The United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s health and fitness market is worth over 100 million Emirati dirhams ($27.2 million) and is expanding 15 percent annually, driven by rapid infrastructure development and the growth of in-bound tourism.
The UAE is thus the region’s fastest growing leisure sports market, according to Michael O’Sullivan, sales manager for Al-Kamda Trading who was speaking at Sportex, the Middle East’s fitness and sports goods exhibition currently taking place at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC).
"In Dubai alone there are 29 five-star hotels and more are planned. The number of luxury residences is also increasing substantially. Operators and owners can no longer provide only a pool or tennis and squash courts. Today, people expect fully fitted gyms, packed with the latest equipment, for their exercise needs,” explained O’Sullivan.
"In order to satisfy this demand hotel gyms, in particular, have become profit centers, generating significant revenue through membership. Demand is such that an investment of one million dirhams can be repaid, with profit, within 12 months," said O’Sullivan.
The UAE has one of the highest gym usage rates in the world, according to Raymond Sport Chief Executive Officer Raymond Kelly. The Dubai-based company saw its turnover increase by more than 40 percent last year, according to a company press release.
Sportex 2002, organized by International Expo-Consults (IEC), is showcasing the latest sports and fitness brands from 30 companies representing seven European, Middle East and Far East countries. The show closes Thursday night, May 9, 2002. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
