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Awards Judging Process

Our judging process will be rigorous and transparent and taken very seriously by an independent, objective group of industry experts.

Each category will be judged by experts in the category being judged and the names and profiles of those judges will be shared with the public.

We pride ourselves in ensuring there is no conflict of interest, which will be strictly monitored.



Entry Process

You can enter by submitting your application (submissions open on July 15th, 2025) or through nomination by someone, followed by accepting the nomination and completing the application process.

Individual Categories

This award recognises a new and promising fitness professional who has entered the industry within the last three years and is already making a significant impact.

 

Eligibility:

  • Must be a REPs UAE-registered fitness professional (e.g., Personal Trainer, Group Instructor, Coach)
  • Certified within the last 3 years
  • Actively working in the UAE fitness industry (freelance or facility-based)

Judging Criteria:

  • Early Impact: Evidence of strong client engagement, class delivery, or community involvement
  • Growth Mindset: Commitment to learning, development, and continuous improvement
  • Professionalism: Demonstrates responsibility, reliability, and alignment with REPs UAE standards
  • Potential: Shows strong promise to grow into a leader or innovator within the industry
  • Feedback: Positive reviews or testimonials from clients, peers, or employers


This category celebrates the future of the UAE fitness industry by highlighting professionals who are already standing out early in their careers.

This award honours behind-the-scenes champions who keep facilities running smoothly and clients happy yet often go unrecognised. Open to dedicated team members working in housekeeping, maintenance, engineering, front-of-house, customer service, or sales, whose commitment and work ethic make a real difference every day.

**This category is by nomination only.**

This award recognizes an outstanding individual who plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of fitness professionals through lecturing, tutoring, presenting, or mentoring.

Open to those with a valid teaching or tutor qualification, this category celebrates educators who go above and beyond to inspire learning and support both aspiring and experienced professionals on their development journey.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must hold a valid teaching or tutor qualification
  • Must be actively involved in education or mentoring in the UAE fitness industry

Judging Criteria:

  • Impact on Learners: Demonstrated success in helping students build knowledge, confidence, and real-world readiness
  • Teaching Excellence: Engaging delivery, clear communication, and effective assessment methods
  • Professional Development: Ongoing commitment to improving their own teaching skills and industry knowledge
  • Feedback & Testimonials: Evidence of respect and appreciation from students, peers, or employers

This award shines a light on passionate educators who are raising the bar for professionalism, competence, and inspiration in the UAE fitness industry.

This award recognises a standout Group Exercise (GX) Instructor who brings energy, professionalism, and community spirit to every class.

 

Eligibility:

  • Must be a REPs UAE-registered Group Exercise Instructor
  • Minimum two years’ experience delivering group fitness classes in the UAE

Judging Criteria:

  • Class Experience: Participant engagement, energy, and session quality
  • Innovation: Creative programming and use of music, movement, or technology
  • Community Building: Fostering a positive and inclusive class environment
  • Consistency: Strong attendance, retention, and feedback from members
  • Professional Development: Commitment to staying current with trends and certifications.

This award honors an outstanding Pilates Instructor who demonstrates expertise, professionalism, and a passion for helping clients improve movement, strength, and well-being through the Pilates method.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to REPs UAE-registered Pilates Instructors
  • Must have a minimum of two years’ active teaching experience
  • Eligible instructors may teach mat, reformer, or other Pilates apparatus, in either group or private settings

Judging Criteria:

  • Instructional Quality: Clear cueing, client safety, and effective progression
  • Client Impact: Demonstrates improvement in posture, strength, flexibility, or rehabilitation
  • Versatility: Ability to deliver various styles or work with diverse client needs
  • Professional Development: Ongoing education and refinement of teaching practice
  • Client Feedback: Testimonials or evidence of strong client relationships and satisfaction

This category recognizes instructors who embody the core principles of Pilates and elevate the client experience through every session.

This award celebrates a Yoga Teacher who exemplifies excellence in teaching, connection, and impact—bringing the essence of yoga to life in every session.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to REPs UAE-registered Yoga Teachers
  • Minimum of two years’ teaching experience in group or private class settings
  • Open to all styles and traditions of yoga

Judging Criteria:

  • Teaching Quality: Clarity, presence, and effectiveness in guiding students through safe and meaningful practices
  • Student Impact: Demonstrated ability to foster personal growth, well-being, and consistency among students
  • Inclusivity & Community: Ability to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students of all levels
  • Continued Learning: Commitment to ongoing self-practice and professional development
  • Testimonials: Positive feedback and experiences from students or studio leadership

This category recognizes a teacher whose passion, authenticity, and dedication uplift the yoga community and inspire others on and off the mat.

This award celebrates a coach who has made a powerful impact on their clients’ lives through inspiring, measurable, and sustainable physical and mental transformation. 

Eligibility: 

  • Must have mentored, coached, or trained at least three clients through significant transformation journeys between 2024 and 2025 
  • Open to Personal Trainers, Health Coaches, and Transformation Specialists registered with REPs UAE 

Judging Criteria: 

  • Client Outcomes: Visible and measurable improvements in physical, emotional, or lifestyle health 
  • Storytelling: Compelling client journeys that reflect long-term, sustainable change 
  • Coaching Approach: Holistic, innovative, or personalised strategies used to drive transformation 
  • Client Testimonials: Evidence of support, motivation, and accountability 
  • Professional Conduct: Alignment with REPs UAE standards and ethical practice 

This category is open to all REPs UAE-registered Personal Trainers, whether operating independently or within a fitness facility.

Eligibility:

  • Minimum 3 years of active experience as a certified Personal Trainer 
  • Must be currently registered with REPs UAE 
  • Must maintain a strong, consistent client base showcasing excellence in client results 

Judging Criteria: 

  • Client Results & Testimonials: Evidence of positive transformations and client satisfaction 
  • Professionalism & Ethics: Demonstrated integrity, safety, and client care 
  • Continued Professional Development (CPD): Commitment to ongoing education and skill development 
  • Innovation: Use of creative approaches, technology, or techniques in training delivery 

The winner will represent the gold standard in personal training, combining technical knowledge, motivational skill, and a client-centred approach. Finalists will be required to present a case study in person to a panel of esteemed judges. 

This award recognises an exceptional Fitness Manager who leads by example, drives performance, and creates a supportive, results-driven team culture. 

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to professionals with a minimum of one year in a fitness management role
  • Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the evolving fitness landscape

Judging Criteria:

  • Team Leadership: Proven ability to mentor, motivate, and develop a high-performing fitness team
  • Operational Excellence: Effective day-to-day management of staffing, scheduling, programming, and compliance
  • Business Performance: Evidence of revenue growth, improved service delivery, and high PT retention rates
  • PT Penetration: Demonstrated success in driving member engagement with personal training services
  • Crisis Management: Ability to handle operational challenges with resilience and professionalism
  • Innovation & Vision: Forward-thinking initiatives that enhance member experience or team performance

This award celebrates the individuals behind high-performing fitness teams who embody leadership, professionalism, and a passion for moving the industry forward.

This award recognises an outstanding General Manager who oversees all aspects of a fitness facility with strategic vision, operational excellence, and a strong focus on team and member experience.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to individuals responsible for the full management and performance of a fitness facility
  • Demonstrated leadership across business operations, team management, and service quality

Judging Criteria:

  • Business Performance: Demonstrated profitability, cost control, and growth
  • Leadership & Team Management: Effective oversight of multidisciplinary teams, fostering a high-performance culture
  • Customer Service Excellence: Strong member retention, satisfaction, and service standards
  • Facility Management: Commitment to cleanliness, safety, and maintenance
  • Strategic Direction: Implementation of clear policies, innovation, and long-term vision for the business

This award celebrates the individuals who keep everything running at the highest standard—balancing people, performance, and progress.

** Finalists will be invited to take part in an in-person panel interview with CEO-level industry leaders, conducted in a dynamic "Dragons’ Den" format—designed to assess their strategic insight, leadership style, and operational vision**

Facility And Business Category

This award celebrates an emerging business, facility, or technology that has launched within the past 24 months and is already making waves with groundbreaking ideas and forward-thinking solutions. Open to both physical facilities and fitness-related businesses (e.g., apps, platforms, equipment, recovery tools, or services), this category honors those redefining what’s possible in health, fitness, and wellness.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to businesses, facilities, or technologies launched within the past 24 months
  • Applicable to physical fitness facilities or fitness-related businesses such as apps, platforms, equipment, recovery tools, or services

Judging Criteria:

  • Innovation: Originality of concept, technology, or service offering
  • Market Impact: Early success, demand, or disruption within the fitness space
  • Scalability & Vision: Long-term potential and clarity of growth strategy
  • User/Client Experience: Engagement, usability, and value to end users
  • Alignment with Industry Trends: Addresses key areas such as recovery, accessibility, personalization, longevity, or digital integration

This award recognises the game-changers of tomorrow—those introducing bold ideas that are reshaping the future of fitness today.

This award recognises an outstanding product, equipment, or service supplier that has made a significant contribution to the UAE fitness and wellness industry through exceptional quality, innovation, and customer support.

Whether supplying cutting-edge gym equipment, recovery tools, nutrition products, apparel, technology, or facility services, this award honors a supplier that consistently delivers value, reliability, and impact to the professionals and businesses they serve.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to product, equipment, or service suppliers operating in the UAE fitness, health, or wellness sectors
  • Must have been actively trading in the UAE market for at least 12 months
  • Open to both local and international brands with a strong presence in the UAE
  • Suppliers must demonstrate a commitment to industry excellence, client satisfaction, and innovation

Judging Criteria:

  • Product or Service Quality: Reliability, effectiveness, and overall quality of the product or service offering
  • Industry Impact: Contribution to improving standards, outcomes, or efficiency within the fitness and wellness industry
  • Customer Support & Service: Responsiveness, professionalism, and ongoing support provided to clients or facilities
  • Innovation & Differentiation: Use of technology, unique features, or forward-thinking solutions that set the supplier apart from competitors
  • Client Feedback & Reputation: Strong testimonials, partnerships, or endorsements from industry professionals and clients

This award recognises the vital role of front-of-house teams as the face of any fitness facility—setting the tone for every client interaction and contributing significantly to member satisfaction and retention. It honors reception and customer service teams who consistently deliver exceptional first impressions, demonstrate deep product knowledge, and create a warm, welcoming environment for members and guests.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to reception and customer service teams at any fitness facility
  • Teams must demonstrate excellence in customer service, professionalism, and member experience

Judging Criteria:

  • Customer Service Excellence: Friendly, efficient, and solutions-focused service
  • Team Confidence & Knowledge: Clear understanding of facility offerings, memberships, and processes
  • First Impressions: Professionalism, attitude, and appearance
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to handle challenges or complaints effectively
  • Member Experience: Evidence of consistent, high-quality interactions and positive feedback

This category celebrates the unsung heroes at the front desk who turn everyday moments into memorable experiences and help create a lasting impact from the moment someone walks through the door.

This award recognises an exceptional facility at the forefront of holistic health, recovery, and longevity—where innovation meets wellbeing.

Open to centres that incorporates services such as recovery therapies, biohacking, integrative treatments, and holistic wellness, this category honours those delivering cutting-edge experiences designed to optimise health from the inside out.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to fitness/wellness facilities that offer services such as recovery therapies, biohacking, integrative treatments, and holistic wellness
  • Facilities must demonstrate a commitment to service excellence and innovation in wellness, recovery, and longevity

Judging Criteria:

  • Service Excellence: High-quality delivery of fitness/wellness, recovery, or longevity-focused services
  • Innovation & Technology: Use of advanced tools and methodologies (e.g., red light therapy, cryotherapy, IV drips, breathwork, etc.)
  • Client Experience: Personalisation, education, and a results-oriented approach
  • Holistic Integration: Offering that blends physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing
  • Aesthetic & Environment: Attention to detail in design, ambience, and the overall client journey

This category celebrates facilities pioneering the future of wellness—where science, recovery, and holistic care meet to empower healthier, longer lives.

This award recognises an outstanding facility that delivers high-energy, results-driven group training experiences through a structured and branded format. Open to studios and clubs that specialise in functional, circuit, HIIT, strength, or conditioning-based group workouts—this category honours facilities that combine innovation, community, and performance in a dynamic group setting.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to group training studios or fitness clubs specialising in group workouts such as functional, circuit, HIIT, strength, or conditioning
  • The facility must demonstrate excellence in programming, coaching, member results, branding, and community-building

Judging Criteria:

  • Programme Quality: Consistency, structure, and variety in class programming
  • Coach Excellence: Skilled, motivating instructors delivering exceptional group experiences
  • Member Results: Evidence of physical transformation, progression, or strong member engagement
  • Brand Experience: Cohesive branding, energy, and in-studio experience
  • Community & Culture: Creation of an inclusive, motivating, and supportive environment

This award celebrates the facilities redefining group training through passion, precision, and performance—raising the bar for community-based fitness.

This award recognises an exceptional independent fitness club or facility that offers a curated, multi-service fitness experience—blending small group training, personal coaching, recovery, and open access training within a high-end, community-driven environment.

Ideal for locally-owned clubs that don’t follow a pre-packaged franchise model, but instead craft unique programming and deliver exceptional service across the client journey.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to independent fitness clubs or facilities that are not part of a franchise or chain model
  • Facilities must offer a blend of services such as personal training (PT), small group training, recovery, and community events
  • Must demonstrate a commitment to providing a curated, high-end experience for members

Judging Criteria:

  • Personalised Experience: Bespoke offerings tailored to the needs of their specific audience
  • Service Variety: Combination of training (PT, group), recovery, and community-building events
  • Facility Aesthetic & Atmosphere: High-quality design, cleanliness, and attention to detail
  • Member Retention & Satisfaction: Demonstrated loyalty and community connection
  • Business Performance: Growth, innovation, and sustainable success in a competitive market

This award celebrates a studio that exemplifies balance, strength, and holistic wellbeing through the delivery of exceptional Yoga, Pilates, and Mind-Body classes and services.

Open to boutique studios or specialised spaces that focus on cultivating both physical and mental strength, this category recognises those that create welcoming, results-driven environments that inspire mindfulness, movement, and transformation.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to boutique Yoga, Pilates, and Mind-Body studios
  • Focus on cultivating balance, strength, and holistic wellbeing through either Yoga and/or Pilates, and complementary services
  • Must demonstrate excellence in client care, innovative programming, and a welcoming environment

Judging Criteria:

  • Quality of Instruction: Highly trained and engaging instructors delivering impactful sessions
  • Studio Environment: Ambience, cleanliness, and attention to client comfort and experience
  • Programme Variety: A well-rounded schedule that balances strength, flexibility, and restoration
  • Client Engagement: Strong member retention, satisfaction, and community connection
  • Innovation & Wellness Integration: Use of creative approaches, technology, or complementary services (e.g. breathwork, meditation, recovery)

This category honours studios that empower individuals to build inner calm and outer strength—raising the bar for mind-body fitness in the UAE.

This award recognises an exceptional fitness club—whether independently operated or part of a franchise—that consistently delivers outstanding member experiences, strong business performance, and a positive impact on the community.

Open to individual clubs that go above and beyond in creating a supportive, innovative, and results-driven environment for members and staff alike.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to fitness clubs of any type, whether independently operated or part of a franchise
  • Clubs must demonstrate excellence in member experience, business performance, and community involvement

Judging Criteria:

  • Member Experience: High levels of client satisfaction, service quality, and engagement
  • Team Culture & Staff Development: A motivated, well-trained team and strong internal leadership
  • Operational Excellence: Cleanliness, safety, equipment maintenance, and smooth daily operations
  • Innovation & Programming: Creative and effective training programs, technology use, or service enhancements
  • Business Performance: Evidence of growth, retention, and financial success
  • Community Involvement: Contributions to local events, wellness education, or outreach initiatives

This award celebrates a facility that leads by example—delivering excellence across all areas of fitness club management while making a meaningful difference in the lives of its members.

This award recognises a high-end fitness facility that exemplifies luxury, innovation, and exceptional member experience. The Premium Club of the Year sets itself apart through impeccable service, upscale amenities, and holistic wellness offerings, delivering a consistently elevated experience that aligns with premium expectations.

It celebrates excellence in design, operations, community engagement, and the ability to deliver value in a competitive luxury market.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to clubs operating in the UAE that position themselves as premium or luxury fitness facilities
  • Must demonstrate a clear differentiation in pricing, service offerings, and facility design aligned with luxury standards
  • Open to both independent luxury fitness clubs and those located within hotels.
  • Must be operational for at least one full calendar year

Judging Criteria:

  • Member Experience & Personalisation: High levels of individual service, personalisation, and member feedback systems
  • Facility Excellence: Premium equipment, cutting-edge design, cleanliness, ambience, and overall environment
  • Wellness Integration: Inclusion of recovery, spa, medical fitness, nutrition, or holistic wellness offerings
  • Innovation & Technology: Use of digital tools, smart training systems, apps, or advanced tracking solutions
  • Operational Excellence: Staff training, client retention, management systems, and SOPs
  • Brand Positioning & Market Impact: Clarity of brand message, market presence, and role in raising industry standards

This award recognises a comprehensive fitness facility that offers an exceptional range of services under one roof—delivering a well-rounded experience that supports members of all ages and abilities in achieving their health and wellness goals. 

Open to chain/franchise and independent gyms, this category celebrates clubs that provide diversity, innovation, and operational excellence across multiple disciplines. 

Eligibility Criteria: 
To qualify, facilities must offer at least six (6) of the following services/amenities: 

  • Group Fitness Classes 
  • Personal Training 
  • Swimming Pool 
  • Sauna or Wellness Spa Facilities 
  • Recovery Services (e.g. cryotherapy, red light, massage, IV) 
  • Kids’ Fitness Programs 
  • Kids’ and/or Adults' Sports Programs 
  • Outdoor Training Areas 
  • On-site Restaurant or Café 

Judging Criteria: 

  • Range & Quality of Services: Breadth of offerings and quality of delivery across multiple departments 
  • Facility Integration: Seamless experience between gym, wellness, food, and family services 
  • Operational Excellence: High standards in staffing, safety, scheduling, and cleanliness 
  • Client Engagement: High member satisfaction, retention, and usage of multiple facility zones 
  • Innovation & Programming: Creative or inclusive programming across different demographics (e.g. youth, athletes, seniors) 
  • Community & Culture: A strong sense of community across the varied spaces and services 
  • Business Performance: Sustainable growth, brand positioning, and impact in the market 

This award honours facilities that go beyond being “just a gym” and instead provide a holistic, lifestyle-driven experience—setting the benchmark for what modern multi-discipline fitness should look like. 

This award recognises an outstanding fitness chain or franchise operating within the UAE that has demonstrated excellence, consistency, and a significant contribution to the fitness industry across its network of clubs or studios.

Eligible entrants must operate a minimum of three (3) locations in the UAE. This category is open to both regional and international brands and celebrates those who deliver a strong and cohesive brand experience while driving innovation, member satisfaction, and meaningful market impact.

Judging Criteria:

· Brand Consistency Across Locations: Evidence of consistent service quality, branding, and operational excellence throughout all UAE branches.

· Network Growth & Market Position: Demonstrated growth, market reach, and impact within the UAE’s competitive fitness landscape.

· Innovation & Local Relevance: Use of technology, programming, or unique offerings that reflect creativity and relevance to the UAE market.

· Member Experience & Community Impact: Strong client engagement, retention, satisfaction, and contribution to local wellness or community initiatives.

· Industry Leadership & Collaboration: Evidence of collaboration with industry stakeholders, participation in sector events, and contribution to professional development or education.

This award honours a brand that not only thrives across multiple locations but also sets a benchmark for scalable success, operational excellence, and leadership in the UAE fitness industry.