How To Set Up A Sports Club In The UAE

Author: Hanoof Al Naama
Published: November 8, 2024
Category: Business Activity

Overview of the Sports Club Industry in the UAE

The sports club industry in the UAE has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the country's increasing focus on health, fitness, and leisure activities. The core business of sports clubs often revolves around providing a comprehensive range of fitness and recreational services to members.

Business Model and Revenue

Entrepreneurs can operate using a membership-based model, where individuals pay a recurring fee to access the club's facilities and participate in its activities. This provides a steady stream of revenue for the club.

Facilities and Services

Sports clubs in the UAE typically offer a wide variety of facilities to cater to different interests and fitness levels. In addition to fitness facilities, many sports clubs offer wellness and spa services too.

Sports clubs often organise social events and activities to foster a sense of community among members. This can include parties, tournaments, and networking events. As the UAE has a growing affluent population, there is a demand for luxury and premium sports clubs that offer exclusive amenities and personalised services.

Business Activities for Sports Club Licensing

For entrepreneurs who want to thrive in this industry, here are the business activities you can choose from under your business license.

9312.00 – Activities of Sports Clubs

While sports clubs often involve a variety of activities, their core business typically centres around providing a comprehensive range of fitness and recreational services to their members.

Services Included

• Members enjoy unlimited or restricted access to the club's facilities, such as gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness studios
• A wide range of group classes, including aerobics, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, and more are offered to members
• Some clubs offer childcare or youth sports programs

Types of Sports Clubs

Examples of types of sports clubs include:

• Members-only gyms
• Country clubs
• Clubs centred around one sport such as football, tennis, rowing, swimming, and more
• Wellness centres focused on fitness, relaxation, and overall well-being through yoga, pilates, and spa services

Exclusions

Note that this business activity excludes:

• Sports instruction by individual teachers and trainers
• The operation of sports facilities
• The organisation and operation of outdoor or indoor sports events for professionals or amateurs by sports clubs with their own facilities

Regulatory Requirements

Requirement	Status
Third-party Approval	Exempt
Filing of Economic Substance Return	Exempt
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance	Exempt

9312.01 – Operation of Sports Clubs: Football Clubs, Bowling Clubs, Swimming Clubs, Golf Clubs, Boxing Clubs, Body-building Clubs, Winter Sports Clubs, Chess Clubs, Track and Field Clubs, Shooting Clubs, etc.

This business involves the operation of sports clubs, from football and bowling to swimming, gold, boxing, body-building, winter sports, chess, track and field, shooting, and more.

Core Activities

While the specific activities may vary based on the type of sport, the operation of sports clubs generally involves:

• Maintenance, safety and renovations
• Recruitment and retention of members
• Billing and payments
• Event organisation (both internal and external competitions, including social events)

The specific activities and focus of each club will depend on the type of sport and the club's goals.

Exclusions

Note that this business activity excludes:

• Sports instruction by individual teachers and trainers
• The operation of sports facilities
• The organisation and operation of outdoor or indoor sports events for professionals or amateurs by sports clubs with their own facilities

Regulatory Requirements

Requirement	Status
Third-party Approval	Exempt
Filing of Economic Substance Return	Exempt
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance	Exempt

9312.02 – Sports Services and Contracting

Sports services and contracting businesses provide a wide range of services related to the sports industry. They often act as intermediaries, connecting sports organisations, athletes, and venues.

Key Services

Key services include:

• Athlete representation, including marketing and public relations
• Event management and planning
• Facility management
• Sports consulting which involves conducting market research and developing business plans

Examples of Businesses

Examples of these businesses include:

• Sports agency
• Sports consulting firm

Exclusions

Note that this business activity excludes:

• Sports instruction by individual teachers and trainers
• Operation of sports facilities
• The organisation and operation of outdoor or indoor sports events for professionals or amateurs by sports clubs with their own facilities

Regulatory Requirements

Requirement	Status
Third-party Approval	Exempt
Filing of Economic Substance Return	Exempt
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance	Exempt

Next Steps and Resources

Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in our Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.

You can also calculate your business setup costs easily using our handy cost calculator and choose from our customized company setup packages to find your perfect fit.

Get your business license in the UAE today and explore a world of opportunities waiting for you.