Lift Brands has reacquired the Snap Fitness master franchise for the United Arab Emirates as it looks to accelerate its growth in the region.
The operation of Snap Fitness in the UAE will now be overseen by Lift Brands’ EMEA support office team, headquartered in London and spearheaded by CEO, Kevin Yates. The move marks a significant milestone in solidifying Snap Fitness’ presence in the Middle East and furthering its commitment to delivering standout fitness experiences around the world.
As part of the acquisition, Dubai-based Afshad Mistry has been appointed as General Manager for the UAE, having held the position for the previous master franchise holder.
As well as a commitment to opening a significant number of new locations in the UAE in the coming years, Lift Brands’ immediate focus is strengthening the four existing Snap Fitness clubs in the region. Modernization projects are already underway at its Media City and Motor City clubs to elevate the member experience and bring facilities in line with the brand’s global standards.
Following a record-breaking year for Snap Fitness, which saw the global powerhouse open 44 new locations in 2024, Lift Brands has already received strong interest for development in the region and will soon begin its search for ambitious franchise partners in the UAE.
“Reacquiring the master franchise for the UAE is a hugely exciting move for us,” said Yates. “The health and fitness club market in the UAE is projected to reach over $5 billion by 2030 and by driving the Snap Fitness brand centrally, it will help us to rapidly capitalize on this. 2024 was an incredible year for Snap Fitness, with our global teams enjoying more franchise and membership sales than ever before. We’re on a roll right now and we can’t wait to unlock Snap Fitness’ potential in the UAE and significantly grow our presence there.”
Ty Menzies, the global CEO of Lift Brands, added, “Snap Fitness has been leading the charge in the industry since its inception, delivering standout holistic wellness experiences and a versatile business model. Our success lies in our ability to provide unparalleled support for entrepreneurs and local communities, while maintaining a world-class fitness offering. The UAE is a key market for us and we’re excited to welcome more people to the Snap Fitness family and make fitness more accessible, enjoyable and rewarding.”
Snap Fitness continues to reinforce its standing as one of the world’s leading gym franchises, with over 1,000 clubs in over 20 countries. Snap Fitness reached the 100-club landmark across the UK and Ireland last year and kicked off 2025 with another opening in Raynes Park, London. It’s set to open over 60 clubs across the world in 2025 as it cements its place as one of the world’s largest gym franchises.
