Purpose Brands has announced the signing of a master franchise agreement with ABFit to take Anytime Fitness to Saudi Arabia.

Hot on the heels of launching its first club in Dubai the first Anytime Fitness gym will open in Riyadh next spring, followed by at least 60 more in various cities across Saudi Arabia over the next six years. Clubs will offer both women’s and men’s branches.

“There has never been a better time than now to welcome the Anytime Fitness brand to the Kingdom,” said Asem Abu Eisheh, CEO, Anytime Fitness Saudi Arabia. “The Ministry of Health offers numerous nutrition and physical activity initiatives to support healthy lifestyles; the Ministry of Sports works to increase the percentage of individuals who engage in regular physical activity; and the Ministry of Investment encourages investments in the fitness sector, creating an attractive environment that supports sustainable growth.

“Working together with these initiatives and continuous efforts from government entities, we look forward to growing a thriving base of Anytime Fitness clubs that help all people across the Kingdom live stronger, healthier and longer lives.”

Part of the Purpose Brands portfolio, Anytime Fitness clubs offer personalised coaching, nutrition and recovery services and the brand is operational in 49 countries and territories around the world with five million members. It is averaging 300 new clubs a year.

Global president, Anytime Fitness, Stacy Anderson, says: “We strongly believe in the double-digit growth forecasts for the $6.3 trillion global wellness economy over the next decade, and investments like those being made by the Kingdom are crucial to help ensure we evolve health and wellness in ways that are more accessible for people and communities worldwide.”