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The Middle East Market Poised for Fitness Boom

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Awareness for focus on health and wellness solutions continues to grow across the globe. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is taking notice. Governments and municipalities are focusing on providing their citizens with information and opportunities to be active and make healthier choices. Private businesses are also taking notice as sport and fitness options tailored to local tastes and customs are entering the market. Whether it’s 24/7 access to a fitness facility or a coach-led workout, opportunities to help give people the tools to improve their health is a big opportunity in the Middle East.

In 2019 more than 54 million adults in the Middle East had diabetes.

By 2045, that figure is expected to hit 108 million - an increase of 96.5%.

Fitness is for everyone

A growing health awareness has altered consumer preferences, leading to an increased demand for health and fitness brands. Although the GCC currently has the lowest physical activity participation rate in the world at just 26%, younger generations show a growing awareness of the importance of fitness.

At the same time, the fitness industry itself is changing. Once a luxury endeavor enjoyed only by the wealthy and expats, fitness opportunities for less affluent fitness enthusiasts are on the rise in the form of lower-cost gyms, fitness centers, dance, and martial arts studios.

The GCC market (now $22.6 billion) will see a robust 7.8% annual growth rate through 2023.

The opportunity for fitness

Now is an ideal time to invest in the growing fitness boom. Well established fitness franchisors offer more than proven business models with a rich history of success. They’ve already been built to adjust to local and regional norms, and ready to grow and thrive in the Middle East.

Customer demand, government support, and proven global models like Anytime Fitness create a world of opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs. This includes big growth opportunities in the female fitness market due to evolving social norms.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes a Quality of Life Program with a key tenet being: Increase public participation in sports and athletic activities.

Raj Kumar

As we continue our international expansion, Self Esteem Brands is looking for markets where we believe there is an opportunity for more fitness solutions, and where the local consumers are asking for more localized solutions in their communities. The Middle East is a high priority for us.

Raj Kumar

Executive Vice President, International, Self Esteem Brands

Self Esteem Brands, the gold standard in wellness franchising, is looking for entrepreneurs to grow with us.

We seek master franchisees to partner with us and develop a market. We have three best-in-class formats and a proven track record of helping our franchisees grow. Building on our success with Anytime Fitness, we are also bringing two proven boutique fitness formats – Basecamp Fitness and The Bar Method – to the global market.

Over 5,000 Locations

Franchised On All 7 Continents

4.8 Million Members

Multiple Revenue Streams

Proven Concept

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ABOUT SELF ESTEEM BRANDS
ANYTIME FITNESS

Anytime fitness is the most established and strongest performing fitness franchise worldwide, operating in 32 countries on all seven continents. Four million members across the globe use our fitness centers to improve their health and wellness and change their lives. A new member joins an Anytime Fitness every minute.

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness prides itself on providing our members with surprisingly personable service in convenient and well-maintained facilities which feature top-quality exercise equipment. Anytime Fitness is focused on convenience and coaching in order to “make healthy happen” across the globe.

the bar method

The Bar Method’s programs focus on body sculpting through isometrics, dance conditioning, physical therapy, and interval training that empowers women to be the best version of themselves by creating highly efficient, full-body workouts that build inner and outer strength, grace and poise.

As barre-based workouts continue to grow in popularity across the globe, The Bar Method’s proven success model and luxurious studio space provides a unique experience for their members.

BASECAMP FITNESS

Basecamp Fitness provides a fun and fast-paced high intensity interval training (HIIT) workout that tests how far you are willing to push yourself. Whether you are a novice or an expert, the exercises are easily modified to challenge your fitness level in a 35-minute class.

Basecamp Fitness is expanding its franchising opportunities both domestically and globally. With a group fitness format that focuses on community, best-in-class training and support, and a recurring revenue model, Basecamp Fitness is poised for global expansion.

BRING THE #1 FRANCHISE IN THE WORLD TO YOUR COUNTRY

*Global Wellness Institute, “The Physical Activity and Fitness Market Report for Middle East-North Africa,” September 29, 2020. https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/press-room/press-releases/new-reports-the-physicalactivity-fitness-markets-for-six-global-regions/