Dubai is quickly becoming one of the foremost health and wellness destinations in the world thanks to an expanding population, growing health consciousness, and increased demand for health and wellness-related products and services. It is further boosted by the government’s ongoing drive towards improved health through various initiatives such as the Dubai Fitness Challenge. While Dubai undoubtedly offers a multitude of opportunities to fitness professionals, it is very important to understand exactly what it entails to start your own personal training business in Dubai. In this easy-to-follow guide we will walk you through the steps you need to take to successfully launch your business in a very competitive market.
How to start a personal training business in Dubai
When starting your own personal training business in Dubai, you need to follow the correct steps to ensure that you remain legally compliant and give your business the best possible chance at long-term success.
Step 1: Make sure you are certified
The first and most important step in starting a personal training business in Dubai, revolves around getting the required internationally-recognized qualifications. If you want to legally operate as a personal trainer, you need to be certified by a reputable body such as ACE, ISSA, and NASM. Registering with the Register of Exercise Professionals UAE (REPs UAE) will significantly boost your credibility as it indicates that the UAE officially recognizes your qualifications.
Step 2: Choose a work model
Once you have all your certifications in place, you need to decide on a work model. There are four main models to choose from:
Freelance personal trainer
A freelance personal trainer provides an independent, one-on-one service to their clients. They operate in their own homes, the homes of their clients, outdoors, or from facilities that make provision for external trainers. Freelance personal trainers can set their own rates and enjoy extensive flexibility with regards to working hours etc.
Personal gym or studio
If you want full control over your business and have adequate financial backing, you can acquire your own gym or fitness studio to run your business from. While this is a more complicated business model, it does make it easier to expand your business.
Virtual training
The demand for online health and fitness services has skyrocketed over the past five years. As a virtual personal trainer, you can reach an international client base without having to budget for high overhead costs.
Fitness industry employment
Another, straightforward model will involve you working under the sponsorship of a gym or other fitness facility. If you choose this model, your sponsor will take care of your visa and licensing while you earn an income through a set salary or on commission.
Step 3: Select a trade name
Before you submit your license application, you have to choose and register a name for your new business. There are strict regulations that business names have to comply with. Apart from being unique and relevant to your business, it is also important that your trade name does not contain any religious or offensive words and phrases.
Step 4: Choose your jurisdiction
The next step is also one of the most important and will require you to do thorough research before making any decisions. When starting your personal training business, you need to decide whether you are going to set it up as a mainland or a free zone business. Investigate the pros and cons of each and choose the one that will be most beneficial to your business.
Step 5: Apply for your license
You will not be able to provide any personal training services in Dubai unless you have the right license in place. The authority you submit your application to will be determined by the jurisdiction you chose. Mainland applications are submitted to the DET while free zone applications are handled by the applicable free zone authority.
Step 6: Apply for the necessary visas
Unless you are already living in Dubai on a valid residency visa, you will have to apply for one. There are various visa options available:
Freelance Visa: The best choice for personal trainers who want the freedom to work alone and take on multiple clients. These visas generally go hand-in-hand with a freelance license.
Employment Visa: These visas require sponsorship from a gym or fitness studio that wants to employ you as a personal trainer.
Investor Visa: The visa you will apply for if you are investing in the startup of your own business.
Visa processing involves medical testing, Emirates ID, and residency stamping before you can legally work in the UAE.
Step 7: Open a corporate bank account
After you receive your license there is one more thing you need to do before you can start operating as a personal trainer: open a corporate bank account. This will allow you to legally make and receive payments in the UAE. Once this step is complete, you can start to market your business and build a solid client base.
Do you need a physical location or gym?
One of the most common questions asked by aspiring personal trainers is whether they need a physical location or gym to operate from in Dubai.
You don’t have to find a physical space for your business if you offer your training sessions online or in public spaces like parks. Personal trainers who attend to their clients in their homes or are affiliated to a gym or studio also don’t need to acquire their own premises.
If you want to scale your business by opening additional branches or just want a permanent, dedicated space for classes and training sessions, you will have to find your own suitable space. If you do require a physical space for your business, you will have to apply for a rental contract as part of your licensing application process.
Mainland vs Free Zone for personal trainers
As mentioned earlier, this is one of the most important decisions you will have to make when setting up your business.
A mainland business is ideal if you want to offer your services to clients across the UAE. You might be required to rent a physical space, making this option best-suited to studio/gym owners and corporate trainers.
If you want to start an online personal training business or plan to attend to clients in their own home or in public spaces, a free zone business might be the best choice for you. Free zone business set-ups are usually simpler and cheaper than mainland businesses because they don’t require a physical space.
It is very important to choose the structure that is best for your business. The jurisdiction you choose will have a direct impact on your costs, legal requirements, and the day-to-day operations of your business.
Cost of starting a personal training business in Dubai
Here are the projected costs to keep in mind when starting a personal training business in Dubai.
Business license: Costs for a freelance license range from AED 7,500 to AED 20,000. Mainland business licenses usually cost more.
Official fitness certifications: Typically range between AED 4,000 and AED 6,000.
CPR & first aid: Costs can range from AED 300 to AED 500.
REPs UAE registration: AED 500 to AED 1,000 per year
Professional liability insurance: Approximately AED 1,500 to 3,000.
Marketing: Ideally, budget between AED 2,000 and AED 13,000.
Depending on the scope of your operations and licensing requirements, you can expect to pay anywhere between AED 15,800 to 43,500.
Documents required to become a certified personal trainer in Dubai
You will need a series of documents that need to be submitted when applying for your personal training business. This includes copies of your passport and visa as well as a set of high-quality, passport-size photographs. You will also require the following:
• Your REPs UAE membership certificate – ensure your membership is up to date.
• Certificate of your trade name reservation – you will receive this from the DET or free zone authority
• Your accredited personal training certifications – from reputable institutions
• Proof of your CPR & First Aid qualifications – make sure they are up to date
• Rental contract or flexi desk agreement – will be determined by your jurisdiction and business model
Having these documents ready will speed up the application process significantly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to work as a personal trainer in Dubai?
Yes, regardless of the jurisdiction and business model you choose, you need a license to legally work as a personal trainer in Dubai.
Can I offer online coaching as a certified trainer?
Yes, you can offer online coaching when you are a certified trainer. Online coaching is a popular, and legal, business model.
Which free zone is best for freelance personal trainers?
There are many free zones in Dubai that are suitable for personal trainers. This includes SPC, IFZA, and DDA.
What certifications are accepted in the UAE?
The UAE accepts certifications that are globally recognized and issued by bodies like ACE, ISSA, NASM as well as those approved by REPs UAE.
Can I start training clients without opening a gym?
Yes, you don’t need a gym to start training clients. Many personal trainers operate in public spaces, join forces with established gyms or studios, or at their homes.
About Set Hub
If you want to start your own personal training business in Dubai, Set Hub is here to help you with every step of the set up process. We have been helping business owners write their own success stories for more than a decade. With a team of more than 80 team members and proficiency in 23 languages, we are in the perfect position to help you with all aspects of your business setup in Dubai. Contact the Set Hub team today if you are looking for setup support, license registration, and compliance guidance for your new personal training business in Dubai.