GymNation was established by Loren Holland, Frank Afeaki, and Ant Martland,[2] with the first GymNation gym opening in June 2018 in Al Quoz, Dubai.[5][6]
By mid-2021, GymNation had become one of the largest chains of fitness centers in the United Arab Emirates.[7]
GymNation facilities typically include cardio equipment, free weights, resistance machines, and functional training areas.[9] Some locations include multiple group exercise studios and specialised training zones, including combat training areas.[10]
The company operates gender-segregated facilities at several locations, including separate men’s and women’s gyms in Saudi Arabia and Sharjah.[11][12] GymNation also operates women-only facilities and/or dedicated ladies-only studios at some sites in the UAE.[13]
Les Mills programmes – GymNation offers a range of internationally recognised Les Mills group fitness formats at selected locations, delivered in dedicated studios. Programmes include strength, cardio, flexibility, and conditioning-focused classes such as BODYPUMP, BODYATTACK and BODYBALANCE, which are developed and updated globally by Les Mills International. Industry publications have cited GymNation’s adoption of Les Mills programming as part of its strategy to deliver standardised group fitness experiences at accessible price points within the Middle East fitness market.[15][16][17][18]
Reformer Pilates – GymNation partnered with BASI Systems to introduce reformer Pilates equipment and programming at its locations.[19][20]
HYROX training – GymNation has a multi-year partnership with HYROX to roll out dedicated HYROX Performance and Training Centers in the region, offering HYROX-specific functional training environments and classes.[21][22]
BLITZ – BLITZ is a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group fitness concept developed by GymNation and delivered in boutique-style studios at select locations. Independent fitness media has described BLITZ as one of the company’s signature class formats.[23]
Boxing – In October 2021, British boxer Amir Khan launched a boxing academy in partnership with GymNation, his first such venture in the Middle East.[24]
Further Expansion
In August 2024, GymNation launched in Saudi Arabia, selling out its initial 12,000 memberships in less than 72 hours.[25] In the same month, GymNation acquired its Motor City site in the Control Tower for AED 70 million.[26]
In December 2025, GymNation expanded into the Kingdom of Bahrain with the opening of its first gym at Atrium Mall in Saar. Ahead of the official opening, the company reported selling more than 3,000 memberships within the first 24 hours of pre-launch sales.[27][28]
At the time of the Bahrain launch, GymNation operated a total of 34 gyms across the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia and had reported serving more than 150,000 members.[29][30]
A second Bahrain location at Oasis Plaza in Muharraq was announced with a scheduled opening in April 2026. Both facilities are reported to operate on a 24-hour basis and include large training areas, group exercise studios, and dedicated recovery and ladies-only areas.[31]
Awards and Recognition
GymNation has received several awards and industry recognitions for its workplace culture, brand strength, customer experience, and contribution to the fitness industry in the Middle East.
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, recognising GymNation among the top 10% of attractions worldwide, awarded for three consecutive years (2023–2025).[32][33][34]
Voted Best Gym in the UAE, as determined by Virgin Radio UAE listeners, for three consecutive years (latest award in 2024).[35][36]
Best Company to Work For – SME, awarded by the UAE Employee Happiness Awards (2024).[37]
Named one of Arabian Business’ 100 Most Admired Companies in the Middle East (2024).[38]
Fast Company – Brands That Matter, recognising GymNation as a Brand That Matters in the Middle East (2025).[39]
Investment
In February 2022, JD Sports Gyms, part of the FTSE 100-listed group JD Sports, announced an investment into GymNation in its bid to expand within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.[40][41][42][43] In November 2023, GymNation announced a management buyout of all equity held by previous investor JD Sports.[44][45] This deal, backed by Tricap Investments and Ruya Partners, made GymNation's founders and management team, Loren Holland, Frank Afeaki, and Anthony Martland, significant majority shareholders in the business.[46]
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