No rest days: GymNation has huge plans for 2025 | Press Release (original) (raw)

GymNation is poised for significant growth throughout the UAE / Gymnation

Following an exceptional, multi-award-winning year in 2024, where the UAE-founded company doubled the size of its business, successfully launched six gyms in Saudi Arabia, and surpassed 110,000 members, you’d be forgiven for thinking the management team might take a few well-deserved rest days in 2025.

However, the opposite is true. GymNation is gearing up for an even bigger year in 2025, doubling down on its 2024 success with an ambitious strategy centered around expansion and innovation, all aimed at further solidifying its position as the Middle East’s #1 fitness brand.

Loren Holland, CEO & Founder of GymNation, shared his vision for the year ahead: “2025 is all about continued growth while staying true to our mission of making fitness affordable and accessible to everyone. We’re focusing on further regional GCC expansion, groundbreaking technological innovations, and continual product development to ensure our members have access to the best fitness experience in the region.”

New Locations and Regional Expansion

Building on its successful entry into Saudi Arabia in 2024, GymNation is poised for significant additional growth throughout the Kingdom while also targeting further expansion across the GCC, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. To drive this ambitious real estate strategy, GymNation has appointed industry veteran Colin Carter as its dedicated Director of Property and Acquisitions. “We’re heading into 2025 with an outstanding pipeline of new GymNation locations across the region; by the end of the year, we anticipate having opened at least 20 new gyms,” said Carter.

Innovation and Technology Investments

In 2025, GymNation will continue its substantial investment into technology powered by their dedicated in-house tech, data and development teams. This will enable the creation of highly customised, data-driven solutions that enhance personalisation, streamline operations, and elevate the overall member experience.

These advancements include AI-powered tools that analyse member preferences and behaviours to deliver tailored fitness journeys, as well as automated systems that improve efficiency across gym operations. Karl Foster, GymNation’s CTO, highlighted the vision: "We’re not just adopting technology—we’re building it. By investing heavily in AI and automation, we’re creating smarter, more intuitive solutions that transform how our members engage with GymNation and continue to position GymNation at the forefront of the fitness industry globally.”

Product and Facility Enhancements

GymNation’s commitment to innovation extends to its gym facilities, with 2025 set to see the introduction of a host of new product offerings. These include the Middle East’s first-ever HYROX Performance Centers, dedicated Reformer Pilates studios, and cutting-edge recovery facilities.

Frank Afeaki, GymNation COO and Founder, stated, “We’re redefining the standard for what gyms should provide not just at our affordable price point, but at any. Though it’s not just about adding new features and product offerings, we’re also continually reinvesting into our existing locations. For example, we’re just finishing a major renovation of our Al Quoz location, investing over $600,000 to ensure we continue to deliver an exceptional experience for our members.”

Team Expansion and Strengthened Expertise

As GymNation continues its rapid growth, it is investing heavily in its most valuable asset - its people. Plans for 2025 include significant hires across key departments, particularly in technology, marketing, finance, and operations, to support its ambitious expansion goals.
In addition to expanding the team, further equity will continue to be deployed to the wider senior management team to ensure everyone can share in the ownership and the long-term growth and success of GymNation.

“Growth isn’t just about opening new gyms; it’s about having the right talent in place to deliver it in a way that no one else can,” says Ant Martland, CCO & Founder. We’re building a world-class team, with a common alignment, that can drive innovation and operational excellence and ensure we achieve our full growth potential in 2025 and beyond.”