1Rebel partners to open gyms across the Middle East and North Africa

UK-based fitness studio has entered a partnership to enter the Middle Eastern and North African fitness market, expanding the brand's plans to grow its footprint globally.

Set to enter the Australian market in 2020, the boutique studio operator has signed an agreement with Pulse Fitness and Sports Company, which will see the development of the 1Rebel brand in seven countries - Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Egypt.

Established last year, Pulse Fitness and Sports Company (which is not related to US-based equipment supplier Pulse Fitness) was created to develop boutique fitness opportunities in the MENA region.

The company was founded by Nathan Clute and Fahad Al Hagbani – who previously founded BodyMasters and Fitness Time, the largest chain of fitness centres in the Middle East with over 150 locations.

The collaboration between 1Rebel and Pulse offers future potential to also expand Pulse’s own boutique fitness brand, MAVERX, outside of the Middle East.

Introducing the partnership, James Balfour, co-founder and Chief Executive of 1Rebel, stated “when we looked to enter the Middle East market, and after doing our diligence, we quickly realised that there was only one partner we wanted to work with.

"The Al Hagbani family is, by far, the most experienced operator of fitness facilities in the region."

Al Hagbani added "the agreement truly embodies the spirit of partnership, as it brings together two parties that are the best in their respective areas, with a shared vision and, once combined, an unmatched set of capabilities that will ensure we deliver the best boutique fitness experience in the region.”

Clute went on to advise on LinkedIn “(we) couldn't be more excited to announce our partnership … Fahad Alhagbani and I, working closely with James Balfour and Giles Dean and the entire 1Rebel team, will be developing a network of amazing locations across the Middle East and North Africa.”

Image: The founders of 1Rebel and Pulse Fitness have signed a deal to open studios across the MENA region. Courtesy of 1Rebel.