GymNation Launches Culturally Specific Activewear Line

The Middle East’s largest low-cost gym operator’s new collection includes a contemporary ghutra and muscle thobe

Fitness is heating up in the Middle East, and now GymNation is ready to kit out its members with premium athleisure.

It’s a first for the low-cost gym operator, dropping its Muscle Thobe and ghutra collection in select locations across Riyadh and Jeddah GymNation clubs while supplies last.

The muscle thobe, priced at SAR 449 ($119.4) and available in white and charcoal, features four-way stretch performance fabric with moisture-wicking technology. The collection also includes a contemporary ghutra, available individually for SAR 179 or SAR 579 for the complete set.

GymNation plans to expand the collection to include kanduras and other products across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

Rory McEntee, GymNation’s chief marketing officer, said that the gym operator has been building a fitness community across the Gulf for over eight years now, and the idea came from listening to its members.

“Over the years, we’ve seen a new generation become increasingly passionate about fitness, performance and personal well-being, while remaining deeply connected to their culture and traditions. We wanted to combine gym community and local culture in a way that felt authentic and respectful,” McEntee said. “We’ve spoken to members, researched the idea extensively and worked closely with advisors to get it right.”

GymNation has become known for bold activations beyond the gym floor.

Last month, the fitness brand unveiled a 75,000-square-foot desert sand mural wishing good luck to support Saudi Arabia’s World Cup team and offered 50 free memberships every time the national team scores during the tournament. Watch parties were hosted at select locations for members and non-members.

There was also an impressive sky-high gym class series that launched in January, when GymNation hosted 30-minute full-body strength and conditioning workouts inside a hot air balloon 2,200 feet above Riyadh.

It’s also just the beginning, it appears. GymNation secured $100 million in private credit from HPS Investment Partners in May to fund 100-plus locations across the GCC within three years and to push into Asia.