Gymnation’s latest report into the Gulf region revealed this is a population with high health aspirations, as 94 per cent of people said they want to be more healthy.

Further to this, 93 per cent of respondents plan to prioritise their mental health. 

Twice the size of last year’s report, The UAE & KSA Health & Fitness Report 2026 contains 745,000 data points and captures insights from more than 15,000 respondents. It revealed the need for beginner programmes, more offerings targeted at women and tiered pricing to improve affordability. Like everywhere else, reformer Pilates, recovery and Hyrox/hybrid classes are trending. 

Encouragingly, people are acting on their aspirations, with 65 per cent reporting that their health has improved from last year and 42 per cent planning to increase their health and fitness spend this year. Seventy nine per cent consider themselves to be moderately active and only 2 per cent said they weren’t active at all. Eighty per cent of people exercise two or more times a week.

Among Gymnation members surveyed, 51 per cent had no gym membership in the 12 months prior to joining. The report says this suggests the region is experiencing a “genuine democratisation of gym culture, breaking down barriers that previously kept many away from the gym floor.”

While gymtimidation is noticeably declining among men, it is still prevalent among women. Equipment knowledge and exercising in front of others were the biggest issues, highlighting the need for equipment orientation and exercise education for first time members. The report suggests creating beginner-friendly zones as well as women-focused spaces. Forty six per cent of women consider women-only spaces essential.

Strength training is the most popular fitness trend with 46 per cent wanting to give it a try, followed by functional training/Hyrox workouts (29 per cent); and yoga, Pilates and mindfulness exercises (26 per cent).

While the biggest motivator for taking part in exercise was fat loss/ improving body composition at 70 per cent, followed by improving strength (59 per cent), more people are looking for the holistic health benefits as well. Forty six per cent wanted help with sleep quality, 42 per cent with their mental health and 40 per cent are looking to improve their stress management.

Affordability was the main reason given for people giving up on exercise routines (58 per cent) followed by lack of time, accessibility, lack of motivation, lack of convenient options and feeling intimidated. Students and unemployed individuals were the most price sensitive cohorts.

Seeing better overall results was the main reason given for exercising more in the next year (55 per cent). Other reasons include more affordable memberships, flexible membership types, improved knowledge of exercise types, social support, access to tailored programmes.

The report also illustrated the growing potential for gyms to be social spaces with 31 per cent saying they have formed meaningful friendships or relationships at the gym.

Loren Holland, founder and CEO of Gymnation says: "The report confirms what we see every day: there is a growing demand from the people of the UAE and KSA to lead more active and healthier lifestyles, and affordability unlocks participation – at Gymnation we're committed to proving that as we expand across the GCC and beyond."