The Dubai Sports Council has announced its approval of a classification system for fitness centres and clubs which will grant star-ratings based on evaluation of a number of criteria equipment, trainer qualifications, retention rates and safety procedures.
Aiming to promote excellence in the Emirate’s fitness industry and improve the quality of services offered, the classification system includes 17 criteria and 82 sub-indicators and will rate centres from one to five stars - with centres that receive the lowest ratings to be offered a development plan through which they can improve their facilities.
With its evaluation process already underway by specialised teams, including input from ‘international experts’, first results will be announced in October.
The outcomes of the classification system wer approved during a meeting last month, headed by meeting chaired by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC).
The classification system was also reviewed at the Middle East Fitness Summit held last October receiving a positive evaluation and enthusiastic response from over 1,000 industry professionals and stakeholders.
Its 17 evaluation criteria are:
- Equipment type
- Equipment maintenance
- Sports facilities
- Cleanliness
- Safety measures
- Recovery features
- Instructors/member ratio
- Instructor certification
- Personal training services
- Retention rate and membership racking system
- Group classes
- Community and anti-doping awareness
- Physical activity readiness questionnaire
- Nutrition
- Availability of parking
- Member and staff satisfaction
- Specialty services
Classification system welcomed by industry
Gym operators and fitness stakeholders have welcomed the initiative seeing that it aligns with efforts to see ongoing development of Dubai's fitness industry.
Enhance Fitness Chief Executive, Tarek Mounir stated “it's great to welcome yet another fitness initiative that strives to take the quality of fitness in the UAE to the next level.
“At Enhance, we always put our customers and their needs first, and we firmly believe that this new rating system perfectly embodies that principle.
“By implementing such a system, the Dubai Sports Council demonstrates its commitment to ensuring top-notch standards in the fitness industry. This initiative further solidifies our dedication to prioritising our customers and their fitness experience above all else. We are excited to see its impact and how it will enable us to serve our customers and our business even better.”
Snap Fitness UAE Chief Operating Officer, Afshad Mistry noted “the initiative will cement Dubai’s fitness industry spot on the top not only in the GCC Region but also in the EMEA space.
“We believe the real benefit will be to fitness enthusiast and gymgoers to choose from facilities based on ratings, services and their own personal preferences.
“It will also give operators a clear indication to which areas need improvisation to offer the gym-goer a superior fitness experience. We are committed to provide the best to our members and we look forward to support Dubai Sports Council in making this city the fittest city in the region.”
The Dubai Sports Council first considered a plan to license personal trainers in 2010.
Images: Participants at Dubai Active - the Middle East's leading international fitness event (top) and Enhance Fitness Chief Executive, Tarek Mounir (below).
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia and New Zealand’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry. Having established the magazine in 1997, shortly after his relocation to Australia, he has managed its readership rising to over 11,500 and its acceptance as the industry journal for professionals in aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues.
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
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.
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