Fitness boom set for KSA

Health clubs plan expansion as more people enjoy the social aspects of gyms.

The fitness industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is expected to experience a boom this year, according to fitness professionals based in the country.

"A few health club chains are already present in the market and all have plans to expand - like Fitness First (UK), Fitness Time (KSA), Body Master (KSA) and Apple Fitness (KSA)," said InterContinental Riyadh recreation manager Mounir Melliti.

Virgin Active is also believed to be looking into the market, said Fawaz Al Rahji, owner and founder of Apple Fitness.

Speaking exclusively to Leisure Manager, AlRahji added that he had already been approached by two major global fitness brands in order to establish a joint venture for the local market.

AlRajhi launched the first Apple Fitness in 2006 and plans to grow the chain to six clubs by 2010.

Gold's Gym is also set to expand in the country, with leases signed for clubs in Riyadh and on the east coast.

"The modern fitness industry in Saudi Arabia started in Jeddah, with the opening of the largest Gold's Gym in the world, and the largest private fitness centre in the Middle East," said Gold's Gym Grand founder and CEO Makarem Batterjee.

He said that competition from other health club chains would be good for the industry but said the main challenge would be to educate consumers as to the benefits of fitness.

"In KSA, fitness awareness is not as advanced as in other countries in the region," said Baterjee.

He added that people liked the social aspects of a gym.

"The industry is developing at a faster rate due to the fact that people in Saudi Arabia have few places where they could unwind for starters," agreed AlRajhi.

" I see new women facilities opening and less cultural restrictions, thus leading the way to improving the industry," said Al Rajhi.