Vaccinated individuals can now get free access to certain gyms in Dubai. Courtesy Fitness First
Vaccinated individuals can now get free access to certain gyms in Dubai. Courtesy Fitness First
Vaccinated individuals can now get free access to certain gyms in Dubai. Courtesy Fitness First
Vaccinated individuals can now get free access to certain gyms in Dubai. Courtesy Fitness First

Vaccinated individuals in Dubai can access these gyms for free


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

Taking care of your body has been at the forefront of everyone’s mind over the last year.

Which is why the Dubai Sports Council has launched a new initiative to help Dubai residents stay fit – while providing even more incentive to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The new Everyone is Responsible for Everyone initiative will allow fully vaccinated individuals in Dubai to have free access to a number of popular fitness centres and sports halls from May 3 to May 13.

Some of the fitness centres participating include Gold’s Gym, Fitness First, The Warehouse, Fitness 360, The Sevens, Just Play and Zabeel Ladies Club.

Those planning to take advantage of this offer will have to show a Covid-19 vaccination certification approved by the Ministry of Health or the Dubai Health Authority.

A representative for Fitness First, one of the premium gym chains in the region, clarified that non-members can turn up at any of their Dubai branches with proof of vaccination.

The offer is conditional on there being enough space as all gyms have a maximum capacity.

It is valid for gym and facility access only, not for group exercise classes.

Visitors also need to adhere to safety regulations put in place and maintain a safe distance from others.

Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

Financial considerations before buying a property

Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.

“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says. 

Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.

Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier. 

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