The sports club industry in the UAE has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the country’s increasing focus on health, fitness, and leisure activities. The core business of sports clubs often revolves around providing a comprehensive range of fitness and recreational services to members. Entrepreneurs can operate using a membership-based model, where individuals pay a recurring fee to access the club’s facilities and participate in its activities. This provides a steady stream of revenue for the club. Sports clubs in the UAE typically offer a wide variety of facilities to cater to different interests and fitness levels. In addition to fitness facilities, many sports clubs offer wellness and spa services too.
Sports clubs often organise social events and activities to foster a sense of community among members. This can include parties, tournaments, and networking events. As the UAE has a growing affluent population, there is a demand for luxury and premium sports clubs that offer exclusive amenities and personalised services.
For entrepreneurs who want to thrive in this industry, here are the business activities you can choose from under your business license.
9312.00 – Activities of sports clubs
While sports clubs often involve a variety of activities, their core business typically centres around providing a comprehensive range of fitness and recreational services to their members. Members enjoy unlimited or restricted access to the club’s facilities, such as gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness studios. A wide range of group classes, including aerobics, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, and more are offered to members.
Some clubs offer childcare or youth sports programs. Examples of types of sports clubs include members-only gyms, country clubs, and clubs centred around one sport such as football, tennis, rowing, swimming, and more. Wellness centres within these clubs are usually focused on fitness, relaxation, and overall well-being through yoga, pilates, and spa services.
Note that this business activity excludes sports instruction by individual teachers and trainers, the operation of sports facilities, and the organisation and operation of outdoor or indoor sports events for professionals or amateurs by sports clubs with their own facilities.
Third-party Approval: Business activity 9312.00 is exempt from this requirement
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9312.00 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9312.00 is exempt from this requirement
9312.01 – Operation of sports clubs: Football clubs, Bowling clubs, Swimming clubs, Golf clubs, Boxing clubs, Body-building clubs, Winter sports clubs, Chess clubs, Track and field clubs, Shooting clubs, etc.
This business involves the operation of sports clubs, from football and bowling to swimming, gold, boxing, body-building, winter sports, chess, track and field, shooting, and more. While the specific activities may vary based on the type of sport, the operation of sports clubs generally involves maintenance, safety and renovations.
Along with this, recruitment and retention of members is a key activity, together with billing and payments. Event organisation at a sports club can involve both internal and external competitions, including social events. The specific activities and focus of each club will depend on the type of sport and the club’s goals.
Note that this business activity excludes sports instruction by individual teachers and trainers, the operation of sports facilities, and the organisation and operation of outdoor or indoor sports events for professionals or amateurs by sports clubs with their own facilities.
Third-party Approval: Business activity 9312.01 is exempt from this requirement
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9312.01 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9312.01 is exempt from this requirement
9312.02 – Sports Services and Contracting
Sports services and contracting businesses provide a wide range of services related to the sports industry. They often act as intermediaries, connecting sports organisations, athletes, and venues. Key services include athlete representation, including marketing and public relations, event management and planning, facility management, and sports consulting which involves conducting market research and developing business plans. Examples of these businesses include a sports agency and a sports consulting firm.
Note that this business activity excludes sports instruction by individual teachers and trainers, operation of sports facilities, and the organisation and operation of outdoor or indoor sports events for professionals or amateurs by sports clubs with their own facilities.
Third-party Approval: Business activity 9312.02 is exempt from this requirement
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9312.02 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9312.02 is exempt from this requirement
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