl Foster noted, “It is clear that our region is taking health and fitness seriously, with commitments to healthier lifestyles and gym memberships increasing every year.” With affordable and accessible fitness options expanding, the path to better health is becoming more achievable for everyone.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com