GymNation launches its largest facility in Riyadh

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Updated 30 June 2025
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GymNation launches its largest facility in Riyadh

GymNation, the region’s fastest-growing fitness brand, has launched its largest and most advanced (most instagrammable) facility to date in the heart of Qurtubah, Riyadh.

Spanning 77,000 square feet, GymNation’s new flagship sets a new benchmark for health and wellness facilities within Saudi Arabia, further reinforcing its mission to make world-class fitness accessible, affordable, and inclusive for everyone.

Purpose-built to meet the needs of the local community, the facility offers a diverse mix of premium training environments, industry-leading equipment, and specialized spaces tailored to different fitness goals and lifestyles.

In a first for the Kingdom, the gym features the largest ladies-only Reformer Pilates studio in Saudi Arabia, alongside a private Reformer Pilates room.

It also debuts GymNation’s first-ever male spin studio complemented by a dedicated ladies-only spin zone to add to its offerings.

Gym-goers will also benefit from a purpose-built Glute Training Zone, a mind and body studio for holistic health practices, an affiliated HYROX training club for high-performance training, and the region’s largest free weights section.

In addition to its cutting-edge fitness zones, GymNation Qurtubah features a fully equipped recovery area complete with infrared saunas, ice baths, and treatment rooms to support total wellness and optimal performance.

Josh Whiteley, KSA country director, said:  “After an incredibly successful pre-sell, we opened GymNation Qurtubah, with over 7,000 members on day one, and the initial feedback has been unbelievable, and we are only just getting started.

We’ve got a series of brand-new classes launching, as well as some groundbreaking gym events that will blend fitness, wellness, culture, and music into one amazing space. Riyadh will not have seen anything like GymNation before!”

Speaking about the launch, Loren Holland, founder and CEO of GymNation, said: “Beyond being our largest gym to date, this new Qurtubah location is another symbol of our belief that fitness should be accessible, innovative, and empowering for everyone.

“Saudi Arabia is experiencing a fitness revolution and we’re proud to provide an environment where people of all fitness levels feel welcomed and motivated. We’ve invested significantly to bring not only the biggest gym with the widest selection of equipment and classes Riyadh has ever seen, but also a gym that looks incredible! From lighting to graffiti, all the way through to new fixtures and finishings, we’ve well and truly raised the bar for what a gym experience can be in the Kingdom.”

The launch of the Qurtubah men’s and women's gyms follows GymNation’s record-breaking entry into Saudi Arabia, which saw more than 12,000 pre-opening memberships snapped up in just 72 hours across its initial locations in Jeddah and Alkhobar in 2024.

As Saudi Arabia continues to drive forward its Vision 2030 goals of promoting more active communities, GymNation is uniquely positioned to support this momentum through its commitment to removing barriers around cost, intimidation, and accessibility.


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.