REPS UAE is a public register which recognises the qualifications and expertise of exercise professionals in the United Arab Emirates. It provides a benchmark for the fitness industry, ensuring professionals meet nationally and internationally recognised standards of competence and safety.

REPS UAE was initiated by the Dubai Sports Council and spearheaded by CEO Naser Al Tamimi, with the goal of professionalising the UAE fitness industry and aligning it with global best practices.

REPS UAE adheres to the Global Standards for fitness established by the International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals (ICREPs) — the worldwide body connecting exercise professional registers across the globe.

The International Confederation for Registers of Exercise Professionals (ICREPs) is the global organisation that connects exercise professional registers worldwide. Membership in ICREPs ensures that REPS UAE qualifications are mutually recognised across member countries.

While not a statutory requirement nationwide, Dubai and Abu Dhabi Sports Councils have both issued circulars making REPS registration mandatory for fitness instructors working in health clubs and fitness facilities. Most leading UAE facilities also require REPS registration as a condition of employment.

REPS UAE operates as a not-for-profit entity. All income generated from member registrations is reinvested directly into administration, professional consultancy, member events, and broader organisational support — ensuring the fitness industry continues to be elevated.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential for exercise professionals to keep their skills and knowledge current with evolving industry standards. REPS UAE requires members to accumulate approximately 20 CPD hours every two years as a condition of registration renewal.

Yes. Training providers can apply to REPS UAE to have their courses evaluated and awarded CPD points. This formal approval process ensures the quality and relevance of professional development offerings across the UAE fitness industry.

Yes. An up-to-date CPR certificate is required as part of the REPS UAE registration process. Ensuring fitness professionals are trained in emergency response is a fundamental safety requirement for working with the public.

To register with REPS UAE, you must hold a recognised qualification from an approved training provider. Qualifications are assessed against UAE Fitness Occupational Standards and must demonstrate both theoretical knowledge and practical competence.

Qualifications are approved through internationally recognised accreditation systems, including pathways from the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and South Africa that meet the required global standards.

Yes. Qualifications from ICREPs member countries are accepted provided they meet UAE Fitness Occupational Standards. Qualifications from non-member countries are assessed individually by the REPS UAE panel; provisional status may apply pending full evaluation.

Provisional status is assigned to members who are employed in the fitness industry and hold a fitness qualification, but whose qualification may not yet fully meet all REPS UAE Fitness Occupational Standards. Provisional members are encouraged to complete additional training to achieve full registration.

US certifications typically receive provisional status unless they include a meaningful practical component and hold ICREPs global accreditation. Holders of US certifications are encouraged to supplement with a practical assessment to achieve full registration.

Sports science and related degree holders can apply; however, they often receive provisional status initially. Academic degrees, while valuable, frequently lack sufficient evidence of the practical fitness skills required by UAE Occupational Standards. A bridging qualification or practical assessment may be recommended.

REPS UAE references the Registered Yoga School (RYS) 200-hour benchmark from Yoga Alliance as a minimum standard and consults specialist advisors for certification verification. Yoga teachers holding RYS 200 or above from a recognised school are well-positioned for full registration.

REPS UAE covers ten professional categories:

• A — Personal Trainer
• B — Gym Instructor
• C — Group Fitness Instructor
• D — Group Fitness Instructor Freestyle
• E — Yoga Teacher
• F — Pilates Instructor
• G — Comprehensive Pilates Teacher
• H — Aqua Fitness Instructor
• I — Children's Fitness Instructor
• J — Advanced Exercise Specialist

Annual registration fees fall into two pricing structures (all subject to VAT):

AED 400 per year plus VAT

• Category B — Gym Instructor
• Category C — Group Fitness
• Category D — Group Fitness, Freestyle
• Category H — Aqua Instructor

AED 450 per year plus VAT

• Category A — Personal Trainer
• Category E — Yoga Teacher
• Category F — Pilates Instructor
• Category G — Comprehensive Pilates Teacher
• Category I — Children's Instructor
• Category J — Advanced Exercise Specialist

Standard applications for locally or widely recognised qualifications are typically processed within 1 to 4 working days. Applications involving overseas qualifications that require panel assessment may take up to 7 working days.

Yes. Employers may submit applications on behalf of their employees and cover the associated registration costs. This is a common arrangement for fitness facilities that require all staff to hold REPS registration.