Saudi Arabia Fitness Equipment Market

Saudi Arabia Fitness Equipment Market Overview

• The Saudi Arabia Fitness Equipment Market is valued at USD 120 million, based on a five-year historical analysis of the gym and fitness equipment category in the country. This growth is primarily driven by increasing health awareness supported by Saudi Vision 2030 sports and wellness goals, a rise in disposable incomes, and a growing trend towards fitness and wellness among the population, including a strong increase in female participation and youth-centric fitness activities. The demand for fitness equipment has surged as more individuals, gyms, boutique studios, hotels, and corporate facilities invest in health and fitness solutions, alongside rising adoption of home gyms and connected/smart equipment.
• Key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam dominate the market due to their large populations, higher disposable incomes, and advanced urbanization levels. These cities have seen a significant increase in fitness centers, budget and premium gyms, women-only clubs, and wellness facilities, which cater to the growing demand for fitness equipment. The concentration of wealth, rapid expansion of mixed-use developments and residential compounds, and lifestyle changes in these urban areas further contribute to their market dominance and higher per-capita spending on fitness solutions.
• In 2023, the Saudi government reinforced its focus on physical activity and community sports through initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life Program, implemented by the Ministry of Sport and the Sports for All Federation. A key binding framework is the Sports Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/85 of 2016, under which subsequent regulations and programs mandate and incentivize the development of sports and physical activity facilities, including in schools, universities, and public entities, with standards for safety, accessibility, and operator licensing. These measures, combined with targets to raise regular sports participation, have supported increased demand for fitness equipment across educational institutions, community centers, and government-affiliated facilities.

Saudi Arabia Fitness Equipment Market Segmentation

By Type:The fitness equipment market can be segmented into various types, including cardiovascular equipment, strength training equipment, fitness accessories, smart fitness equipment, and others. This aligns with leading market analyses that classify the Saudi gym equipment space into cardiovascular machines, strength training equipment, plate-loaded and free-weight equipment, and other related categories. Among these, cardiovascular equipment is currently the leading sub-segment, driven by the increasing popularity of activities such as running and cycling, and the central role of treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals in both commercial gyms and home setups. The rise in health consciousness has led consumers to prioritize cardiovascular health, resulting in a higher demand for treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines, often with integrated connectivity and performance tracking features. Strength training equipment also sees significant interest, particularly as more individuals seek to build muscle, follow functional training programs, and adopt free-weight and plate-loaded routines that are increasingly common in budget and premium gyms across the country.

By End-User:The market can also be segmented based on end-users, including residential, commercial, corporate, government institutions, and others. The commercial segment is the most significant contributor to the market, driven by the proliferation of gyms, health and fitness clubs, boutique studios, hotel gyms, and mixed-use community facilities across Saudi Arabia. The increasing number of fitness enthusiasts, the expansion of budget and premium chains, and the trend towards group fitness classes, functional training zones, and women-only facilities have led to a surge in demand for commercial-grade fitness equipment. Residential users are also becoming more prominent, particularly as home workouts, compact multi-gyms, and connected/smart equipment gain popularity, supported by higher internet penetration and digital fitness content following the pandemic-driven shift towards at-home exercise.

Saudi Arabia Fitness Equipment Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Fitness Equipment Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Technogym S.p.A., Life Fitness (a subsidiary of KPS Capital Partners), Precor (a subsidiary of Peloton Interactive, Inc.), Cybex International (a subsidiary of Johnson Health Tech), Nautilus, Inc., Matrix Fitness (a brand of Johnson Health Tech), Hammer Strength (a division of Life Fitness), Star Trac (a brand of Johnson Health Tech), Schwinn Fitness (a brand of Nautilus, Inc.), ProForm (a brand of ICON Health & Fitness), Bowflex (a brand of Nautilus, Inc.), Octane Fitness, LLC, Sole Fitness (a brand of ICON Health & Fitness), Vision Fitness (a brand of Johnson Health Tech), and Horizon Fitness (a brand of Johnson Health Tech) contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Saudi Arabia Fitness Equipment Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Health Awareness:The Saudi population is becoming increasingly health-conscious, with a reported 60% of adults engaging in some form of physical activity as of 2023. This shift is driven by rising obesity rates, which reached 35% in 2022, prompting individuals to seek fitness solutions. The government's Vision 2030 initiative aims to increase physical activity levels among citizens, further fueling demand for fitness equipment. This growing awareness is expected to significantly boost the fitness equipment market in the coming years.
• Government Initiatives for Fitness Promotion:The Saudi government has launched various initiatives to promote fitness, including the "Quality of Life" program, which allocated SAR 50 billion (approximately USD 13.3 billion) in future to enhance public health. These initiatives aim to increase the number of fitness centers and encourage community participation in sports. As a result, the fitness equipment market is likely to benefit from increased investments in infrastructure and public awareness campaigns, driving sales and participation in fitness activities.
• Rise in Disposable Income:With a projected GDP growth rate of 3.1% in future, Saudi Arabia's economy is witnessing a rise in disposable income, which is expected to reach SAR 1.2 trillion (approximately USD 320 billion). This increase allows consumers to invest more in health and fitness, including purchasing fitness equipment. As disposable income rises, more individuals are likely to prioritize fitness, leading to a surge in demand for both home and commercial fitness equipment in the market.

Market Challenges

• High Import Tariffs on Equipment:Saudi Arabia imposes import tariffs on fitness equipment that can reach up to 20%, significantly increasing the cost for retailers and consumers. This high tariff structure discourages international brands from entering the market and limits the availability of diverse equipment options. Consequently, local consumers face higher prices, which can hinder market growth and reduce overall accessibility to quality fitness equipment in the region.
• Cultural Barriers to Fitness Adoption:Cultural attitudes towards fitness and exercise can pose significant challenges in Saudi Arabia. Traditional views may discourage women from participating in public fitness activities, limiting the market's potential. Despite recent changes, such as the introduction of women-only gyms, societal norms still impact participation rates. This cultural barrier can restrict the growth of the fitness equipment market, as a significant portion of the population remains hesitant to engage in fitness activities.

Saudi Arabia Fitness Equipment Market Future Outlook

The future of the Saudi Arabia fitness equipment market appears promising, driven by increasing health awareness and government initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity. As disposable incomes rise, more consumers are likely to invest in fitness solutions, including home equipment and gym memberships. Additionally, the expansion of e-commerce platforms will facilitate easier access to fitness products. The market is expected to adapt to trends such as sustainable equipment and technological advancements, ensuring a dynamic and responsive industry landscape.

Market Opportunities

• Expansion of E-commerce Platforms:The growth of e-commerce in Saudi Arabia, projected to reach SAR 50 billion (approximately USD 13.3 billion) in future, presents a significant opportunity for fitness equipment sales. Online platforms can provide consumers with a wider range of products and competitive pricing, enhancing accessibility and convenience for buyers. This trend is likely to drive market growth as more consumers turn to online shopping for fitness solutions.
• Increasing Popularity of Home Fitness Solutions:The home fitness market is gaining traction, with sales of home gym equipment expected to increase by 25% in future. This trend is driven by the convenience of exercising at home and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shifted consumer preferences. As more individuals seek to create personal workout spaces, manufacturers can capitalize on this opportunity by offering innovative and space-efficient fitness equipment tailored for home use.