As reported by Arabian Business yesterday, five Dubai-based gyms and fitness centres have permanently closed operations as COVID-19 hits the fitness industry in the emirate.
The names include CrossFit GoldBox Dubai, Flywheel Dubai, Cult.Fit, Engine Health & Fitness, and TribeFit Dubai Marina.
It has been two months since these gyms and fitness centres are closed in line with the government’s safety measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
Talking about the unfortunate news of shutdown, CrossFit GoldBox in an Instagram post said,
“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that, effective today, CrossFit GoldBox Dubai shall be ceasing its operations. In these especially challenging times, it has unfortunately been decided that we shall not resume our business as usual,”
Engine Health & Fitness said that it will be issuing refunds of memberships as of 14 June 2020 after 8 years of operations. Other gyms notably talked about the lack of support for SMEs and stubborn landlords.
Flywheel Dubai Marina said,
“As the first boutique indoor cycling studio in Dubai, it is with a very heavy and sad heart that we have to say goodbye to Flywheel in Dubai. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic, the ensuing lockdown, Flywheel US’s temporary closure, and the limited support for SMEs has left us with no choice but to permanently close our doors in Dubai.”
TribeFit revealed that the company is shutting down its Dubai Marina branch and will reopen in October in Jumeirah Village Triangle since the rent is much more affordable there.
The company in a statement to Arabian Business said,
“We have tried all avenues to remain afloat in our existing premises, including restructuring and seeking relief from suppliers and most importantly, our existing landlord,”
“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts we have not been able to secure critical support to enable us to ride out this crisis. It is very disappointing for us and indeed everyone, as we have been forced to make the painful decision to close our existing club,”
Both TribeFit and Cult.Fit are offering their members an avenue to transfer their memberships to another fitness chain GymNation free of cost.
Cult.Fit said the customers who don’t wish to continue their memberships can get a refund of their pending membership on a pro-rata basis. While, TribeFit said that the company will not issue refunds but the members can continue their memberships as soon as they reopen their centre in Jumeirah in October.
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