FII is now a US-registered international organization: CEO

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Updated 21 October 2021
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FII is now a US-registered international organization: CEO

RIYADH: The head of the Future Investment Initiative Institute (FII) has said that the nonprofit foundation is now an international organization which is registered in the United States.

Speaking in a press conference in Riyadh today, Richard Attias added there are plans to build offices in Asia soon.

The chief executive officer pointed out that to build credibility, the organization must have sponsors. While they are a part of the organization now, he remarked that it was not easy to attract the likes of HSBC and Zoom.

The FII's chief operating officer Rakan Tarabzoni also said the foundation is now independent from the PIF and is focusing on promoting thinking and investments in startups among other areas.


Armah Sports net profit up 62% on strong personal training demand

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Armah Sports net profit up 62% on strong personal training demand

RIYADH: Strong demand for personal training services and continued expansion in its membership base drove Armah Sports Co.’s net proft to shareholders up 62 percent to SR62 million ($16.53 million) in 2025.

Revenue increased rising 27 percent annually to SR224.9 million in the year ending Dec. 31, while while operating revenue climbed 48 percent to SR81.1 million, reflecting operating leverage as revenue growth outpaced cost increases.

Personal training profit increased 51 percent during the year, supported by sustained demand for high-quality training services. 

Subscription and membership revenue grew 24 percent, driven by expansion in the average member base and the increasing maturity of existing clubs. The company also recorded growth in ancillary revenue streams from its fitness centers.

Industry data suggests the company’s performance reflects broader structural growth in the Kingdom’s fitness sector.

Ahmed Attallah, manager at the organizers of health and fitness exhibition FIBO Arabia, told Arab News: “Saudi Arabia’s fitness industry is undergoing structural expansion rather than cyclical growth.”

He added: “The market has grown from approximately SR3.4 billion in 2017 to SR7.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach SR15.5 billion by 2030. This growth is supported by regulatory reform, rising female participation, and sustained private-sector investment aligned with Vision 2030.” 

FIBO Arabia is one of the largest annual health, fitness and wellness industry exhibitions in Riyadh that brings together operators, suppliers, investors and other sector stakeholders to showcase innovations and business opportunities.

Attallah added that revenue growth across operators is increasingly driven by premium services. 

“Personal training and premium services remain underdeveloped compared to mature markets, creating room for further revenue growth. At the same time, boutique formats and digitally integrated models are attracting younger, experience-driven consumers,” he said.

Attallah stated that strong financial results from leading operators reflect underlying market fundamentals, and said: “Capital inflows, international brand expansion, and fitness infrastructure embedded within gigaprojects and mixed-use developments point to long-term confidence in the sector.”

He added: “Saudi Arabia is moving from rapid expansion to institutional maturity, positioning it as the Middle East’s leading growth market for fitness and wellness investment.”

Deferred revenue at Armah rose to SR62.6 million across the year, reflecting strong membership renewals and enhancing revenue visibility for future periods.

Cost of revenue increased 22 percent in line with higher activity levels, while operating expenses rose 46 percent, reflecting investments in automation and key senior hires to support future expansion. Interest expenses were linked to financing and lease liabilities associated with the company’s growth strategy.

During the year, Armah recorded non-recurring items including a SR9.5 million gain from a sublease transaction, a SR0.8 million gain from a rent waiver on a lease, and SR1.5 million in expenses related to preparations for transitioning to the Kingdom’s Main Market from Nomu.

Excluding non-recurring items, adjusted net income attributable to shareholders reached SR53.2 million, while adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization totaled SR115 million, in line with the reconciliation disclosed in the audited financial statements.

Armah has advanced its expansion and market positioning over the past year, announcing plans in January for a new men’s B_FIT club in Riyadh’s Irqah district. In 2025, it signed agreements for additional clubs in Al Maseef and a SR224 million development deal with Qimam Noshoz.