Dubai Sports Council has taken a significant step forward in enhancing the professionalism and service quality of fitness centres in Dubai by approving the criteria and indicators for a pioneering classification system. This system, the first of its kind, will categorize gyms and fitness centres based on the number of stars, with the highest rating being five.
In collaboration with international fitness experts and following the best international practices for fitness centres and sports medicine, the council has devised a comprehensive set of classification criteria and special indicators. These were carefully developed while evaluating Dubai’s fitness centres and taking into account all aspects of their operations.
The evaluation process is currently underway, and the council plans to announce the results, including the classification of centres that meet the requirements, in October. The ultimate goal is to continuously enhance the quality of services offered by fitness centres in Dubai, thereby motivating those with lower classifications to elevate their standards and facilities to align with Dubai’s renowned service quality and lifestyle, adhering to scientific standards.
The classification system encompasses 17 criteria and 82 sub-indicators, which will be utilized by qualified teams to evaluate all fitness centres. The system was first unveiled at the Middle East Fitness Summit held in October 2022, where it garnered praise from over 1,000 participants and specialists representing various nationalities.
The evaluation criteria are as follows:
- Types of equipment
- Equipment maintenance
- Sports facilities
- Cleanliness
- Insurance and safety
- Recovery features
- Ratio of instructors/members
- Certification of instructors
- Personal training services
- Retention rate and membership racking system (membership renewals vs leavers and membership access system)
- Group fitness classes
- Community and anti-doping awareness
- Physical activity readiness questionnaire
- Nutrition
- Parking availability
- General satisfaction for members and staff
- Speciality services presented to members
