30 October 2026Consultancy-me.com
Health and Fitness
UAE Industry Report 2026
The UAE’s most comprehensive industry-led overview of the health and fitness sector, driven by operator data, employee insights and extensive consumer research.
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The UAE Health & Fitness Industry Report 2026 was officially launched yesterday at an event at the Ministry of Sports in Dubai, bringing together prominent figures from across the region’s industry to explore the industry’s latest trends, growth prospects and emerging opportunities. The research process was led by Qantara Sports.
Now in its second edition, the report provides an updated assessment of the UAE’s health and fitness market, examining industry performance, consumer behaviour, workforce perspectives and the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector.
Commissioned by IEG Middle East through a memorandum
Commissioned by IEG Middle East through a memorandum of understanding partnership involving the UAE Sports Science and Sports Medicine Training Center under the Ministry of Sports and the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (EBBF), the report aims to equip operators, investors, government entities and businesses with data to drive informed decisions and growth.
Qantara Sports, a global boutique sports consultancy, was appointed as the independent research partner for the UAE Health & Fitness Industry Report 2026. Qantara Sports was responsible for conducting the research and developing the study, bringing together industry data, stakeholder insights and market analysis to provide a comprehensive picture of the sector.
The 25-page report draws on insights from 122 gym and fitness operators across the UAE, with data collected between August and mid-October 2026. Its findings highlight both the growth potential and the structural challenges facing the industry.
Among the key findings, 72% of surveyed non-gym
Among the key findings, 72% of surveyed non-gym members indicated that they would consider joining or returning to a gym, pointing to significant untapped potential for the sector. At the same time, 65% of fitness operators anticipate business growth in the year ahead, while 47% reported revenue declines over the previous 12 months.
The research also identifies important challenges around participation, retention and workforce satisfaction. Lack of time was identified by 38% of consumers as the biggest barrier to exercise, while 70% of operators reported renewing half or fewer of their members annually. Furthermore, 30% of fitness professionals surveyed are considering leaving their current employer within the next year.
Speaking about the report, Ziad Saleh, Board Member at the UAE Sports Science and Sports Medicine Training Center, said: “Reliable data is fundamental to the advancement of any industry. The UAE Health & Fitness Industry Report provides a clearer picture of the sector’s evolving needs and opportunities, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions that support sustainable development and encourage greater participation in health and fitness.”
Qantara Sports
For Qantara Sports, the project builds
For Qantara Sports, the project builds on its extensive experience in the sports industry and its involvement in the inaugural edition of the report.
“Sports market research and industry studies form part of our broader consulting expertise,” said Jordi Pinillos, CEO of Qantara Sports. “This project reflects the importance of research and market intelligence in supporting the growth and development of the health and fitness sector.”
“Understanding market dynamics, identifying emerging trends and assessing industry needs are essential to helping organizations make informed strategic, investment and business decisions,” he added.
In the Middle East, Qantara Sports has an award-winning track record, delivered by its offices in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The firm also has a presence in Portugal and Spain, as well as a satellite hub in Africa.
- Qantara Sports
- United Arab Emirates
- Sport
