The capital is now exploding with options to fitness and wellness hubs, places to work out, kick back and stretch and move the body and still and calm the mind. This is a roundup of seven new options in Abu Dhabi, everything from holistic health centers to yoga studios, CrossFit gyms, Padel clubs, performance facilities and beach days.
1. Al Waryah Pool & Beach – Erth Abu Dhabi
The 350m-long stretch of sand at Erth Abu Dhabi’s new beach club is just as soft and white as the pristine shores of Saadiyat. Spend the day lapping the palm-fringed circular pool and reading in the shaded cabanas, or work up an appetite with kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and other watersports, or by indulging in a friendly game of beach volleyball. Only open since February, it’s one of the most relaxing and peaceful beach days in the city.
Entry starts from Dh199 for weekdays, including Dh100 F&B credit. @erth.uae
2. Believe Your Body – The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen
A chic and stylish ladies-only fitness studio, Believe Your Body blends perfectly with the trendy ambiance of its host hotel. Built on a desire to help all women learn to love exercise and feel comfortable in their own skin, it offers special classes to compliment different stages of the menstrual cycle, pre- and post-partum courses and inventively named workouts such as Glow with Motion (dance), Hot Mama (glutes and core) and Wonder Woman Glow (bootcamp).
Classes are priced Dh100. @believe.your.body
3. HEAD Arena – Musaffah
The UAE has no shortage of padel courts, but our appetite for this fast-paced racquet sport is yet to be satisfied. Well worth the drive out of the city, the Middle East’s first HEAD-licensed padel club boasts five professional courts, one exclusive VIP court, a training academy, juice bar and a retail shop. Competitive sporty types can join the capital’s only high-performance padel team, and 10 more HEAD Arenas are set to open across MENA by 2027.
Court rates start from Dh300. @headarena_auh
4. Muscle Up Fitness – Khalifa City A
Abu Dhabi’s first calisthenics club has attracted a vast fan base since it opened last September. A form of targeted strength training based around mainly bodyweight moves, bar work and minimal equipment, the award-winning instructors can pull off some seriously amazing flying acrobatics and stunts. The classes range from beginner introduction sessions to advanced freestyle tricks, while traditional strength and conditioning, yoga and private one-on-one sessions are also available. Classes start from Dh80. @muscleup.ae
5. Sacral Grounds – Mina Souq, Zayed Port
With a capacity of just eight people per class, this pint-sized studio guarantees plenty of one-on-one attention. While its ethereal mural immediately grabs your attention, it’s the wholesome community vibe, eclectic array of classes and exceptional teaching that keeps you coming back for more. Morning classes are held outdoors against pretty views of the Gulf, and the whole place is brimming with positive energy.
Classes start from Dh115. @sacralgrounds
6. The Sandbox – Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Another small, yet perfectly formed studio, The Sandbox is home to the most picturesque outdoor workout area imaginable: Soul Beach. Offering a starkly contrasting mix of adrenaline-fueled CrossFit, cardio ‘Burn’ sessions and the occasional relaxing yoga class, it has every base covered. The dedicated beginners CrossFit courses prove that the discipline isn’t half as scary as you might think, and the friendly staff are immediately likeable.
Membership prices vary. @sandboxcrossfit
7. Antara hot yoga – Al Muneera
Ever since the Hot House closed, Abu Dhabi has been lacking a truly brilliant hot yoga spot. But Antara is here to change all that. A pretty and cosy studio overlooking the blue waters of Al Muneera, every class takes place in a heated room that is designed to boost circulation, detoxify the body and help you get more out of your workout. The pilates and vinyasa sessions are ideal for all levels, while those looking for a more intense burn should try the challenging, yet rewarding, Hot Yoga Sculpt. Combining cardio and strength training with traditional yoga, it targets every part of the body and leaves you feeling unstoppable.
Single classes are priced Dh125. @antarahotstudios.ae