Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 

From pro rugby to PT to building a global fitness brand, the founder of MARCHON talks to Kate Cracknell about the journey so far

Longevity and biohacking entrepreneur Dave Asprey announced during the Global Wellness Summit that his Upgrade Labs company will open its first UAE-based centre in Dubai.

Former Gymbox directors, Marc Diaper and Rory McEntee, have gone head to head in marketing campaigns inspired by the London phone thefts, pitting their wits against each other.

Purpose Brands has announced the signing of a master franchise agreement with ABFit to take Anytime Fitness to Saudi Arabia.

Purpose Brands is launching its first Anytime Fitness club in Dubai on 1 November, through master franchisor, Purple Fitness.

Longevity is no longer a buzzword — it’s a business reality. As the pursuit of longer, healthier lives drives consumer demand, health clubs, gyms, and fitness brands are being called to redefine their role.

Longevity is no longer an abstract concept—it’s a market force reshaping how people train, recover, and live.

Fitness First Middle East has reopened its iconic Dubai Media City site, which closed in 2021, as a flagship wellness destination with fitness and recovery facilities.

Luuk Melisse, founder of Sanctum, will take those quick enough to secure spots through a class this evening at the Holy Trinity Church, South Kensington in London, UK tonight.

Middle East operator, Gymnation, has opened its largest club to date in Riyadh's Qurtubah district, offering male and female facilities.

Tim Gurner, Australian developer and founder of Gurner Group, is expanding the Saint Haven wellness concept across Australia, with plans for its first locations in the UAE (in Dubai) and the US by the end of this year.

A new social wellness concept curated by three industry veterans will open soon in Amsterdam before being rolled out to key cities.

UAE-based developer Aldar has unveiled a masterplan to turn Fahid Island into the world’s first Fitwel-certified wellness island at a development cost of AED40 billion (US$10.8 billion, €9.5 billion, £8 billion).

The fitness, health and wellness veteran is co-founder of new social wellness brand 432. He tells us about the first launch in Amsterdam

Kerzner International has opened Siro Boka Place, Montenegro, its first purpose-built Siro and the launch of the fitness and recovery-focused concept in Europe.

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

Chris Hull of BLX BOX talks us through the redesign and upgrade of Corinthia London’s gym, where strength training and small group PT have been given a five-star focus

Finnish multi-activity operator, SuperPark United, has revealed ambitions to roll out sites across the UK via franchise licences and partnerships with investors, property owners and operators.

Franchise Strong Pilates has announced that former English cricketer, Stuart Broad, has come on board as an ambassador to help challenge the traditional perception of Pilates as having a female bias, ahead of rapid expansion.

Lift Brands – parent company of Snap Fitness – has reacquired the master franchise for the United Arab Emirates as it looks to accelerate growth of Snap gyms in the region.

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.

Ben Stocks, managing director at BLK BOX, explains how the company is founded on the philosophy of building better, with a commitment to quality and innovation

Resort developer and operator Kerzner International has announced plans to expand its portfolio of luxury hotels and residences with two new nature-centric wellness destinations in 2025.

Private equity firm, Levant Capital, has taken a majority stake in UAE-based premium operator, Warehouse Gym.

UAE fitness chain, GymNation, has acquired a Fitness First club in Dubai, to merge with one of its existing properties to create a 55,000sq ft club on two floors.

Boxing and strength franchise UBX has taken a step closer to realising its ambitions to be the largest boxing provider in the Middle East by appointing a master franchisor.

The co-founder of boutique fitness brand 1Rebel talks to Kath Hudson about navigating the COVID years, climbing mountains and how the company is poised to expand its unique blend of fitness and entertainment both in the UK and overseas, thanks to fresh investment

Some of the biggest players in the global fitness, health and wellness industry are embracing franchising to achieve their growth ambitions. Kath Hudson rounds up recent activity

Kerzner International has signed deals to operate two new Siro recovery hotels in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, following the launch of the inaugural Siro property in Dubai this February.