press release: GymNation
Gold company profile | GymNation
PRESS RELEASE
Fast Company names GymNation as a 2025 Brand That Matters
12 Jun 2025
2025 Winner / GymNation
The 'Brands That Matter' list honours companies that have built strong emotional connections with their audiences and are driving change in their communities and industries. GymNation’s inclusion reflects its continued commitment to democratising access to health and fitness across the region, fostering inclusivity, and promoting well-being for all.
“Fast Company’s 'Brands That Matter' list celebrates a select few organisations making a meaningful impact through innovation, tech and community connection — and we’re proud to be one of them. We’re relentlessly focused on doing things differently, and this is enabling us to create a brand that genuinely resonates with everyone across the Middle East who wants to live healthier, fitter lives” said Ant Martland, CCO of GymNation.
Ravi Raman, Publisher of Fast Company Middle East, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the recognition: “Being named a 'Brand That Matters' isn’t just about marketing- it’s about meaning. These are the brands and companies building trust, shaping culture, and showing that purpose is not just part of the business - it is the business.”
“GymNation continues to lead the way in making fitness accessible, affordable, and empowering - breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to be a purpose-driven brand in the Middle East.”
More press releases and updates from GymNation:
Passengers flying out of Riyadh this week have been treated to an extraordinary sight from
the skies after GymNation unveiled a giant desert sand mural supporting the Saudi Arabia
National Football Team ahead of the FIFA World Cup in the United States.
From Riyadh to Saar to Dubai - GymNation is making sure the Middle East has somewhere to
train, compete and progress in Hyrox, despite no confirmed Hyrox races on the calendar.
GymNation, the region’s fastest-growing fitness brand, has announced the launch of a bold
new global creative competition, inviting agencies, freelancers, studios, and its own member
community to design the brand’s next national billboard campaign.
In a city where delivery bikes are as common as sunshine, GymNation has done something nobody
saw coming.
Last week, GymNation announced what it called the world's first protein shisha bar - a
tobacco-free, nicotine-free vapor concept delivering up to 25g of 'aroma-activated protein'
per session.
GymNation: news from HCMmag.com and FitTechGlobal.com
In celebration of World Mental Health Day 2025 today (10 October) Gymnation is removing its
weights from the gym floor across the UAE and KSA.
Fitness participation rates in the United Arab Emirates and Kingdom Saudi Arabia are growing
faster than anywhere else in the world, but the key barriers of cost and gymtimidation persist,
according to the UAE & KSA Health & Fitness Report 2025, undertaken by operator, GymNation.
GymNation: featured in HCM and Fit Tech magazines
Research: Gulf growth
Gymnation’s 2026 report found a strong appetite to improve physical and mental health in the Gulf region, and a call for beginner programmes and offerings targeted at women
Sponsored: Orbit4
Orbit4 and GymNation have partnered to drive tech innovation
into the heart of the businesses, transforming operations
Sponsored: Gymnation – Active Nations
The fitness market in the Middle East is thriving, with the low-cost sector set to gain greater traction over the next few years. GymNation’s recent report uncovers the changing consumer factors fuelling this growth
Sponsored: Perfect Gym – strong foundations
GymNation is pioneering the future of
fitness with software specialist Perfect
Gym providing a scalable tech platform
to power and sustain its growth
Loren Holland: founder and CEO
GymNation video gallery:
Key personnel
Loren Holland: founder and CEO
Frank Afeaki: founder and COO
Ant Martland, founder and CCO
William Rasmussen-Dean, country director
Ishan Patil, head of finance
Ian Mullane, board member
Frank Afeaki: founder and COO
Ant Martland, founder and CCO
William Rasmussen-Dean, country director
Ishan Patil, head of finance
Ian Mullane, board member
Key customers
GymNation is a community to support
everyone, to celebrate and inspire
each other to become better versions
of themselves, by living happier,
healthier and more active lives.
Plans for the next 12 months
Today, GymNation stands at 36 locations across the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with over 150,000 members.
In 2026, GymNation plans to open another 20-30 locations across the GCC, and with many more in the pipeline our aim is to become the largest gym chain across the GCC.
Behind the scenes, we’re diligently advancing our position as a world leading operator in the integration of technology, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
Our commitment extends beyond mere application, aiming to spearhead discussions and set benchmarks within the fitness industry and beyond, ensuring GymNation remains at the cutting edge of innovation.
We’re not just building gyms; our vision is to play a lead role as the region’s movement partner, championing healthy and active lifestyles alongside the importance of mental health and well-being.
In 2026, GymNation plans to open another 20-30 locations across the GCC, and with many more in the pipeline our aim is to become the largest gym chain across the GCC.
Behind the scenes, we’re diligently advancing our position as a world leading operator in the integration of technology, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
Our commitment extends beyond mere application, aiming to spearhead discussions and set benchmarks within the fitness industry and beyond, ensuring GymNation remains at the cutting edge of innovation.
We’re not just building gyms; our vision is to play a lead role as the region’s movement partner, championing healthy and active lifestyles alongside the importance of mental health and well-being.
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