David Lloyd Leisure, one of Europe's leading health and wellness groups, has announced a significant expansion into the Middle East with a multi-club agreement in Saudi Arabia. The move, part of a strategic partnership with a local investment group, marks the company's first entry into the Kingdom and signals a major step in its global growth strategy.
The long-term plan involves opening at least five new luxury clubs across major Saudi cities, beginning with a flagship location in Riyadh. This expansion taps into the country's rapidly growing wellness and leisure market, which is a key component of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure is entering the Saudi Arabian market for the first time.
- The plan includes opening a minimum of five health and wellness clubs across the Kingdom.
- A flagship club is scheduled to open in Riyadh, with further locations planned for Jeddah and Dammam.
- The expansion is facilitated by a strategic partnership with the Saudi-based Al-Futtaim Leisure and Investment Group.
- This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which focuses on developing the leisure and tourism sectors.
Strategic Partnership Fuels Regional Growth
The foundation of this expansion is a newly formed joint venture with Al-Futtaim Leisure and Investment Group, a prominent Saudi conglomerate with extensive experience in real estate and lifestyle developments. This partnership will combine David Lloyd's operational expertise in the premium health club sector with Al-Futtaim's deep local market knowledge and development capabilities.
According to the announcement, the collaboration is structured as a long-term franchise agreement. Al-Futtaim will oversee the development and construction of the new facilities, while David Lloyd Leisure will manage club operations, branding, and member experience to ensure consistency with its global standards.
"We are thrilled to be entering Saudi Arabia, a market with tremendous potential and a growing demand for premium wellness experiences. Our partnership with Al-Futtaim Leisure and Investment Group provides the local expertise and shared vision necessary to successfully establish the David Lloyd brand in the Kingdom."
- Russell Barnes, CEO of David Lloyd Leisure
This model allows for rapid scaling while mitigating the risks associated with entering a new international market. The partnership aims to become a leading player in the Kingdom's health and wellness landscape.
Details of the First Flagship Club in Riyadh
The first club is set to be a landmark project located in a prime district of Riyadh. While the exact location has not been disclosed, sources indicate it will be part of a major new mixed-use development. Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, with a target opening date in late 2026.
Planned Facilities and Offerings
The Riyadh club will be designed as a comprehensive family-oriented destination. Plans for the facility include:
- Extensive Gym Floor: Over 2,000 square meters of state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
- Group Exercise Studios: Multiple studios offering over 150 classes per week, including signature David Lloyd programs like BLAZE and IGN1TE.
- Indoor and Outdoor Pools: Including a 25-meter indoor lap pool and a family-friendly outdoor resort-style pool.
- Spa and Wellness Suite: A luxurious spa with saunas, steam rooms, and treatment areas.
- Racquet Sports: Championship-standard indoor and outdoor tennis courts, as well as padel courts.
- Family Facilities: A dedicated DL Kids area, crèche, and family-focused activities.
- Clubroom and Restaurant: A social space with a full-service restaurant and business lounge area.
By the Numbers: David Lloyd Leisure
- Founded: 1982
- Total Clubs: Over 130 clubs across Europe
- Total Members: More than 750,000 members
- Countries of Operation: Now expanding beyond its 9 European markets.
The club is expected to create over 200 local jobs, ranging from fitness professionals and management staff to hospitality and maintenance teams. The company plans to implement a robust training program to develop local talent.
Alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030
This major investment by David Lloyd Leisure directly aligns with the goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The national transformation plan aims to diversify the economy away from oil, improve the quality of life for its citizens, and develop robust tourism and leisure sectors.
The government has actively encouraged private sector investment in lifestyle and entertainment projects. The wellness market, in particular, has been identified as a high-growth area. According to a report by the Global Wellness Institute, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) wellness economy is projected to grow significantly, with Saudi Arabia being a key driver of this trend.
What is Vision 2030?
Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic framework designed to reduce Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. A central goal is to increase household spending on entertainment and cultural activities within the Kingdom.
The introduction of premium, family-focused wellness clubs like David Lloyd's meets the growing demand from a young and increasingly health-conscious population. It also contributes to building the social and recreational infrastructure needed to attract international talent and tourists.
"This venture is more than a business expansion; it's a contribution to the quality of life in Saudi Arabia. We are proud to partner with a world-class brand like David Lloyd to bring unparalleled health and wellness facilities to the Saudi people, in line with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030."
- Omar Al-Fahim, CEO of Al-Futtaim Leisure and Investment Group
Future Plans and Market Impact
Following the launch of the Riyadh club, the partnership plans to open additional locations in other major cities. Jeddah and Dammam have been identified as the next target markets, with site selection processes already underway. The long-term agreement outlines a commitment to at least five clubs within the next seven to ten years.
The entry of a major international brand like David Lloyd is expected to elevate the standards of the local fitness industry. It will introduce new concepts and a greater focus on holistic, family-oriented wellness, potentially spurring competition and innovation among existing local and regional operators.
For David Lloyd Leisure, this move represents a strategic pivot towards high-growth markets outside of its traditional European base. The success of this venture could serve as a blueprint for further expansion across the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, where similar economic diversification and wellness trends are taking shape.
