Abu Dhabi’s links with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) brand are set to expand with the Emirate’s first UFC Gym set to open next month.
Having hosted the UFC’s Fight Island events over recent months, UFC Gym Middle East is set open its first branch on Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed Bin Zayed Road in March.
Open to adults and children, the 1,600 metre² location will offer elite training programs to help members achieve individual goals with training areas for strength equipment, cardio, battle ropes, agility ladders and large mat areas for Brazilian jiu jitsu and martial arts.
The ground floor will be a multi-functional freestyle fitness area where daily training sessions will be held and where members can work out individually.
The first floor will be for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, MMA, boxing, kick-boxing conditioning and will also be home to a 24-foot octagon.
Programs will be available from children over the age of 12 and classes including Zumba, yoga, spinning and more will be held, including ladies only classes, regularly.
Introducing the new facility, Wissam Abi Nader, UFC Gym Director - Middle East Franchising, stated “Abu Dhabi has become a central focus for MMA and UFC over the past few months, and will continue to be the central point for UFC events in the future - making it the ideal location for a new UFC GYM.
“UFC GYM Abu Dhabi curates training programs that are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including beginners.
“Our programs are developed through exclusive access to the training regimens of internationally-acclaimed UFC athletes, providing members with everything they need for the entire family to move, get fit and lead a healthy lifestyle.”
UFC Gym Middle East is reported to be looking to undertake an ambitious expansion program in the the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region with upcoming openings in Kuwait and Qatar, scheduled for between March and August, another gym in Egypt and the launch of 28 branches in Saudi Arabia over the next 10 years.
Founded in 2016, UFC Gym Middle East already operates franchises in Dubai (two), Bahrain (one), Egypt (four) and Oman (one).
Images courtesy of UFC Gym Middle East.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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