Wael El Merhabi is on a mission to transform Saudi Arabia’s fitness landscape. As the CEO of Sport Clubs Company, he oversees one of the Kingdom’s largest fitness brands, boasting 56 clubs across 17 cities and a thriving community of over 125,000 active members. With expansion plans in full swing, his vision is clear: bring world-class fitness experiences to every corner of Saudi Arabia which is in-line with the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 project.
Wael El Merhabi on Raising the Bar in Fitness
The booming demand for fitness in Saudi Arabia, fueled by Vision 2030, has set the stage for Sport Clubs Company’s ambitious growth. “Our goal is to serve all segments of society by providing exceptional customer experiences,” says Wael El Merhabi. From cutting-edge equipment and diverse workout programs to personal training services, every club is designed to cater to a broad audience. But the strategy doesn’t stop there—investment in technology and innovation is key to staying ahead of the competition.
A Game-Changer for Women’s Fitness
Back in 2018, no one knew what to expect from Saudi Arabia’s first-ever women-only gym chain. But Wael El Merhabi and his team took the leap with Body Motions, aiming to redefine fitness for Saudi women. Just as momentum was building, the pandemic forced a temporary shutdown. Instead of slowing down, they adapted—offering remote support to their members. When the doors reopened, Body Motions hit the ground running, and today, with 15 branches and 10 more on the way, the future looks bright. “Saudi women have embraced fitness with incredible enthusiasm, and we’re proud to be part of their journey,” Wael El Merhabi adds.
Fitness Meets Tech
The fitness industry is evolving, and Sport Clubs Company is leading the charge with digital transformation. Their recently launched app hit 100,000 users in just three months, a testament to the growing demand for tech-driven fitness solutions. AI-driven workouts, smart gym equipment, and seamless member experiences are all part of the company’s roadmap. “Technology allows us to build deeper connections with our members and help them achieve their goals more effectively,” says El Merhabi.
More Than Just Gyms
Beyond traditional gym operations, Sport Clubs Company is diversifying its offerings. Enter Body Experts, a brand that delivers end-to-end fitness solutions for businesses and individuals. From gym design and construction to full-scale operations, this initiative reflects the company’s broader mission: to reshape lifestyles across Saudi Arabia.
With aggressive expansion plans and a commitment to innovation, El Merhabi and his team are not just running gyms—they’re redefining the fitness industry in the Kingdom. And by the looks of it, they’re just getting started.
To learn more, visit sportsclubscompany.com.
