Gold’s Gym, the famous American bodybuilding chain that helped Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tiger Woods develop their body is pushing deeper and has reached a deal with a Dubai Family Firm to open at least 26 gyms in four Arab Gulf States. The United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain are the Arab states where the Al Ahli Holding Group will open the gyms and release licensing and franchising deals.

The region has a few gyms outside luxury hotels which also adopts the Western style. However, Gold’s Gym will be an alternative to these gyms and would give a lot of people a run for their money because these Gold’s Gyms being built in the Arab states will have unique designs that will vary depending on the appeal of the different types of consumers. While others are expected to be simple bodybuilding shops, some gyms will have luxury amenities such as restaurants and spas.

Gold’s Gym deal aims to pump up more of Arab world – Forbes.com:

Developments in Dubai slowed by the global financial crisis are starting to breathe a life again. In the past few weeks, it seems that Dubai is back in business. The new year has brought a level of optimism to Dubai’s economy which cannot be matched internationally. Both locals and expats are looking forward to planning a prosperous business future with an improved level of confidence. There is a new attitude as this jewel of an Emirate rejuvenates its presence in the world once again.

The hospitality demand has increased progressively with the introduction of new business zones such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai Academic City and the Dubai Outsource Zone. International companies continue to setup their businesses in Dubai, an indication of rising confidence in the region. This marks another epoch of Dubai which has remained the business hub of the Middle East.

The current news states that new businesses are flocking again to Dubai and are ready to establish their presence in the city’s local and global market. Companies based in North Africa are moving here and others from elsewhere in the world are strengthening their local branches in the Emirate. Costly business setup is now over and local property rates (both commercial and residential) have reduced significantly putting Dubai’s real estate market back into business.

The general view of both Sheikh Mohammed, the founder of Dubai as a global business hub, and its residents is that nothing is impossible. Dubai has become, and will remain a world-class capital as this metropolitan continues to offer an extensive range of attractions to serve its local and expat communities. Financial and economic growth is resulting in relenting improvements in the city’s infrastructure sector. Dubai’s road network is ready to embrace increases in population and the latest development: the Dubai Metro, is now fully operational with its exceptional feeder bus system. This comes hand in hand with an internationally renowned public transport network which enables the local population to easily navigate the city easily, safely and cheaply.

So for international companies looking to setup their new office in the Middle East, Dubai should be a top choice. Despite the huge blow that Dubai’s economy has suffered at the hands of Dubai World, Dubai has maintained its high position in the region with its strategic location in the very heart of the Middle East and North Africa. World-class transportation links are available and there are just few cities in the world with several direct flight options like in Dubai. As businesses become increasingly reliant on international relations and a global network of commercial relationships, it is crucial that companies consider where they are based.

The opening of cargo flights in Al Maktoum International Airport in June will surely be another great deal for business in Dubai as it will provide excellent facilities for low-cost carriers establishing hubs in the business capital. While Al Maktoum International Airport is located away from the heart of the Old Dubai, it is readily accessible to the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the northern emirates via the new bypass that will open shortly.

Burj Al Arab’s presence in Dubai has played an important role in the local tourism sector and with the completion of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest residential and commercial structure, the world-class charisma of Dubai remains as strong as ever. As the good news continues, the affordability of Dubai now adds to its popularity where thousands of expats looking to work and live in this beautiful city can enjoy all that it has to offer. With no income tax, a buzzing social scene and an excellent lifestyle for families with children of all ages, Dubai is now a promising destination for expats who are in search of rewarding employment overseas.

This article was provided by Sentinel Business Centres – Dubai. To find out more about virtual offices, please go to: http://www.sentinelbusinesscentres.com/virtual_office.php/

Despite the global economic crisis the Middle East, and Dubai in particular, has maintained its position as a major business hub for international companies. Positioned between key markets in Europe and Asia many companies have either set up headquarters or satellite offices in Dubai to act as gateways into these key markets. The emirate boasts some of the most high-profile industry events in the world including the Dubai Airshow, Dubai Motor Show, Cityscape and the Arabian Travel Market to name but a few. Multi-million dollar deals are signed around the latter events so it is important for international companies to have an on-ground presence in the UAE market.

Setting up an office, particularly abroad, can be an arduous task and requires a not insignificant investment in both money and time. IT systems, phone lines, equipment, furniture, desks, receptionists – the list goes on. Given the current economic climate companies need to be able to have an efficient corporate dynamic in order to keep operations moving and affordable. Office space in Dubai has dropped in value by almost 50 per cent, but it is still very expensive.

There are alternatives to conventional office space that are perfectly suited for foreign businesses looking for a financially viable office solution in the UAE.

The Virtual Office has been in existence since 1984 and has proven to be a powerful tool for those companies seeking to maintain a solid presence in a foreign market. It has evolved into a streamlined service that can provide important gateways into local business markets.

The whole system has been set-up to be completely flexible. Now that technology allows almost instant and constant connectivity with networks across the globe conventional office space is not always necessary. Businesses that require a shorter amount of time on-ground in the UAE can have a longer-term presence without having to take out long-term leases on office space that will remain empty for a majority of the year.

Popularity in Virtual Offices is increasing due to the efficiency and multiple benefits afforded by the system. Within the UAE there are increasing numbers of Virtual Office providers and Sentinel Business Centres (SBC) is at the forefront of Serviced and Virtual Office solutions.

With a proven track record of success in the Middle East, SBC has evolved its Virtual Office structure to include a number of value-added services. A ‘package’ can be tailor made to suit company operations which can include not only a local mailing address and receptionist service, but also dedicated physical meeting room space within a prestigious address and access to ‘hot-desks’ for an agreed amount of time. Therefore, a local network can be maintained to streamline business activities, and should office space be required clients have a five-star office facility in which to operate.

Within the office space SBC has fully integrated IT systems with the latest video conferencing technology, high-speed internet connections, access to scanners, printers and fax machines, which are all instantly available to clients. This means that  business activities remain uninterrupted with no set-up delays.

SBC is spearheading the next generation of alternative office space and is dedicated to expanding its portfolio of services within the UAE in order to provide both local and international companies a solid platform from which to grow, expand and succeed.

On top of that, a recession is actually a great time to consider going your own way; it’s a time of change and with change there is always opportunity. The world’s biggest corporations will tell you this, as Procter & Gamble, Disney, McDonald’s and Johnson & Johnson, all started during a recession or a depression.

Starting at times like these will give you a lead over competition, as once the economy comes out of the recession your business will be much further along and much more of an interest for investors after sitting on their cash during the downturn.

It is also likely that many of your potential competitors are facing touch times and are tightening belts, customers start looking for better alternatives, and so there may be a niche for you to offer something new and innovative or just a more cost-effective alternative as the market place goes through change.
During good times, no one questions and everyone is happy. But suddenly, things are broken and so you can be the fixer.

So how do you go about setting up in Dubai?

Although business is the main focus of the economy here, it is not an easy place to set-up if you do not know the ins and outs of the city and as well as the different alternatives you might have depending on the kind of business you want to start.

At Sentinel Business Centres we provide you with a range of cost-effective services designed to help your business get incorporated in the UAE. With over 50 years of combined experience in the region we are the gateway to doing business in Dubai, as we advise you on the most appropriate corporate structure, while getting you quickly set up.

We organise fully-equipped office space, arrange sponsorship, work permits and UAE visas, as well as provide you with any bespoke needs you might require.

Our Serviced Offices are located on the prestigious Number One Sheikh Zayed Road, and provide a cost-effective alternative to the normal annual corporate leases, as our short term office rental reduces cash flow by offering a manageable, monthly office contract.

Additionally, we provide a range of value-added services such as receptionists, meeting rooms, a personal concierge, a videoconferencing suite, hot desks and corporate gym. We also offer clients a simple Virtual Office package including mailhandling, telephone answering, and a prestigious Dubai PO Box.