Dubai gyms close permanently as Coronavirus impacts UAE fitness sector

The Coronavirus shutdown has seen at least five gyms in Dubai permanently ceasing operations.

Closed for over two months in line with United Arab Emirates Government safety measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, Arabian Business reports that CrossFit GoldBox Dubai, Flywheel Dubai, Cult.fit, Engine Health and Fitness and TribeFit Dubai Marina have announced they are closing down as a direct result of the pandemic.

In an Instagram post, CrossFit GoldBox Dubai wrote “it is with a heavy heart that we inform you that (we) shall be ceasing its operations. In these especially challenging times, it has unfortunately been decided that we shall not resume our business as usual.

Engine Health and Fitness announced it will be issuing refunds of memberships as of 14th June 2020 after eight years of operations, while freelance personal training platform Rebel DXB has also ceased operations, with its Instagram profile advising “(we are) another victim of COVID-19”.

Another closure, Flywheel Dubai advised “as the first boutique indoor cycling studio in Dubai, it is with a very heavy and sad heart that we have to say goodbye to Flywheel in Dubai.

"Unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic, the ensuing lockdown, Flywheel US's temporary closure, and the limited support for SMEs has left us with no choice but to permanently close our doors in Dubai."

With landlords apparently unwilling to waive rent payments, TribeFit announced the closure of its Dubai Marina branch, but said it will reopen in October in Jumeirah Village Triangle, "where rent is much more affordable and in line with market conditions prevailing in the time of COVID-19."

In a letter to clients and partners, and which was seen by Arabian Business, the facility advised “we have tried all avenues to remain afloat in our existing premises, including restructuring and seeking relief from suppliers and most importantly, our existing landlord.

"Unfortunately, despite our best efforts we have not been able to secure critical support to enable us to ride out this crisis. It is very disappointing for us and indeed everyone, as we have been forced to make the painful decision to close our existing club."

However both TribeFit and Cult.fit have partnered with GymNation to offer members of either gym the chance to transfer their memberships to any GymNation chain free of charge.

Those who do not wish to transfer their memberships will be refunded the balance amount of their pending membership on a pro-rate basis, according to Cult.fit. TribeFit said it will not offer refunds, but that members can avail the remainder of their memberships once the new location has reopened.

Dubai is among the world's most expensive for gym memberships, according to a study by Deutsche Bank, where prices are higher than cities like London or New York.

Images: CrossFit GoldBox Dubai.