Dubai’s health fitness scene is getting more advanced and varied by the day, with new gyms and wellness facilities offering everything from ice baths and infrared sauna therapy, to biohacking and horizontal cycling capsules. In fact, there are even classes from an Olympic gold medalist to try.
Here are eight of the city’s most exciting new gyms and wellness hubs:
1Rebel UAE – DIFC
Since making its way to Dubai in October, chic London-born studio 1Rebel has become known as one of the most dynamic, cool and addictive places to work out in the UAE. Feeling more like a nightclub than a gym, the amazing sound system and stunning LED lights are just the motivation you need to reach new levels of strength and fitness. Giving Barry’s a run for its money, the ultra-sweaty ‘Reshape’ classes intertwine treadmill sprints and dumbbell work, while there are also high-octane cycling classes and a slick and stylish gym floor to explore. Already a big hit in Australia, Saudi Arabia and Israel, it’s very easy to see what all the fuss is about.
The first class is free, then from Dh115. @1rebel_uae.
FlexoFix – Business Bay
This state-of-the-art new rehabilitation clinic offers flexology, hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy, acoustic vibration therapy, pressotherapy, and many other rare and powerful balancing rituals. Whether you’re injured, falling sick too often or struggling to reach your peak performance, the team will help you achieve optimum health through a mix of physical therapy, nutrition and mindfulness. Prices vary. Flexofix.co.
Formation – Dubai Marina
Dubai’s first and only biohacking and performance facility is here to help you perform better, recover faster and improve your quality of life. The one-on-one workouts encompass Cold HIIT (a mix of compression, cooling and interval training), AI Biking (complete with optional atmospheric training) and other advanced scientific techniques, while the recovery therapies span detox compression, ice baths, infrared saunas, oxidative stress relief techniques and more. Based on hard metrics, biology and data, this is what the future of wellness and fitness looks like. Personal training starts from Dh150 per session, therapy prices vary. @by.formation.
PureGym – Al Barsha and Nad Al Sheba
PureGym has long been the UK’s favourite budget gym brand, and in January it finally arrived in the UAE. Bringing a refreshing casual, unpretentious and affordable approach that is sure to disrupt the UAE’s luxury-saturated fitness industry, its flexible memberships and extensive class schedule add extra appeal. With 300 branches across the UK, it will be interesting to see if PureGym takes off just as much here. Memberships start from Dh79 a month. @puregymae.
Roar Fitness – Downtown Dubai
A passion project by British three-time Olympian speed skater Sarah Lindsay, the flagship London branch of Roar Fitness has long been a favorite hotspot for celebrities. The gold medalist introduced Dubai to her prestigious Olympic training sessions and intense transformational 12-week programs at the start of 2023, and since then it’s been on an upward rise. As the first of hopefully many Roar branches in the Middle East, it features a 25-metre running track, a huge free weights area, panoramic views, luxury décor and exciting signature classes labelled with fun names such as The Mosh, The Overdrive and The Baseline. First class is free. @roarfitnessldn.
Sweat & Go – Motor City
If you’re looking to get in shape in the shortest time possible, Sweat & Go might just be the one for you. The futuristic horizontal cycling capsules use infrared heat and vacuum technology to shed maximum fat, making it possible to burn an incredible 1,000 calories in just 30 minutes. It might not have the invigorating qualities of outdoor exercise or the community aspect of a fitness class, but it’s certainly a very effective, low-impact and low-effort alternative. Automated foam rolling for toning, body shaping, and cellulite reduction is also available. 20-minute trial sessions are priced Dh125. @sweatandgo.
Wellth – Jumeirah
Wellth is the first health center in the UAE to fuse the powers of Western medicine with Eastern healing rituals. Focused on preventing chronic conditions rather than just managing them, the treatments combine traditional medicines with ayurveda, yoga, reiki, nutrition therapy, cryotherapy and physiotherapy and many more alternative therapies. On a mission to help everyone live healthier, longer and happier lives, natural solutions for aging and hair loss are also available. Prices vary. @wellthae.
Contrast – Golden Mile 6, Palm Jumeira
For those of you who love a good hot-cold therapy, Contrast has you covered. This studio has five large full-spectrum infrared sauna suites (equipped with TVs) and Dubai’s first “contrast” therapy room, merging a traditional sauna – complete with salt walls – with ice baths. Take one treatment or both, or add on an IV drip or restorative massage, too.