Dubai is well known for having the biggest and shiniest of everything (see tallest building and largest picture frame), and the gyms here are no different. These are fitness centres like you’ve never seen them before – huge, sprawling beasts with hundreds of machines, peppy instructors and (in some cases) full superclub laser lighting. There are quieter gyms too, where you can chill out at outdoor pools or enjoy a quiet session on the gym floor. These are our favourite gyms in Dubai.
1. Oxygen Gym Dubai
This absolutely mammoth gym is worth a visit for the size alone. Self-described as one of the biggest gyms in the world, Oxygen has more than 800 machines, an olympic-sized pool, sauna and steam room as well as knowledgeable staff who know their stuff when it comes to bodybuilding. The price tag is a rather hefty AED 9500+ per year (depending on membership type) and there are a few snags that need ironing out (the distinct lack of water machines is a bugbear for many clients), but it’s an impressive place that more than earns its place among the city’s best fitness facilities. Sorry ladies, this one is for men only.
2. GymNation
Another gigantic gym space, GymNation in Downtown Dubai (one of many locations across Dubai and the wider UAE) has huge studio spaces, dedicated women’s only areas, large sectioned-off spaces for running machines, free weights, and cycling. While you can come here and pound the treadmill alone, it’s the classes that make a GymNation membership worth it. Try Hyrox to get the blood pumping or book in for a fun (and surprisingly tricky) Jumpnation class (bouncing on a tiny trampoline). There are also reformer pilates, yoga and sound healing sessions available if you’re looking for something a little more relaxing. Membership from AED 229 a month.
3. The Warehouse Gym
Ooh mama, if you’ve never seen a Warehouse Gym before, you’re in for a treat. As its name suggests, this is a sprawling giant warehouse of a place, where racks upon racks of weights, boxing gloves, and fitness machines are housed below trendy exposed beams and pipes. The industrial look is complemented with spray-painted art, minimalist locker rooms and giant hanging punching bags. The main gym area is unisex but there’s a separate training area for women too, and the staff are on hand to answer any questions about equipment. You can find several branches across the city including in Al Quoz, Business Bay and Ibn Battuta. Top notch!
4. FitnGlam
The kind of workout you’ll want to post on instagram, this women-only gym chain with various locations is all about supportive sisterhood and spandex. Classes on offer include reformer pilates, barre, boxing, belly dancing and functional training, among others, as well as a gym with all the usual weights and machines. Where this place steps it up, though, is with its sauna and spa services– push yourself in the gym, then pamper it up so you leave looking more like you’ve been to the salon than a sweaty exercise class. Try a post-workout full body massage for the ultimate indulgence. From AED 1,200 per month (day passes available for around AED 150).
5. Platform
This boutique chain offers classes that are part workout session, part nightclub. Fans of the high-energy spin class style of places like Soul Cycle will find their spiritual home at Platform, where every instructor is full of beans and urges you to push yourself to the max (the random laser lighting helps too). Classes include rise, HIIT, barre and pilates – there’s even an option to book into two back-to-back 30 minute classes (if you manage it without collapsing, good on you!). You can buy classes in packs or book in for individual sessions (from AED 150).
6. Roar
Clients at Roar get a personalised experience, with a dedicated team of trainers committed to goal-oriented fitness. The price point is high, but the experience is worth it. If you’re looking to reach fitness goals (fast), this is the place to be. On joining you’ll get a detailed fitness programme as well as nutritional advice, with your journey (and, hopefully, progress) closely monitored. The aesthetic here is functional and urban, but you’re here for the weights, not the brickwork.
