Latest news with #GymNation
What's On
12 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- What's On
Beat the Heat: 24/7 gyms open all summer in Dubai
With temperatures getting ready to soar in Dubai, running outside or hitting the beach for a workout just won't be an option for a few months. Luckily, Dubai has you covered with 24/7 gyms that let you train indoors around the clock. Whether you're a night owl or an early riser, here are three top fitness centers where you can work out anytime, all summer long. GymNation GymNation is one of Dubai's most affordable and accessible gym chains, with state of the art Matrix equipment, a free weights section up to 60kg, and over 400 free group classes every month. It's ideal for everyone from beginners to serious athletes. Location: Al Quoz, Mirdif, Bur Dubai, Motor City, Silicon Oasis, and Downtown Dubai Cost: monthly packages starting from Dhs199 Contact: PureGym Known for its no frills, high value setup, PureGym offers the basics done well. You'll get 24/7 access to cardio and weight training machines, a clean and modern space, and optional personal training Location: Al Barsha and Nad Al Sheba Cost: monthly packages starting from Dhs199 + joining fee Contact: AB Fitness This massive 120,000 square foot gym boasts more than 500 pieces of equipment, an indoor running track, and a view of the marina. If you're after luxury and space, this is the place. Location: Dubai Maritime City Cost: monthly packages starting from Dhs472.50 + joining fee Contact: Warehouse Gym Warehouse Gym is a bold, high-energy fitness destination known for its graffiti-covered walls, nightclub lighting, and a strong community vibe. Designed to motivate, this gym offers specialised training zones including CrossFit, Olympic lifting, cardio, and boxing, plus group classes like cycle, HIIT, and yoga. Whether you're after aesthetic goals or performance gains, WH Gym aims to deliver serious results in a seriously cool space. Location: 12 locations across Dubai Cost: Monthly packages from Dhs315 Contact: Don't miss a thing, follow What's On on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for the latest news, events and everything in between… Images: Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Arabian Business
17-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Home-grown fitness chain GymNation hires new talent to strengthen its leadership in the region and support expansion plans
Middle East fitness brand GymNation recently announced a series of high-profile senior appointments as it gears up for a significant growth push across the GCC region. The new hires across various sectors, such as marketing, finance, corporate sales, and project delivery, are set to play a pivotal role in driving the company's strategic expansion. The moves come as GymNation positions itself to double its footprint, with a goal of operating 50 gyms across the Middle East by the end of the year. Rory McEntee, Chief Marketing Officer, will drive brand strategy, creative campaigns, and community engagement. With his vast experience in brand storytelling and culturally resonant campaigns, McEntee is expected to reinforce GymNation's reputation as the region's most disruptive and dynamic fitness brand. Rob MacTighearnain, Chief Financial Officer, brings his expertise in scaling high-growth companies across SaaS, fintech, and start-up sectors to scale GymNation's operations in the region. Sophie Hamilton-McEntee, appointed Head of Corporate Sales has extensive experience in workplace well-being initiatives. Hamilton-McEntee will lead efforts to strengthen GymNation's partnerships with businesses and promote healthier corporate cultures across the region. Samy Al Aaser joins as Projects Director and will oversee the development and rollout of new gym locations across the company's expanding portfolio. In tandem with the leadership expansion, GymNation has inaugurated a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, along with a KSA-based support team led by Colin Carter, Director of Property & Acquisitions. The team will focus on new property acquisitions across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. Loren Holland, Founder and CEO of GymNation, described the appointments as a critical step in the company's growth trajectory. 'We're delighted to welcome Rob, Rory, Samy, and Sophie to the GymNation family,' said Holland. 'Each brings a wealth of experience, fresh perspective, and leadership strengths that will be pivotal as we enter our next phase of aggressive growth. With their support, alongside the existing management team, we're confident in our ability to double the size of the business once again, and by the end of this year, we will have 50 open or committed gyms across the Middle East, capable of supporting up to 500,000 gym members.' The opening of GymNation's new headquarters in Riyadh also marks a major milestone in the company's regional expansion. Holland also highlighted the opening of GymNation's first gym in Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh's Qurtubah District, set for June 20th. 'With over 7,000 founding members already signed up, this launch reflects the enormous demand for accessible fitness in the Kingdom,' said Holland.
Campaign ME
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
GymNation CMO on brand-aligned trends and ‘stunts' in campaigns
Over the past few months, brands have been looking to differentiate themselves and remain distinctive within a crowded and competitive market, while still staying informed and reflecting trends that connect them with evolving consumer preferences. Marketers have been looking to unlock new ways to inspire innovation, engage consumers, and ensure that their brands resonates culturally and socially with diverse audiences. However, this has also required meaningful, brand-aligned trendsetting, instead of blindly following trends that may not be aligned with a brand's core values and identity. In April 2025, Campaign Middle East spotted how GymNation latched onto the April Fools' trend: Teasing the 'world's first in-gym hotel' to tap into the obsession with the Middle East region's 24/7 gym culture in a way that was both absurd and right on-brand. 'The challenge today is people in the boardroom see trends and think the brand should be jumping on the topic to get a short-term injection spike. But as marketers, we need to ask ourselves a few questions before deciding which moments to jump on.' Commenting on this in an exclusive conversation with Campaign Middle East, Rory McEntee, Chief Marketing Officer at GymNation, said. 'It wasn't random at all. It was smart, sharable, and felt very much like something GymNation could actually do.' McEntee explained. 'Meaningful, brand-aligned occasion campaigns should be rooted in authentic connection between the brand's values and the occasion being celebrated. It feels intentional, strategic, and resonant with both the brand identity and its audience. Ultimately it doesn't feel odd that your brand is talking about the topic and so it should feel normal, not forced.' He added, 'On the flip side, a gimmick or trend-chasing stunt feels opportunistic, like it's been slapped on just to for short term likes and engagement. The recent AI action doll trend is a perfect example of a gimmick where brands try to capture attention and ride the viral wave, with little thought for long-term brand equity. Ironically, those who did it just looked like copycats and there was little authentic thinking behind it all.' 'A poorly thought through stunt however runs the risk of just becoming another speck in the wall of noise.' The discussion with the GymNation CMO also delved into strategically finding the right mix of brand alignment, audience relevance, and strategic intention. 'The challenge today is people in the boardroom see trends and think the brand should be jumping on the topic to get a short-term injection spike. But as marketers, we need to ask ourselves a few questions before deciding which moments to jump on. You don't need to do Pride, April Fools or Mental Health Day just because everyone else is,' McEntee said. He called on marketers to ask themselves a few critical questions before jumping onto trends. Does it align with your brand's DNA? If it doesn't reflect your values or mission. Skip it. Does it matter to your audience? it's not just about what's trending, it's about what's meaningful to them. Can you add real value? You need to ensure you can offer something different and not just copy others. Can you offer some insight, humour or a different perspective? Are you willing to commit beyond the moment? One-off posts or stunts can feel hollow so if you're going to show up, be ready to back it up with action, and long-term storytelling. Be known for doing things regularly. Clearly, when done right, even bold or unconventional campaigns can spark real connection and drive deeper brand relevance. McEntee added, 'It's all about how you execute and why you're doing it. A well-designed stunt can cut through and connect as long as it's not just noise. If it's brave, brand-led, and culturally sharp, it can fuel relevance rather than undermine it. A poorly thought through stunt however runs the risk of just becoming another speck in the wall of noise.' Through the conversation McEntee also offered advice on how to anchor trends in 'brand truth'; how to build a sense of community through shared moments and inside jokes; and how to lean into co-creation, feedback and community participation to turn the 'stunt' into a 'collaborative brand story'. He explained, 'If the stunt reveals something true about your product, purpose, or personality, it doesn't just entertain, it reinforces brand meaning in a memorable way. Specsavers are the experts of this and their tagline – Should have gone to Specsavers – allows them to jump on almost any culturally relevant topic from sports to traffic accidents and it always feels relevant.' 'Sometimes the best stunts just give people something fun or absurd to rally around or share, creating a sense of community or in-the-know belonging. One of these biggest tribes is in the fitness world and the recent Gymshark campaign taps into the mindset of gym goers. With lines including Bite-Sized Protein with a person nibbling the callous on his hands to 'we hope you fail' with a participant struggling to life a weight, it knows how gym goers think and people relate and share the work,' he added. Recent examples, including Spotify with Wrapped, a 'moment' that's deeply personal, highly shareable, as well as those from Deliveroo and Monzo bank, highlight how brands can open the door to their audiences to be the brand moment. 'Whether through co-creation, response, or activation, this can turn a stunt into a collaborative brand story. Your community feels part of it and become conducive to your marketing efforts. That same tribe energy is also something GymNation tapped into with the hotel stunt. It became an inside joke for fitness fanatics, and it felt like it was made by the gym community for the gym community,' McEntee concluded.
Gulf Business
14-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
GymNation's Loren Holland on its innovative business model, growth
Image: Supplied Since launching in 2018, GymNation has offered an alternative to costly, contract-bound gyms through its affordable, flexible, and tech-driven model. In this interview with Gulf Business , its founder and CEO Loren Holland shares how the company has responded to shifting consumer expectations, the rise of holistic wellness, and the demand for innovation — while expanding its footprint across the region and setting a new benchmark for accessible fitness. The fitne ss industry in the Middle East has undergone significant transformation, with increasing consumer demand for accessibility, affordability, and innovation. What key shifts have you observed, and how has GymNation strategically positioned itself to capitalise on these changes? Since we launched GymNation in 2018, the Middle East market has matured rapidly. Consumers now demand greater value, transparency, and quality than ever before and are much less willing to overpay for gym memberships for substandard facilities and products. GymNation was created to lead the movement away from overpriced, mid-market and premium gyms — into a new era of high-quality, value-driven fitness experiences that are accessible to everyone. We introduced a disruptive model that combines affordability with exceptional quality which includes large-scale gyms, an unmatched selection of premium equipment, and thousands of group classes all delivered through a flexible, pay-monthly membership. GymNation is a value proposition that's not just unmatched in the fitness industry but arguably across any industry in the region. As the market continues to mature, so does our product. We remain relentlessly focused on delivering unbeatable value while consistently raising the bar on quality. We reinvest heavily to stay ahead, introducing trend-driven offerings like HYROX and Reformer Pilates ahead of other players to meet evolving member demand and ensure we continue setting the industry standard. At the same time, we're seeing a clear shift toward holistic wellness. Fitness is no longer just about training but is inclusive with recovery, mental health, and lifestyle playing an equally important role. That's why we're rolling out a comprehensive wellness and recovery experience across our gyms, including saunas, assisted stretching, massage therapy, and more — all made accessible at an affordable price point. The demand for flexible, no-contract gym memberships has increased. How has this trend influenced GymNation's business model, and what innovations have you introduced to meet these changing expectations? Flexibility has always been at the core of GymNation's model. From day one, we removed the barriers that traditionally stopped people from joining a gym: high prices, contracts, hidden fees, and complicated sign-up processes. Instead, we introduced a transparent, pay-monthly model that gives members the freedom to choose what works for them. This philosophy extends far beyond pricing. Before GymNation launched, no gym in the region was offering online sign-ups. In fact, we were told by the CEO of a major fitness chain that it would never work here. Fast forward to today, and we've built what's widely recognised as one of the most technologically advanced gym chains in the world. From our e-commerce-first approach and market-leading digital marketing and sales engines to instant, automated support powered by our in-house AI systems, we've redefined what a gym experience can be. All of this ensures we deliver the flexibility, control, and real value today's consumers demand and this is why GymNation continues to lead the market in growth, innovation, and member satisfaction. As a market disruptor, GymNation has redefined affordability and accessibility in the UAE fitness industry. What innovative strategies or business decisions have been instrumental in setting it apart from other players in the region? Our success has come from doing things differently and doing them better. We didn't try to replicate what already existed; we built a new model designed to disrupt from day one. That started with stripping away the unnecessary costs and exclusivity that dominated the market and instead focusing on delivering exceptional value at scale. We launched massive, world-class gyms in prime locations at a fraction of the price of traditional operators proving that affordability doesn't have to come at the expense of quality. We've also invested heavily in technology, AI, and automation to streamline operations, lower overheads, and improve the member experience, making us more efficient and customer-focused than traditional operators. While many in the industry focused on high-end segments, we've always focused on inclusivity, creating fitness spaces that welcome everyone, from first-timers to elite athletes. Ultimately, GymNation has redefined what people expect from a gym in the Middle East — and in doing so, we've set a new standard for the industry at large. GymNation has cultivated a strong fitness community. How do you foster this sense of belonging, and why do you think community engagement is crucial for retention and growth? The word 'community' gets thrown around far too often in this industry. I'm honestly tired of hearing operators claim they've built a strong community just because the receptionist knows your name or someone hands you a free protein shake. That's not community — that's customer service. We now have over 110,000 members, and with the 20 new gyms opening this year, we'll soon easily surpass 230,000. With a membership base that size, it's impossible to take a one-size-fits-all approach. But what we've done exceptionally well is create and support countless sub-communities — from LES MILLS fans to HYROX race participants, from strength training groups to Muay Thai teams — each tailored to the unique needs and passions of our members. We know there's still more to be done, and we're committed to doing it at a scale no one else in the region has attempted yet. Our focus now is on connecting these micro-communities — bringing them together through powerful, ongoing digital and in-person activations, and giving them a shared space where everyone is motivated to achieve. When members are encouraged and inspired by others around them — that's when loyalty is built. Recovery is becoming just as important as training. Are there plans to introduce new recovery-focused services, such as cryotherapy, compression therapy, or mindfulness programmes? Absolutely. Recovery is no longer a luxury but a necessity. We firmly believe that the future of fitness lies in a more holistic approach, where training, recovery, data and mental wellness all work together to support long-term health and performance. As mentioned previously, we're rolling out the most comprehensive wellness and recovery offering the region has seen — including dedicated recovery zones with saunas, steam rooms, assisted stretching, massage therapy, and more. We will continue to explore new modalities as they emerge and ensure, just like we have done with our gym product, that we can make them affordable and accessible for everyone. What personal philosophy drives your approach to business and innovation at GymNation? How do you stay motivated to continuously push boundaries in such a competitive space? For me, it's always been about building something that genuinely improves people's lives. GymNation was never just a business idea — I was a consumer and grew tired of the way the fitness industry operated in this region. Overpriced memberships, upfront payments, underwhelming facilities — it didn't make sense. So rather than complain about it, we set out to fix it. I've always believed in challenging the status quo. If something doesn't make sense for the consumer — we change it. If it hasn't been done before — we try it. That mindset has helped us disrupt an outdated industry and continuously innovate. What keeps me motivated? Knowing that we're just getting started. There's so much more we can do to make fitness even more accessible across the region. We're only scratching the surface. What does the future of GymNation and the fitness industry at large look like? Are there any emerging trends, technologies, or expansion plans that will further solidify its leadership in the Middle East's fitness landscape? The future of fitness in this region lies in affordability, inclusivity, and access to a world-class fitness experience, and GymNation is perfectly positioned to lead this movement across the Middle East. We're expanding at a rapid pace, with over 20 new gyms opening this year alone, doubling the size of our business once again, as we did in 2024. Company formations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar are already underway, laying the groundwork for additional growth outside of the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Behind this momentum is a world-class leadership team, including several newly appointed key positions in the last month alone, such as a CFO, CMO, director of property acquisitions, head of corporate sales and projects director – who are all, along with 20 other members of the wider management team, equity incentivized to take At the same time, we're doubling down on technology. From AI-powered sales agents to proprietary smart billing technology, our tech-first approach allows us to scale faster, operate smarter, and deliver greater value to our members than anyone else in the market. This combination of regional scale, product innovation, and operational excellence puts GymNation in a category of its own but that said, the best is yet to come. Read:
Tourism Breaking News
26-03-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
GymNation Unveils the World's First In-Gym Hotel; the perfect pull-up for the upcoming Eid weekend
Post Views: 119 GymNation, the homegrown UAE fitness brand, has announced the launch of the world's first in-gym hotel, The GymNation Hotel. The new hotel concept provides the perfect spot to reset between sets or crash after a late-night workout – without the need to head home to recover. Available to book directly with GymNation, this isn't your average hotel, it's a premium recovery station built for gym bunnies who are ready to spring into action or to take away any excuse from the reluctant gym goers. Have you ever been accused of living in the gym? Well now you actually can. Think dumbbell-shaped towels for that extra fitness flair and a 'Press for Protein' button to deliver a fresh protein shake straight to your bed. No time for lounging? Fire up your TV for a quick 'Gymflix' fix while you stretch or foam roll. The GymNation Hotel isn't about hitting snooze, it's about resetting fast so you can get those gains. Commenting on the launch, Loren Holland, Founder and CEO of GymNation, said, 'We're always looking to innovate and on a recent trip to Riyadh, where, a new idea came to us. While most hotels provide gym facilities, why aren't there any gyms that provide hotel facilities?' The new hotel launch from GymNation comes as health and fitness continues to boom across the Middle East and gym penetration rates experiencing the fastest growth in the world, with KSA leading at 16.8% CAGR (2020-2023) and UAE at 5.8%. A recent study[1] also found that 90% of travellers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia are proactively working out when they go on a trip. The GymNation Hotel concept is designed to provide a potential new alternative for visitors coming to Dubai, with the emirate welcoming a record-breaking 28.72[2] million visitors last year, marking 9% year-on-year growth. As well as boasting a 78% hotel occupancy rate in 2024 Dubai has recently stated that it plans to add over 11,300 hotel rooms by 2027, as it looks to meet continued demand from international travellers. 'GymNation is all about making health and wellness more accessible, affordable and fun for more people and the GymNation Hotel takes that mindset to the next level. As well as providing an affordable way to stay in Dubai, at a great location, our new hotel cuts out travel time or the need to head home after a workout. Our hotel guests will be able to power up, recharge and hit the next set, rolling straight out of their bed and onto the gym floor. We're excited to trial this idea and based on the take-up, we will be looking to expand across our other gyms in the UAE and KSA. As we stay focused on doing what other gyms are either unwilling or unable to do, GymNation will lead the charge helping create a healthier and more active region,' continued Holland. Train like a beast, rest like royalty. The GymNation Hotel is the perfect place to crush your workout, hit the hay, and wake up ready to go again. Be the first to experience the world's first in-gym hotel! Register your interest now at and secure your spot. [1] Fitness on holiday key trend in UAE, Saudi Arabia [2]
