UAE's fitness industry worth over Dhs 100M

Speaking at Sportex, the Middle East's premier fitness and sports goods exhibition, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Michael James O'Sullivan, Sales Manager for Al Kamda Trading said the country is the region's fastest growing market in the region.

"With millions of US dollars being invested in development and tourism projects, all of which require high end, state-of-the-art health facilities, prospects for the foreseeable future are very bright," said O'Sullivan.

"In Dubai alone there are 29 five-star hotels and more are planned. The number of luxury residences is also increasing substantially. Operators and owners can no longer provide only a pool or tennis and squash courts. Today, people expect fully fitted gyms, packed with the latest equipment, for their exercise needs.

"In order to satisfy this demand hotel gyms, in particular, have become profit centres, generating significant revenue through membership. Demand is such that an investment of Dhs 1 million can be repaid, with profit, within 12 months," said O'Sullivan.

The UAE has one of the highest gym usage rates in the world, according to Raymond Kelly, Chief Executive, Raymond Sport, that has returned to Sportex after a six-year absence. The Dubai-based company saw its turnover increase by more than 40% last year.

"Despite the high usage rate, many people are put off by existing gym advertising that stresses body transformation rather than the lifestyle benefits of exercise. This group represents a huge potential audience if a way can be found to get them into health clubs," said Kelly.

"That's why we have introduced a range of functionality exercise equipment, at Sportex, that closely mirrors every day events, such as lifting a heavy box or bag. Feedback from other markets shows the machines are more appealing to those who understand the benefits of regular exercise but are uneasy about using traditional gym programmes.

"If the significant growth we have seen in the fitness sector is to continue health club operators will have to ensure that they appeal to a wider cross section of the community. In future, that means not only making facilities accessible but also more user friendly," said Kelly.

Sportex 2002, organised by International Expo-Consults (IEC), is showcasing the latest sports and fitness brands from 30 companies representing seven European, Middle East and Far East countries.

The show, which closes Thursday night, has seen a number of regional product launches including BroadcastVision's personal entertainment consoles, Stairmaster's state-of-the-art C40 work out console and the Schwinn Cycling programme.