Moving to Dubai as a Personal Trainer – All You Have To Know

Published: October 20, 2022

Being a personal trainer is a gratifying job for those who have a passion for fitness and different types of sports. Lately, the world has become one giant oyster that enables people from all over the world to find their dream job across the ocean. That’s why a significant number of people with the right qualifications have decided that moving to Dubai as a personal trainer is their destiny. Because there are many personal trainer jobs in Dubai, this huge relocation is most likely going to be a fruitful one.

However, we all know that moving far away from home is never an easy process. So once you realize that moving to Dubai for a job is a prospect that awaits in the near future, you ought to prepare for it. That’s what our short guide is here for – to provide you with some tools to make this transition a lot easier.

Do you satisfy all the requirements for moving to Dubai as a personal trainer?

As you can imagine, moving for a job takes much more than just showing up at the place you hope to work someday. For you to be recognized as a person who can hold boxing classes Dubai for gentlemen or ladies, you will have to bring the necessary accreditation with you. That includes:

• A certificate that will declare your competence
• A valid visa and registration with Dubai Sports Authority
• Trade license
• The right set of skills
• Experience in the sports and fitness industry

If you don’t have a certificate that will prove your competence, you can easily obtain one online. Of course, many personal trainers courses in Dubai will provide the best basis for training others. But, if you are short on time and need to obtain a license before moving, then look for good training courses and seminars online. Although, do remember that what is considered valid in Europe and the US might not be valid in the UAE.

Think about where you want to work after moving to Dubai to be a personal trainer

Good news – you will have many employment options after moving to Dubai for personal trainer jobs. Although your options are limitless, the majority of personal trainers in Dubai work in one of the following categories:

1. An employee of a fitness club
2. Freelancer in health clubs
3. A trainer who works with clients at home
4. Self-employed individual

The perks of being an employee of a fitness club

This option is usually considered ideal for many. As an employee of a fitness club, you will be in charge of a group of clients, or you might hold a class of your own. For example, many personal trainers hold spinning classes for beginners while working one-on-one with other clients. But what do you do when you can’t get this type of job? Then all you can do is rely on yourself.

What about your other options

More and more trainers earn their living by training clients at home and being self-employed. This is an excellent option if you have a valid visa. Otherwise, you would be working illegally. Not only do you need a visa, but you also need insurance and accreditation from the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).

Finally, if you want to work as a freelancer in health clubs, you must make an appropriate arrangement with a gym of your choice. You will pay rent or commission to the gym every month and, in return, you will be able to use their facilities for training your clients. This just might be the best deal for both parties as it gives you both freedom and appropriate equipment. And with all the new apps for personal trainers available, tracking your clients’ progress will be easier than ever.

How much can you expect to earn?

Let’s face it – no one would be moving across the world for pocket money, right? You expect financial bliss after moving to Dubai as a personal trainer – but will your dreams become a reality? Research has shown that the first year of working as a licensed personal trainer in Dubai is never easy. Unless you are extremely lucky and hit some sort of contract because you already have connections in the fitness industry. Since these cases are very rare, let’s just stick to what usually happens.

As time goes by, you can expect work to pick up. The only prerequisite is for you to do a good job with your clients, and you can rest assured the word will spread around. You will get word-of-mouth recommendations, meet new clients, and make some connections. Naturally, the more clients you have, the more money you will earn. Statistically speaking, a freelancer in some of Dubai’s top gyms can earn up to 500,000 Emirati dirhams (AED) per year. With that sum, you can live comfortably in Dubai, allowing yourself many luxuries.

Your life after moving to Dubai as a personal trainer

While living in Dubai certainly is a dream for many, it can take some time until you can live comfortably. You’ll need to gain experience and name recognition before becoming one of the top Dubai personal trainers. In fact, it will take time until you become one of the best and most sought personal trainers. Until then, you’ll have to make do with what you have. Thankfully, contrary to popular belief, you can afford to live in Dubai even with a beginner’s wage. You can also always supplement your income in creative ways. For example, creating meal plans is an excellent way to make more money. Furthermore, there’s always something to do in Dubai. So even if your personal trainer career takes some time to pick up steam, you’ll have something to do.

Rent prices in Dubai

One of the most significant expenses you will have after moving to Dubai as a personal trainer is rent. In fact, on average, rent makes up around 38% of all living expenses in Dubai. Of course, the prices vary greatly depending on where you want to live. But, for example, if you want to live in or near the city center, you can expect to pay between 4,000 and 10,000 AED per month. If you want to save some money, the same or similar apartment costs 2,500 and 5,000 outside the city center. So, yes, you always have options. And when you consider how much you can expect to earn, it’s actually not that big of a deal.

Cost of living in Dubai

One of the questions you’ll most often hear is whether or not Dubai is expensive to live in. Most people assume it is since it’s the world’s capital when it comes to expensive items and luxury hotels. But, compared to some of the most expensive places in the world, like Singapore, Dubai is quite affordable. In fact, it’s only 42. most expensive city to live in. That still makes it more expensive than your local small town, but we are talking about Dubai.

Another important aspect of your living situation in Dubai is utilities. Basic utilities for an average 85m2 apartment cost around 700 AED. Internet, for example, will set you back around 300 AED.

What can you expect to pay for everyday items after moving to Dubai as a personal trainer?

As we’ve already mentioned, Dubai is not the most expensive place in the world. Even if you are on a strict gluten-free diet, you can still get buy just fine with an average income. For example, you can expect to pay around 6 AED for milk, while a fresh loaf of bread will cost you around 5.5 AED. 1kg of chicken fillets costs between 15 and 50 AED, depending on where you are shopping and whether or not it’s fully organic.

Regarding transportation, one ticket in local transport costs between 3 and 10 AED, while a monthly pass will set you back around 350 AED. Also, one liter of gasoline will cost you between 3.5 and 4.5 AED.

Fitness and sport in Dubai

This is probably one of the categories you are most interested in, especially if you decide to be a freelance fitness trainer. A monthly fee for a fitness club for adults costs between 120 and 550 AED. Price depends on the location and equipment, of course. If you want to play a round of tennis, one hour will cost you around 150 AED.

Find your place after moving to Dubai as a personal trainer

Moving to Dubai and becoming a personal trainer is just the first step in your career path. You need to find your place in this wonderful city. That means you’ll have to find a good place to work, such as a gym or a health center, or you can work for yourself. Furthermore, you need to start building name recognition for yourself. If you want to be one of the top personal trainers in Dubai, you need to work on your image.

Pick a field in which you want to specialize

If you really want to become one of the best, you need to specialize. Finding that one area you are most passionate about isn’t easy. But once you do, you can focus all your energy on mastering it. For example, you might want to be the best personal trainer for muscle gain. Or you might want to specialize in fat reduction. No matter which area you choose, ensure you are entirely devoted to it.

Start small and general and move toward your area of expertise

It’s not easy to specialize, especially if you are just starting. In fact, those who have just moved to Dubai to be personal trainers should take all the work that they can get. You’ll need practice even if you’ve been a personal trainer for some time. Dubai is one of the unique cities in the entire world, and its residents reflect that. Having some local experience will go a long way toward making you the best personal trainer for weight loss. But in the beginning, you need to learn and slowly move towards specializing in one area.

Does success await after you move to Dubai to be a personal trainer?

If you are patient and qualified, the answer is YES! There has been a surge in interest in personal trainers in Dubai, making this a very profitable occupation. However, don’t assume instant success after moving to Dubai as a personal trainer! Only the best will achieve true success – the success you dreamt about before moving. If you have no doubts about your skills and qualifications, we suggest you take a leap of faith and try something new. Who knows? You might become one of Dubai’s top personal trainers. And that’s where the money’s at.