The Dubai population likes to take care of itself. It’s the reason why so many lifestyle industries from fashion to cosmetics see incredible success in this part of the world.
They are certainly willing to put in the work too. The health and fitness sector in Dubai is estimated to be worth over USD 3bn. Within this there are numerous successful subsectors. One, personal training, has seen significant growth in recent years.
Dubai’s largely expatriate residents are clearly willing to pay for a dedicated and personalised service to help them get in shape. If you have the requisite skills and qualifications to help them, you’re likely to find your services in high demand.
In this article, we’ll run through the steps required to start and grow a personal training business in Dubai.
Personal training in Dubai: Overview
In the work hard, play hard culture of Dubai, finding time to train is not always easy. Let alone having the time to plan workouts, nutrition plans, meal prep and more. That’s why growing numbers of people out here are turning to personal trainers to lighten the load.
As well as creating training schedules and meal plans, personal trainers travel to clients to lead workouts wherever is most convenient. This could be in the home or gym, on the beach or in the park. Personal trainers work with clients over periods ranging from weeks to years, to help them achieve their fitness goals and transform their bodies.
In recent years, technology has transformed the personal training industry. Many services can now deliver personalised training and nutrition plans via apps. So clients can easily stay on track between sessions.
Many personal trainers now also deliver sessions virtually via services such as Zoom. This could be to an individual or group of clients.
How to become a personal trainer in Dubai: Step-by-step
Starting a personal training business in Dubai can appear complex at first glance. But when you work with the team at Creative Zone, we’ll help you launch your new venture in just five simple steps.
Step 1: Outline your business activities
First things first, you’ll need to clearly define your intended business activities. Failure to do so can cause issues further down the line and carrying out unlicensed activities may lead to fines or even license revocation.
Your stated activities must be chosen from the official list published by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED). While this is usually a straightforward process, if you intend to offer additional services outside standard fitness classes and training, this must be specified on your license application.
The team at Creative Zone will help ensure that you have the correct approvals to run your business.
Step 2: Choose your company name
The second step is equally important: choosing a company name. There are a few key things to keep in mind at this stage – many that would not apply anywhere else in the world.
Be aware that you must abide by a strict set of naming conventions. In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e. Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.
Step 3: Making your license application
To start a personal training business in Dubai, you will require a trade license. This is issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development in the mainland or by the relevant authority should you opt to set up in a free zone.
On top of your license, you must also obtain a permit from the General Authority of Youth Sports and Affairs. Once again, the Creative Zone team will guide you through this process. Get in touch to find out more.
Step 4: Making your visa applications
Finally, you’ll need to organise your visas. With the right guidance, the visa application process can be incredibly straightforward. As well as making your application, you’ll be required to submit biometric information and undergo a medical fitness test.
As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others for their visas too. This could be a spouse, parent or child, or a domestic worker such as a housekeeper. The maximum number of visas you can apply for will depend on the size of your company, your chosen setup and, for dependant visas, your personal earnings.
Certifications required to become a personal trainer
Dubai takes health and wellness seriously. One of the steps it takes to ensure a high quality of services in the market is certified qualifications for all fitness professionals. To work as a freelance trainer, you’ll need to hold at least a Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. You may need higher qualifications depending on the services you wish to provide.
Any qualifications that you hold will need to be validated by the UAE Register for Exercise Professionals (REPs).
Benefits of becoming a personal trainer in Dubai
1. High demand
Dubai has a largely health-conscious population with high disposable incomes, making it the perfect circumstances for fitness businesses. Despite the growth of the industry, there remains high demand for personal training services.
2. Tax benefits
Dubai continues to levy 0% on personal income and corporate profits under AED 375,000. Taxable profits over this amount are liable to a flat rate of 9%.
3. World-class facilities
Whether you’re travelling to your clients or meeting them on the beach or in the gym, Dubai gives you easy access to state-of-the-art gyms and equipment.
4. Work-life balance
When you work as a freelancer in Dubai, you get to choose a schedule that fits around your life. Leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the emirate’s incredible climate, entertainment and social scene.
5. Events and expos
Dubai regularly hosts fitness events and exhibitions, attracting professionals from around the world. Setting up out here gives you a great opportunity to learn from the best, boost your skills and become a leader in your industry.
Start your personal training business with Creative Zone.
Starting a personal training business in Dubai can be a complicated process – particularly if you’re new to working in the UAE.
That’s why selecting the right partner is a critical step when looking to launch and grow out here. As the most trusted advisor on business setup in Dubai, Creative Zone has been empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs with comprehensive support since 2010. With a strong reputation for assisting businesses locally and globally, we offer a complete range of solutions for all your business setup needs.
When you work with us, you get fast, reliable and unbiased advice on your unique business setup requirements. We can help you choose the right kind of license for your business activity and take you through the entire process from start to finish.
We’re here to assist every step of the way. No matter your chosen activities, legal entity or visa requirements, we’re on hand with support, guidance and expertise. So, if you’re looking to lay the foundations for life in the UAE, Creative Zone is your ideal starting point.
Contact us today to kickstart your business in Dubai.
