Middle East fitness operator GymNation is accelerating its HYROX-led expansion strategy across the GCC with new competitive training formats, race simulations and performance-focused fitness concepts, as hybrid fitness racing continues to gain popularity across the region.
Founded in 2018 by Loren Holland, Frank Afeaki and Ant Martland, GymNation has grown into one of the Gulf’s largest gym operators. The company currently says it operates more than 45 locations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, serving over 200,000 members.
The expansion follows GymNation’s multi-year strategic partnership with HYROX Global announced in 2025, which named GymNation the “official home of HYROX in the Middle East.” The agreement includes the rollout of dedicated HYROX Performance Centres and HYROX Training Clubs across the region, initially focused on the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
As part of the initiative, GymNation has been introducing HYROX-inspired formats including race simulations, endurance-focused workouts, community competitions and structured performance training programs designed to support both professional racers and everyday fitness enthusiasts.
The company’s Al Quoz facility in Dubai now houses what GymNation describes as the world’s largest HYROX Performance Center. The venue includes official race-standard equipment such as sled tracks, SkiErgs, rowing machines, kettlebells and sandbags, alongside specialized flooring designed to replicate official HYROX race conditions.
In its official statement announcing the partnership, GymNation said the centres are aimed at helping members “train like a HYROX pro” through a combination of endurance, strength and functional fitness programming.
The operator has also expanded HYROX-specific classes across its network, including formats focused on conditioning, power, endurance and full-race preparation.
GymNation’s regional expansion has gathered pace over the last two years. During its Saudi Arabia market entry, the company reported selling 12,000 memberships within less than 72 hours of launch, while its first Riyadh location generated around 5,000 memberships within the first 24 hours.
The company also recently expanded into Bahrain, where its first club in Saar recorded more than 3,000 memberships within 24 hours during pre-opening sales. GymNation has since confirmed plans for a second Bahrain facility in Muharraq.
Globally, HYROX has emerged as one of the fastest-growing fitness race formats, operating more than 80 races annually across over 30 countries and attracting more than 550,000 participants worldwide. The competition combines eight one-kilometre runs with eight functional workout stations in a standardized race format.
Middle East is becoming a major growth market for performance-led fitness brands, driven by increasing participation in endurance sports, rising health awareness and growing demand for community-based training experiences.
