Gym & Fitness in Meydan Free Zone for British nationals
Free ZoneServicesRegulated Activity

Gym & Fitness in Meydan

Starting From

AED 9,950

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Gym & Fitness

The UAE continues to attract British entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and Meydan is one of the most popular jurisdictions for gym & fitness operations. One of the largest Western expatriate communities (~120,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Meydan Free Zone gives your Gym & Fitness business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from Dubai Sports Council before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up gym & fitness businesses in Meydan Free Zone since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why Meydan for Gym & Fitness?

Choosing Meydan for your gym & fitness business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers competitive pricing, which is particularly valuable for gym & fitness operations. Additionally, prestigious meydan address ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 4,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 3 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Fast setup process further enhances the appeal of Meydan for gym & fitness professionals. Furthermore, 100% foreign ownership positions your gym & fitness business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Meydan remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For British nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large British business community.

Competitive pricing
Prestigious Meydan address
Fast setup process
100% foreign ownership
Growing free zone community

Visa Requirements for British Nationals

British nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your gym & fitness licence is issued by Meydan, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 7–14 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for British Business Owners

British nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. UK-regulated banking history is viewed favourably by UAE banks. For your gym & fitness business in Meydan, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving British business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any United Kingdom-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for British Nationals

British nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for gym & fitness), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to Meydan.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid United Kingdom passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2Documents attested by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi
4Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)
5Signed application form from Meydan authority
6Passport-sized photographs with white background
7Completed application form for trade licence
8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

Regulatory Note: Gym & Fitness is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Dubai Sports Council is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

ItemCost (AED)
License Fee9,950
Visa Package (per visa)4,000
Flexi Desk4,000
Shared Office8,000
Private Office20,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 17,950

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

1

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your gym & fitness business plan and the best Meydan licence options for British nationals.

2

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from United Kingdom through Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the UAE Embassy.

3

Licence Application

Submit the gym & fitness licence application to Meydan. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

4

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Meydan trade licence within 2–5 business days.

5

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. British nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

6

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. British nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

7

Start Operations

Your gym & fitness business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 2 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Meydan allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including British nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Get Started Today

Ready to set up your gym & fitness in Meydan? Our team is here to help.

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionMeydan
TypeFree Zone
EmirateDubai
License FeeAED 9,950
Setup Time2 days
Visa Quota3
Activity Code96030

Official Source

www.meydanfz.ae

By IBA Business Setup Team

Last updated: 26 February 2026

International Business Advisors DMCC has been helping entrepreneurs set up businesses in the UAE since 2004, with 20+ years of hands-on expertise.

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