Let’s say you’ve found the perfect space for your gym. Probably it’s a prime spot in downtown Dubai, a high-traffic street in central London, or a buzzing neighborhood in New York City. You can picture the place already, filled with members energized by your carefully selected equipment as well as design.
But then comes the reality check — security deposits, rental costs, and renovation expenses start adding up fast.
“Choosing a location isn’t just about a space;
It’s about balancing your vision with financial reality.”
The good news? You can make a prime location work for your budget with the appropriate strategy, or even uncover hidden gems that attract your target client without breaking the bank.
| 📈 Vital Stat: The International Health and Fitness market is projected to grow by 9.61% (2022-2027), resulting in a market volume of US$6.73 billion in 2027. |
With the evolution of health awareness, the need to manage chronic health issues, and high disposable incomes driving growth, there’s never been a better time to jump in.
Curious about what it takes to make it happen? Read on for the breakdown of startup costs, location tips, as well as strategies to help you launch your dream gym.
Setting the scene: Why are Dubai, the UK, and the US fitness hotspots?
Each of these regions brings unique advantages for gym owners. The wellness culture of Dubai is thriving, supported by high-income clients willing to invest in premium fitness experiences. Meanwhile, the UK’s utmost attention to public health and the US’s fitness-focused lifestyle create a high demand for quality gym facilities.
Whether you envision a boutique studio, a niche training facility, or a 24-hour fitness center, these regions all hold growth potential. Of course, opening a gym in any major market comes with its price tag.
Let’s explore what those costs look like in each location.
Step 1: Securing the right location
“Location, location, location” — we’ve all heard it, but this couldn’t be more accurate in these regions. Here’s what to expect when it comes to renting or leasing space for a gym.
Rental Costs in Key Locations
| Location | Monthly Rental Range |
| Dubai | AED 20,000 — AED 150,000 |
| London | GBP 3,000 — GBP 20,000 |
| New York City | USD 5,000 — USD 25,000 |
Note: Rental costs vary significantly depending on location plus visibility. Prime areas command higher rents but offer increased foot traffic along with brand visibility.
| 📌 Pro Tip: Look for spaces in commercial or mixed-use buildings to draw in both professionals as well as residents. |
Step 2: Permits and licenses
In each region, specific permits plus licenses are required to operate a fitness facility, with varying costs.
| Expense | Dubai | UK | US |
| Health and Safety Permits | AED 1,000 — AED 2,500 | GBP 200 — GBP 500 | USD 200 — USD 500 |
| Business License | AED 10,000+ annually | GBP 1,000 — GBP 2,000 | USD 1,000 — USD 2,000 |
| City/Country Approvals | AED 2,000 (Dubai Sports) | GBP 500+ | USD 500+ |
| 📌 Pro Tip: Budget a little extra for unexpected fees — think of renewal costs plus any modifications you might need to make. |
Step 3: Gym equipment — Quality over quantity
“You don’t need a ton of equipment to create an amazing gym.”
A smaller gym can still offer quality with a curated selection of machines, free weights, and more.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Equipment Type | Dubai | UK | US |
| Cardio Machines (Rowers, Treadmills) | AED 5,000 — AED 20,000 | GBP 1,000 — GBP 5,000 | USD 1,000 — USD 6,000 |
| Strength Machines (Racks, Cable Machines) | AED 7,000 — AED 25,000 | GBP 2,000 — GBP 6,000 | USD 2,000 — USD 8,000 |
| Free Weights (Kettlebells, Dumbbells) | AED 5,000 — AED 10,000 | GBP 500 — GBP 1,500 | USD 500 — USD 1,500 |
| Functional Training Gear (Mats, Bands) | AED 2,000 — AED 5,000 | GBP 200 — GBP 800 | USD 300 — USD 1,000 |
The best practice is to buy essential, high-quality items first and expand later as membership grows. Many gym owners all across the world found leasing equipment to be a cost-effective option for the early stages.
Step 4: Interior design and fit-outs
Gym Goers expect a certain level of ambiance. From lighting to flooring, here’s all you will need:
| Interior Feature | Dubai | UK | US |
| Flooring (Rubber, Foam) | AED 10,000 — AED 20,000 | GBP 1,500 — GBP 4,000 | USD 2,000 — USD 5,000 |
| Lighting and Mirrors | AED 5,000 — AED 10,000 | GBP 500 — GBP 1,500 | USD 1,000 — USD 3,000 |
| Changing Rooms/Showers | AED 15,000 — AED 30,000 | GBP 5,000 — GBP 15,000 | USD 6,000 — USD 20,000 |
Furthermore, consider hiring a designer who understands the fitness industry very well. A well-planned space can make even the smallest gym feel inviting as well as spacious.
Step 5: Staffing your gym with the right team
Great staff can make all the difference! Here’s an idea of typical monthly salaries for gym staff:
| Position | Dubai | UK | US |
| Certified Trainer | AED 8,000 — AED 15,000 | GBP 1,500 — GBP 3,000 | USD 2,000 — USD 4,000 |
| Receptionist | AED 4,000 — AED 8,000 | GBP 1,200 — GBP 2,500 | USD 1,500 — USD 3,000 |
| Cleaning Staff | AED 2,500 — AED 4,500 | GBP 1,000 — GBP 1,800 | USD 1,200 — USD 2,000 |
If you are starting small, consider part-time trainers to keep initial costs lower, then scale up as membership grows.
Step 6: Monthly operational costs
Indeed, operating a gym requires consistent, recurring expenses. Here’s an easy-to-understand breakdown of what to budget each month:
| Expense | Dubai | UK | US |
| Marketing | AED 2,000 — AED 5,000 | GBP 400 — GBP 1,000 | USD 500 — USD 1,500 |
| Utilities | AED 3,000 — AED 7,000 | GBP 400 — GBP 900 | USD 500 — USD 1,200 |
| Management Software | AED 500 — AED 2,000 | GBP 100 — GBP 500 | USD 100 — USD 500 |
| Cleaning Supplies | AED 1,000 — AED 3,000 | GBP 100 — GBP 400 | USD 100 — USD 400 |
Here’s an additional tip: ➔ Automating your gym with an automation system such as GymRoute can save time, reduce labor costs, as well as streamline processes.
Final breakdown: Estimated cost summary
Here’s a quick summary of the initial and ongoing monthly costs to help you better understand the financial commitments involved in opening a gym in Dubai, the UK, and the US.
This breakdown will give you a bird’s-eye view of the expenses you’ll need to plan for as you prepare to launch your business.
| Expense | Dubai Initial Cost | UK Initial Cost | US Initial Cost | Monthly Cost |
| Rental/Lease | AED 20,000 — AED 150,000 | GBP 3,000 — GBP 20,000 | USD 5,000 — USD 25,000 | Varies by location |
| Equipment | AED 50,000 — AED 200,000 | GBP 10,000 — GBP 40,000 | USD 12,000 — USD 45,000 | Varies by location |
| Permits and Licensing | AED 15,000 — AED 20,000 | GBP 2,000 — GBP 5,000 | USD 2,500 — USD 5,500 | GBP 100 — GBP 500 |
| Fit-Out Costs | AED 40,000 — AED 70,000 | GBP 5,000 — GBP 20,000 | USD 6,000 — USD 25,000 | Varies by location |
| Staffing | Varies by location | Varies by location | Varies by location | AED 20,000 — AED 30,000 (or regional equivalent) |
| Operational Costs | Varies by location | Varies by location | Varies by location | AED 10,000 — AED 17,000 (or regional equivalent) |
The bottom line: Is starting a gym in Dubai, the UK, and the US worth it?
So, is opening a gym in Dubai, the UK, or the US worth it in 2025? Well, the answer to this question really depends on your goals as well as your readiness to dive into a thriving but competitive market. With the booming fitness industry, along with high demand for quality gyms and strong disposable incomes, the potential rewards are there.
You stand a good chance of building something successful if you can bring a unique vision, premium services or a tight-knit community vibe to your gym.
But keep in mind that the journey comes with its share of challenges, from high initial costs to ongoing operational demands. That’s precisely where tools like GymRoute can make all the difference.
So buckle up to take your gym idea to the next level. Let GymRoute support you every step of the way.
