
Best Ladies-Only Gyms in Abu Dhabi (Ranking)
Finding a gym in Abu Dhabi where you actually feel comfortable training isn't as straightforward as it should be.
If you're looking for a ladies gym in Abu Dhabi, the short answer is: there are more options than you think — from a full-service women's superclub on Reem Island to boutique studios in MBZ City and Khalifa City. The gyms on this list are the 7 best, selected based on verified reviews from the Gymzone Abu Dhabi directory and ranked by review quality.
Mixed gyms are the default across the UAE. Most have a designated ladies section — but the quality varies enormously, and for many women, a cordoned-off corner next to the fire exit isn't what they signed up for.
Abu Dhabi has a growing number of properly dedicated women-only and women-focused gyms. The problem is they don't get the same online coverage as gyms in Dubai, so they're harder to find.
Whether you want a full-service ladies gym with a pool, a boutique studio in your neighbourhood, or something affordable near Khalifa City or MBZ, there's an option here for you.
What Makes a Good Ladies-Only Gym in Abu Dhabi?
A gym being "ladies-only" is the starting point, not the full picture. Here's what actually separates a good women's gym from one that's just relabelled a mixed gym.
Dedicated space, not a divider. The best women's gyms in Abu Dhabi have their own floor or facility — not a section of the main gym separated by a curtain or frosted glass. Full separation means you're not timing your workouts around mixed-use hours and you're not sharing changing rooms or pool access with the rest of the gym. The distinction matters: a true ladies-only facility is designed from the ground up for female members, with layout, equipment selection, and class timetables all oriented toward women's training preferences. A "ladies section" in a mixed gym is a cost-saving retrofit — the experience reflects that. When you're shortlisting options in Abu Dhabi, always ask whether the women's area is a designated floor or a permanent separation, not just a time-blocked arrangement.
Female trainers available. This matters for a lot of women, especially those new to training or working toward specific goals. Not every gym offers female PTs, so it's worth checking before you sign up.
Group fitness that's actually good. Zumba, Pilates, HIIT, yoga — Abu Dhabi's women's gyms have strong group class programmes. If classes are a priority for you, look for a gym with a timetable published online.
Privacy facilities. Separate changing rooms, prayer rooms, and covered parking make a real difference for women training in Abu Dhabi. These are worth asking about during a tour. According to the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, women's participation in organised fitness activities across the emirate has grown consistently year-on-year — and the expansion of ladies-only gym facilities is part of that broader push.
The 7 Best Ladies Gyms in Abu Dhabi
These gyms are ranked by verified review quality across Gymzone and Google. Each listing below includes an honest take on who it's best for — and who might want to look elsewhere.
Frolic Fitness
Frolic Fitness is women-owned and consistently earns some of the highest ratings of any gym in Abu Dhabi — 4.9 stars across 624 reviews. Located near Abu Dhabi Airport, the gym draws a loyal membership from nearby residential areas. The atmosphere is frequently described as supportive and non-intimidating, which makes it a strong pick for women who are new to gym training or returning after a break. The owners are hands-on and the staff are attentive. The location may not be convenient if you're based in the city centre or on the islands, but for residents of the eastern side of Abu Dhabi it's one of the best-reviewed options available.
Learn more about Frolic Fitness
FitnGlam Women's Superclub — Reem Mall
FitnGlam is one of the most complete women-only fitness facilities in Abu Dhabi. Based inside Reem Mall on Al Reem Island, it operates as a "superclub" — meaning you get a full gym floor, group fitness studio, and spa facilities in a single membership. If you live or work on Reem Island, this is a serious option. The combination of fitness and wellness in one place is unusual for Abu Dhabi and valued by members who want recovery and relaxation alongside their training. It's a premium product, so expect pricing to reflect that. Members who want a no-frills, affordable gym may not find this the right fit — but for those who want everything in one place, there's little else like it in the capital.
Learn more about FitnGlam Women's Superclub
Fitness First Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
This branch of Fitness First operates as a dedicated ladies-only facility — not a ladies section within a mixed gym — and includes a swimming pool, which is relatively rare among women-only gyms in Abu Dhabi. It's located in Bawabat Al Sharq Mall in Baniyas, making it a practical option for women living in the eastern suburbs and outer areas of the city. The Fitness First brand means you get well-maintained equipment and a reliable class schedule. The rating sits at 4.0 stars across nearly 700 reviews — solid, if not exceptional. Women who want a premium standalone facility closer to the Corniche or city centre may find the location less convenient, but for the eastern districts it's one of the most-reviewed ladies gyms in the city.
Learn more about Fitness First Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
Fitness First Al Muntazah
The Al Muntazah branch of Fitness First is another ladies-only location, this one with an outdoor pool — one of very few women-only gyms in Abu Dhabi that offers outdoor pool access. It's located in the Al Muntazah area, closer to the Corniche, which makes it accessible from a wider spread of central Abu Dhabi neighbourhoods. Like the Bawabat location, it carries the Fitness First standard of equipment and programming. Reviews note the pool as a major draw, particularly in the cooler months when outdoor swimming is genuinely pleasant. If you want a ladies gym with outdoor facilities in a more central Abu Dhabi location, this is worth shortlisting alongside FitnGlam.
Learn more about Fitness First Al Muntazah
RPM Gym
RPM Gym runs a multi-zone fitness centre with a dedicated women-only section — separate from the mixed floor — and carries a 4.9-star rating across 330 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated gyms of any kind in Abu Dhabi. The women's section is consistently praised in reviews for its cleanliness, equipment quality, and the attentiveness of the trainers. This isn't a ladies-only gym from the ground up, but the women's zone functions effectively as one. Women who want a fully gender-segregated facility may prefer one of the dedicated options on this list, but for women who are fine with a properly built-out ladies floor in a high-quality mixed gym, RPM is one of the best-reviewed choices in Abu Dhabi.
Evolve
Evolve is a women-owned boutique fitness studio in Mohamed Bin Zayed City — one of Abu Dhabi's largest residential communities and historically underserved for women-only gym options. With a 4.7-star rating and over 170 reviews, it's clearly hitting the mark with its local audience. Boutique studios like Evolve typically offer a smaller, more personal training environment than large chain gyms. This is a good fit for women who want to know their trainer by name and prefer a community atmosphere over a large facility. If you live in MBZ City or nearby areas like Khalifa City A or B, Evolve is one of the more convenient and well-regarded ladies fitness options in that corridor.
Smash Fit Ladies Gym and Zumba
Smash Fit is a women-owned, ladies-only gym with a strong focus on Zumba and group fitness classes. It's based in Abu Dhabi and carries a 4.7-star rating. If group classes — particularly dance-based workouts — are the core of your training, this is the most targeted option on the list. Zumba has a large following among women in the UAE and Smash Fit has built its programme around that. It's a more specialist gym than the large chains, so if you want a comprehensive weight training setup or a wide variety of equipment, you'll want to visit first to confirm it meets your needs. For group fitness enthusiasts, it's a strong choice.
Learn more about Smash Fit Ladies Gym and Zumba
Which Ladies Gym Is Right for Your Area?
Abu Dhabi is a spread-out city. A gym that's perfect for someone on the Corniche could be a 30-minute drive for someone in Khalifa City. Here's a quick breakdown by location to help you narrow it down.
| Area | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Al Reem Island | FitnGlam Women's Superclub | In-mall, full facilities including spa |
| Central / Corniche | Fitness First Al Muntazah | Outdoor pool, accessible from city centre |
| Baniyas / Eastern suburbs | Fitness First Bawabat Al Sharq Mall | Ladies-only with pool, eastern location |
| MBZ City / Khalifa City | Evolve | Boutique, women-owned, local community focus |
| Airport / East Abu Dhabi | Frolic Fitness | Highest-rated women's gym in the area |
| Mixed preference (ladies section) | RPM Gym | Dedicated women's zone in a top-rated gym |
| Group fitness / Zumba focus | Smash Fit Ladies Gym and Zumba | Ladies-only with structured Zumba programme |
Does "Ladies-Only Hours" Count?
Some gyms in Abu Dhabi advertise "ladies-only hours" rather than a permanently segregated facility. This means the entire gym is available exclusively to women during set time slots — typically mornings on weekdays — and reverts to mixed use at other times.
For women with flexible schedules who can train during those hours, this can work well. But if you need to train in the evenings, on weekends, or at unpredictable times, a dedicated ladies gym is a more reliable option. Always confirm the exact hours and whether the schedule changes during Ramadan before committing to a membership.
If you're comparing options across the city, the Abu Dhabi gym directory on Gymzone lets you filter and check amenities before visiting — saving you the back-and-forth of calling each gym.
What to Ask Before You Sign Up
Ladies-only gyms in Abu Dhabi vary more than the name suggests. Before committing to a membership, these are the questions worth asking:
- Is this fully ladies-only or a designated section? Dedicated facilities offer more privacy and consistency.
- Are female personal trainers available? Not all women's gyms have female PTs on staff at all times.
- What's the group class timetable? Ask for a weekly schedule — the best gyms can send this before your visit.
- What are the contract terms? Monthly, quarterly, or annual? Is there a cancellation fee?
- Do you offer a trial class or day pass? Most boutique studios in Abu Dhabi allow this. Chain gyms sometimes do too.
- What are the prayer room and parking arrangements? These matter more than most online reviews mention.
Taking 20 minutes to visit before signing is worth it. A gym's vibe is hard to judge from photos alone — especially for a ladies gym, where atmosphere and comfort are half the value.
How to Find a Ladies Gym Near You in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's women-only fitness scene is growing. New studios open regularly, particularly in residential areas like Yas Island, Khalifa City, and Al Raha, where demand is high and supply hasn't caught up yet.
If none of the gyms above are close to you, the best next step is to search the full directory. Gymzone lists 3,000+ gyms across the UAE, including women-only and women-focused facilities that update their listings directly.
For more options across the cluster, you might also want to compare ladies-only gyms in Dubai if you work across both cities — and if you're based near the Sharjah border, check the upcoming guide to ladies-only gyms in Sharjah. For a full picture of what's available in the capital — including mixed gyms with strong women's facilities — see our guide to the best gyms in Abu Dhabi.
Browse all Abu Dhabi options and filter by amenities on the Abu Dhabi gym directory. Your next gym is already listed — it just takes a few minutes to find it.