Best Gyms in Abu Dhabi (Guide)

Abu Dhabi's gym scene doesn't get the attention Dubai's does. That's your advantage — more space, shorter queues, and in many cases, lower prices.

Finding the right gym here isn't just about location. Abu Dhabi spans everything from the dense Corniche area and Al Reem Island to sprawling Khalifa City and the leisure-focused Yas Island. The right gym for someone in Khalidiyah is a different answer than the right one for someone in Mushrif or Al Raha.

This guide covers the best gyms in Abu Dhabi based on verified reviews from Gymzone's database — ranked by what real members say, not marketing copy. We've organized them by area and profile so you can find the one that fits where you live and how you train.

Short answer: the best gym in Abu Dhabi depends on your area and budget. GymNation (Khalidiyah Mall and Mushrif Mall) leads for value and facilities — both locations have 4.6–4.7-star ratings across thousands of reviews. For a more specialized or community feel, Adrenagy in Khalifa Park and Surur Fitness Center are standouts. Read on for the full breakdown.

Why Abu Dhabi's Gym Scene Feels Different

Abu Dhabi's fitness culture is less about being seen and more about actually training. You'll find fewer Instagram-first boutique studios and more serious, well-equipped facilities with long operating hours and consistent memberships.

The government has put real weight behind community fitness. The Abu Dhabi government's Abu Dhabi Active initiative has pushed gyms and sports facilities to be more accessible citywide — with public fitness zones, subsidized programs, and events like the Abu Dhabi Marathon drawing tens of thousands of participants each year. The Department of Culture and Tourism actively tracks participation rates as a public health metric. That policy commitment filters directly into the gym scene: facilities are more consistently maintained, operating hours are longer, and pricing is more competitive than equivalent facilities in Dubai.

On pricing: Fitness First memberships start around AED 279/month in Abu Dhabi versus AED 350+ in some Dubai branches. GymNation — the UAE's largest affordable gym chain — has two Abu Dhabi locations (Khalidiyah Mall and Mushrif Mall) and both rank among the most-reviewed gyms in the emirate based on Gymzone's verified review data.

Browse all gyms in Abu Dhabi on Gymzone's Abu Dhabi directory — filter by area, amenities, and gym type.

The Best Gyms in Abu Dhabi, Ranked by Reviews

Every gym below is listed on Gymzone and ranked by combined 4-star and 5-star review count. These aren't curated picks — they're what Abu Dhabi residents actually rate highest.

GymNation Khalidiyah Mall

With 6,511 four- and five-star reviews and a 4.6 rating from over 7,000 members, GymNation Khalidiyah is the most-reviewed gym in Abu Dhabi by a wide margin. The mall location means air-conditioned access, parking, and the convenience of post-workout shopping or food. Equipment is modern, the floor is spacious, and the 24-hour access removes any scheduling friction. Membership typically starts around AED 480/month. The sheer size means it rarely feels overcrowded — even at peak hours. Worth noting: if you want a boutique, close-knit studio vibe, this isn't it. GymNation is a big-box gym that does the fundamentals very well.

Learn more about GymNation Khalidiyah Mall

GymNation Mushrif Mall

The Mushrif Mall branch edges out its Khalidiyah sibling on rating — 4.7 stars from 3,387 reviews. It's the same GymNation formula (24/7 access, modern equipment, affordable membership) but with a sauna on-site, which the Khalidiyah branch lacks. If you're based in the Mushrif, Mussafah, or Mohammed Bin Zayed City area, this is the obvious call. Members consistently praise the cleanliness and equipment upkeep. Like any GymNation, it's not the place to go for group classes or personal training focus — but for straight-up lifting and cardio, it delivers reliably.

Learn more about GymNation Mushrif Mall

Surur Fitness Center

The highest-rated gym in this list at 4.8 stars — a number earned from 824 reviews, which makes it statistically meaningful. Surur offers a multi-sport setup: weights, cardio, a sauna, and court sports under one roof. It's the kind of facility where regulars build a community, not just a workout routine. If you want somewhere that feels less corporate and more like a proper neighborhood gym with genuine depth — equipment variety, court access, recovery facilities — Surur is worth a visit. It suits serious trainers who want versatility without the boutique price tag. Less ideal if you prioritize 24/7 hours or mall-level convenience.

Learn more about Surur Fitness Center

Al Jazira Club

Al Jazira is one of Abu Dhabi's oldest and most established sports clubs — 4.3 stars from nearly 2,900 reviews. Beyond the gym floor, membership here gives access to a broader sports ecosystem: football pitches, swimming, and club amenities. It's particularly strong for members who want more than just weights and cardio — the club atmosphere and multi-sport access make it a lifestyle membership rather than a pure fitness subscription. Pricing is typically higher than GymNation, and membership availability can be restricted. Best for Abu Dhabi long-termers who want the full club experience.

Learn more about Al Jazira Club

Mubadala Arena

Mubadala Arena sits at 4.6 stars from 1,368 reviews. This is Abu Dhabi's premier multi-facility sports and wellness venue — it hosts ATP tennis tournaments, fitness programs, and wellness events. Day memberships and sports programs give you access to facilities well beyond a standard gym floor. It's ideal for members who want premium surroundings and sports programming, or for those near the Zayed Sports City area. Not a budget option, and not the right pick if you just want a treadmill and some weights — but for variety and prestige, it's a strong choice.

Learn more about Mubadala Arena

Adrenagy

Adrenagy is Abu Dhabi's standout for anyone who finds traditional gyms boring. Located in Khalifa Park, it's built around adventure fitness — obstacle courses, functional training, and outdoor-inspired movement. It rates 4.7 stars from over 1,000 reviews. The setting alone sets it apart: training with Khalifa Park's greenery in the background beats a windowless box every time. It's a strong pick for members who want a more dynamic, varied training experience — and for families, since the park location makes it easy to combine with outdoor time. Less suited for serious bodybuilders or those focused on heavy compound lifting.

Learn more about Adrenagy

Abu Dhabi Country Club

For premium members who want a full lifestyle facility, Abu Dhabi Country Club delivers. Rated 4.5 stars from 981 reviews, it combines a gym floor with a pool, spa, and social facilities — the kind of place where your morning workout flows into a steam room and then brunch. Located in Al Mushrif, it's convenient for Corniche-area residents and professionals looking for a high-end membership. The price reflects the offering — this isn't the budget pick. But if you want one membership that covers fitness, recovery, and a social setting, it's worth the cost.

Learn more about Abu Dhabi Country Club

How Much Does a Gym Membership Cost in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi gym pricing covers a wider range than most people expect — from AED 350/month for a 24/7 chain gym to AED 1,500+ for a full club membership with pool, spa, and court sports. Based on Gymzone's Abu Dhabi listings data today, the most common price point for a standard fitness gym membership sits between AED 400–600/month. Budget chains like GymNation anchor the low end at AED 480/month and offer modern equipment with 24-hour access. Mid-range facilities like Surur Fitness Center add sauna, court access, and a more community-oriented atmosphere at similar or slightly higher prices. Premium club memberships at Abu Dhabi Country Club or Mubadala Arena start at AED 700/month and scale upward depending on the facilities included. Most gyms also offer quarterly and annual prepay options that cut 15–25% off the monthly rate.

Here's a realistic snapshot of the main tiers:

Most gyms offer a free trial or day pass before you commit. Use it. A gym that looks good online can feel wrong once you're actually training in it.

If you're comparing costs across options, our guide on best gyms in Dubai gives you a benchmark — Abu Dhabi tends to run 10–20% cheaper for equivalent facilities. If you're also considering working with a trainer rather than joining a group gym, see our guide to personal trainers in Abu Dhabi.

What to Look For Before You Sign Up

Abu Dhabi gyms vary widely in what they include — and what they charge extra for. Before you commit to a membership, check these four things.

1. Contract length and exit terms. Some gyms lock you into a 12-month contract with early exit fees. GymNation offers monthly rolling memberships. Club memberships often require annual commitment. Know what you're signing before you sign it.

2. Peak-hour crowding. A 4.7-star gym can still be frustrating if every squat rack is taken at 7pm. Ask which hours they're quietest, or visit during your usual training time before signing up.

3. What's included vs. extra. Classes, lockers, towels, parking — many gyms charge separately for these. Build the real cost before comparing prices.

4. Ladies-only sections. Several Abu Dhabi gyms have dedicated women-only floors or timed women-only sessions. If this matters to you, verify the actual hours and facilities — not just the claim on the website. See our dedicated guide to ladies-only gyms in Abu Dhabi for a filtered, verified list.

Which Area Are You In?

Abu Dhabi's geography matters more than people expect. Traffic between islands and zones can be significant — getting from Al Reem Island to Khalifa City during rush hour can add 30 minutes. Here's a quick area-to-gym match:

For a visual search, use Gymzone's Abu Dhabi map view to find gyms near your home or office.

Find Your Gym in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has the gyms. The question is which one fits your life — your area, your schedule, your budget, and how you actually like to train.

If you want affordable and reliable, GymNation at either Khalidiyah or Mushrif is the straightforward answer. If you want something with more personality — outdoor training, club facilities, or a high-review community gym — Adrenagy, Surur, and Abu Dhabi Country Club each offer something different.

The best move is to shortlist two or three, visit them during your usual training hours, and compare before committing. Every gym on this list offers some form of trial or day pass.

Browse all gyms in Abu Dhabi on Gymzone — filter by area, category, amenities, and rating to find the right one for you.