Anytime Fitness Lifts Off in Riyadh — A New Chapter for Saudi Wellness

A New Fitness Era in Riyadh

Riyadh is preparing to welcome a fresh wave of accessible fitness as Anytime Fitness partners with ABFit to expand across the Kingdom. This development arrives at a pivotal moment, as Saudi Vision 2030 emphasizes healthier lifestyles and improved quality of life. Consequently, residents can expect more options for coaching, nutrition, and recovery in the coming years.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Purpose Brands LLC is pleased to announce that Anytime Fitness, the world's largest fitness club and personalized coaching experience brand, has announced its latest master franchise agreement with ABFit, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The announcement arrives as the Kingdom continues to pursue its Saudi Vision 2030 for improving the quality of life and promoting the health of all its citizens and residents.

"We are thrilled to bring the Anytime Fitness brand to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said Raed Alarabi Alharthi, investor partner and general manager, ABFit. "Health and fitness are key components of The Saudi Vision 2030 goals, and we are proud to make this investment and expand access to fitness services across the Kingdom."

What This Means for Communities and Growth

First, the rollout will begin with a flagship club in spring 2026, and then scale rapidly; at least 60 clubs will open over the next six years, offering both women's and men's branches across multiple cities. Thus, community access to personalized fitness programs will increase, and local employment opportunities in the wellness sector will follow.

Moreover, leaders note that government initiatives support this momentum. "There has never been a better time than now to welcome the Anytime Fitness brand to the Kingdom," said Asem Abu Eisheh, CEO, Anytime Fitness Saudi Arabia. "The Ministry of Health offers numerous nutrition and physical activity initiatives to support healthy lifestyles; the Ministry of Sports works to increase the percentage of individuals who engage in regular physical activity; and the Ministry of Investment encourages investments in the fitness sector, creating an attractive environment that supports sustainable growth."

Global Reach, Local Impact

Furthermore, Anytime Fitness will now operate in 49 countries and territories, strengthening Purpose Brands’ presence alongside Orangetheory Fitness. Consequently, Saudis will gain access to a global network of best practices in coaching and wellness, benefiting from innovations tested worldwide.

Finally, leaders from both Anytime Fitness and Purpose Brands emphasize mutual confidence and long-term vision. "As we move with intention to expand the ways Anytime Fitness helps people with their personal health and wellness journeys, this agreement with ABFit and the vote of confidence from the Kingdom is something we deeply respect," said Stacy Anderson, global president, Anytime Fitness. Therefore, this partnership signals both economic investment and a meaningful step toward healthier communities across Saudi Arabia.

Madinah’s Hospitality Horizon: How a New Partnership Is Transforming Short-Term Stays

A Bold Step Toward a New Residential Era in Madinah  

Madinah, Saudi Arabia, is stepping into a new chapter of urban living as **Knowledge Economic City (KEC)**, the pioneering publicly listed developer shaping the city’s transformation, announces a **landmark joint-venture agreement** with *Maison Prive Holiday Homes Rental L.L.C.*. This strategic alliance creates a company dedicated to short-term residential rental (STR) management, setting a new standard for elegance and efficiency in accommodation.  

From pilgrims seeking comfort near sacred sites to business travelers desiring convenience and style, this initiative will offer an experience beyond the ordinary. The STR management platform will not only provide fully furnished residences but also deliver a seamless guest journey—from smooth online booking to personalized concierge, wellness services, and curated travel coordination.  

Transitioning from vision to reality, this partnership captures the heartbeat of modern tourism in Madinah while respecting its deep cultural heritage. It is more than a real estate project; it’s a hospitality evolution.  

Introducing Al Alyaa – A City Within a City  

The first gem in this venture’s crown is **Al Alyaa**, KEC’s flagship mixed-use community. This 226,000-square-meter development blends human-centered design with serene, landscaped gardens, vibrant retail spaces, and inspiring hospitality hubs. Its 1,490 residential units and 70,000 square meters of greenery create a sanctuary that fosters both community and comfort.  

But Al Alyaa isn’t just about serene living—it’s also about smart investment. Through the unified hospitality and property-management model, homeowners gain more than a residence; they gain a financial opportunity. Flexible ownership and STR potential mean properties can serve as private retreats or income-generating assets, adapting effortlessly to market demand.  

Maison Privee’s Grand Entry into Saudi Arabia  

For Maison Privee, this partnership signals a powerful entry into the **Saudi market**. Managing Director Paul Mallee highlights their vision: a centralized management platform designed to maximize yields for investors while granting them unparalleled control. With the growing demand for flexible short- and long-stay options in Madinah, owners can now switch rental models at will—ensuring adaptability and profitability.  

Ultimately, this joint venture is not just shaping buildings; it’s shaping lifestyles. In blending **Madinah’s timeless charm** with cutting-edge hospitality solutions, KEC and Maison Privee are reimagining what it means to stay, live, and invest in one of the world’s most revered cities. 

Future Unlocked: How the Saudi AI & Edge Computing Hackathon 2025 is Powering Tomorrow’s Intelligent Systems

Riyadh’s Rising Technology Pulse 

In the vibrant heart of **Riyadh, Saudi Arabia**, the air buzzed with excitement as the *Saudi AI & Edge Computing Hackathon 2025* unfolded, hosted by **Prince Sultan University** in collaboration with **MemryX**. This wasn’t just another technology competition—it was a convergence of academia and industry, a whirlwind of creativity, and a living testament to Saudi Arabia’s surge toward becoming a major global tech hub.  

Over several days, the campus transformed into a fertile ground for innovation. Student teams from across the Kingdom demonstrated breakthrough applications in **artificial intelligence** and **edge computing**, tackling pressing challenges in healthcare, industrial automation, and public safety. Guided by seasoned mentors from MemryX and other leading organizations, these young innovators gained hands-on experience with edge-optimized hardware and software—turning abstract algorithms into tangible, life-changing solutions.  

The Heroes of Innovation

More than 15 passionate teams took center stage, each determined to make their mark on the future. The winners were not just recognized for their technical brilliance, but for their capacity to imagine and diligently create solutions that could reshape industries.  

**Winner – SurvAI**: Led by **Muddassir Khalidi, Ahmed Ammar, and Hamza**, this visionary solution integrated *facial recognition* and *NLP-based object detection*, enabling security systems to generate real-time reports with remarkable accuracy. Their reward? A cash prize and an exclusive internship at MemryX.  

**First Runner-Up – Qinspect**: Guided by **Tala Ismail AlOraini**, this platform could process *four high-resolution video streams simultaneously* with millisecond latency, revolutionizing real-time quality inspection.  

**Second Runner-Up – SiteGuard**: Led by **Muath Abdulaziz Almansour**, the autonomous drone system promised safer construction and industrial sites, tightening perimeter control and ensuring compliance.  

Innovation Award – Cano

Designed by **Raneem Jehad Abumoustafa**, this *Smart AI Cane* helps visually impaired users navigate independently, turning thoughtful design into practical empowerment.  

More Than Just a Hackathon

The event left a lasting impression not merely for its high-tech marvels, but for the spirit of collaboration it ignited. Dr. **Heba Alkhoshaim**, Vice President of Student Life at Prince Sultan University, put it beautifully: *“Innovation doesn’t just happen in Silicon Valley—it’s happening right here in Riyadh.”*  

Transitions between workshops, coding marathons, and live demonstrations flowed seamlessly, reflecting the vibrant ecosystem Saudi Arabia now fosters. This hackathon was proof that with the right support, creativity can bloom anywhere—and in this case, it bloomed in the midst of a city rapidly becoming a jewel of global tech advancement.  

The *Saudi AI & Edge Computing Hackathon 2025* was more than a competition—it was a blueprint for a future where Saudi Arabia stands tall as an innovation leader. With MemryX’s continued support and Prince Sultan University’s dedication, the Kingdom’s youth are not just dreaming big—they’re building the intelligent systems of tomorrow.