Aquaspin Middle East Launches In Dubai Aquaspin Middle East, a franchise of Singapore-based aqua spinning company, opens at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Marina.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Aquaspin Middle East

Sian Bentley, a Dubai-based fitness trainer, has launched Aquaspin Middle East, a franchise of Singapore-based aqua spinning company, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Marina.

With a degree in sports psychology from Brunel University in London, Bentley started her career as a personal trainer, including being a yoga and Pilates instructor, as well as a Nike brand ambassador. Having moved to Dubai from the UK in 2010, she worked as a personal trainer in a well-known local gym before dedicating her time and expertise exclusively to a number of fitness- and health-conscious local families.

In 2017, she was introduced to the Singaporean founders of Aquaspin, and given Dubai's five start fitness facilities and picturesque outdoor locations, decided to bring this new exercise class -dubbed the ultimate aquatics class- to the city.

"It is important to find a franchise that supports you," she says. "The founders in Singapore are really passionate about their brand and have very high standards. They are a global brand with a local feel. At the same time, I'm happy I have found a franchise that works for this region. Aquaspin makes the most of the city's five-star facilities and people in Dubai love unique new concepts."

Speaking about launching Aquaspin Middle East FZ LLC, Bentley says, "I would advise other fitness trainers who are considering opening their own business to save, save, save. Starting a business is costly and there are always surprises. Therefore, when starting up, it is important to shop around. Find the best deals on trade license, insurance and shipping companies by doing your own research. Gather at least five quotes before settling on one, and always ask for a better price. Also, insurance for fitness classes is quite hard to find in Dubai."

Apart from the process of setting up a business in the city being quite costly, she says, one of her biggest challenges was finding an appropriate scheduling and booking system. "How people would book and pay for the classes was one of the first challenges I faced because Dubai is extremely limited when it comes to scheduling and booking systems, especially for the fitness industry at startup prices," she says, "We only have 12 bikes per class so I need to encourage people to book and pay in advance."

Bentley is confident that Aquaspin Middle East will expand to two more studios in 2019.

Related: Turning Your Fitness Goals Into A Profitable Business: Allison Pickford, Founder and Director, BodySmart

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Side Hustle

'My Brain Thrives on Variety': His Side Hustle Inspired By 'The 4-Hour Workweek' Led to $600,000 in 16 Months

Mark Hellweg, 42, knows what it takes to start a business "with a fraction of the capital."

Growing a Business

Beyond the Buzzword — How Sustainable Business Practices Can Drive Global Success

By integrating sustainable strategies, businesses can differentiate themselves and unlock new opportunities for success.

Starting a Business

Saudi Unicorns: KSA-Based Traveltech Startup Almatar Is On A Mission To Simplify Travel Planning

In the five years since its launch, the Almatar team has already grown to over 500 employees, with its operations extending beyond the Kingdom to Egypt and India as well.