Abu Dhabi Country Club
This sports complex has everything going for it: a polished, leisurely atmosphere, state-of-the-art equipment and, best of all, surprisingly low rates.
Rates: Dhs5,000 for annual membership for women and Dhs10,000 for men.
Opening hours: 7am-11pm.
Al Saada Street (02 657 7777).
Al Wahda Health Club
The largest club in the city, including a 2,700sqm spa, swimming pool and a super-sized gym equipped with top-of-the-line Technogym aerobic and weight training machines.
Rates: Dhs9,900 for single membership for one year.
Opening hours: 6am-11pm.
Grand Millennium Abu Dhabi (02 495 3831).
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The Armed Forces And Officers’ Club
As you’d expect from a military complex, AFOC’s fitness centre is a macho domain, where men lift weights the size of buses and sweat like Niagara Falls. But don’t be intimidated, everyone’s pretty friendly.
Rates: Dhs6,000 annual membership for men or women; includes access to the swimming pool.
Opening hours: 10am-1am.
Afoc (02 4415 900).
Bodylines at Beach Rotana
With more equipment than most, you’ll seldom find yourself waiting in line at this beachfront gym. And even if there’s someone hogging your bench, you can always take the opportunity to pick up
some training tips from the staff.
Rates: Annual membership costs Dhs12,000 for men and Dhs8,400 for women, plus a Dhs950 joining fee.
Opening hours: 6am-11pm.
Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area (02 697 9000).
Cristal Salam Figure 8 health club
Situated in the Cristal Salam hotel in Salam Street, Figure 8 is a bit of a well-kept secret amongst the city’s fitness freaks. Although it’s small it has enough equipment for the average gym bunny.
Rates: Single membership Dhs4,500 annual or Dhs650 monthly (includes use of sauna, steam room, etc) – it’s also well worth looking at their off-peak membership rates too.
Opening hours: 6am-11pm.
Salam Street (02 659 7741).
Bodylines, Khalidiyah Rotana
This rather slick gymnasium has everything from cable machines and free weights to cardiovascular equipment.
Rates: Off-peak (silver) annual membership costs Dhs5,500 for women and Dhs7,500 for men.
Opening hours: 6am-10pm.
Khalidiyah Palace Rayhaan by Rotana (02 657 0000).
Lifeline Gym
There’s an easy-going atmosphere, plenty of equipment available and a pool, steam room, sauna and massage services available. Go early in the morning if you don’t want to wait around for equipment.
Rates: Dhs4,400 for single annual membership.
Opening hours: 7.30am-4pm women-only, 4pm-midnight men-only.
2nd Floor Middle East Specialised Medical Centre Clinic Building, Muroor Road (02 445 9542).
Rock Gym
Don’t be put off by the terrifying portraits of barrel-chested bodybuilders in the entrance – this retro iron-pumping spot is pleased to take on members of all physiques.
Rates: Annual membership costs Dhs2,500 (male), Dhs3,800 (female).
Opening hours: 9am-12pm.
Corner of Hamdan and Najda Street (02 677 1010).
Hiltonia Health Club
This waterfront spot packs in all the cardio and weights equipment you’ll need for a comprehensive work out, while also laying on enough room to stretch out and cool down before and after.
Rates: An annual Dhs11,000 (male), Dhs7,700 (female).
Opening hours: 6am-10pm.
Opposite Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900).
World Gym
This worldwide gym is an award winning brand, hailing from Venice Beach, California.
Rates: Dhs3,950 (includes sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and discounts for fitness classes)
Opening hours: 6am-midnight.
Khalidiyah Road (02 667 5779).
