Gym of the Future: Step inside UAE’s smartest fitness experience yet (VIDEO)
Custom workouts, meal plans, and health scans – all powered by AI
ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi has taken a leap into the future of fitness with the unveiling of the UAE’s first artificial intelligence-powered gym experience.
The concept was introduced by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, signalling a shift towards a more data-driven, preventative approach to health and wellness.
Gym of the Future
Known as the “Gym of the Future”, this prototype offers a fully integrated wellness journey combining AI, biometric scanners, digital health records, and smart nutrition systems. It's not just about burning calories – it's about improving longevity and enhancing daily wellbeing using precision technology.
Smart entry & digital twin
The moment an individual enters the gym, smart sensors recognise the user and immediately generate a “digital twin” – a virtual version of the body created using data from the Sahatna app. This government-built platform contains the user's health records, lab results, and medication history, allowing for a precise fitness and recovery plan tailored to their current state of health.
There are no wearables or login screens. The system intuitively detects everything from posture and energy levels to heart rate and movement efficiency.
Interactive workouts
Once inside, users begin guided workouts using AI-embedded equipment like treadmills fitted with posture sensors and cameras. These machines monitor vital stats such as beats per minute (BPM), stride, and form in real time. Recommendations on pace, timing, and posture are shared instantly, ensuring safe and effective exercise.
Every session is logged in the Sahatna app, allowing the gym’s system to adjust future sessions dynamically based on past performance, fatigue levels, and biometric changes.
Instant insights
After training, users undergo a rapid AI-assisted body scan to check for stress, fatigue, or minor injuries. The system employs imaging technology akin to X-rays or CT scans, delivering live visuals and insights on muscle or tendon strain within seconds. Simply standing in front of a scanner provides a full-body evaluation – no appointments or delays.
AI nutrition & wellness
Nutrition is the next step in the loop. The gym’s built-in AI nutritionist assesses daily energy output and health metrics to suggest meals that support performance, recovery, or long-term dietary goals. Whether an athlete, diabetic, or someone recovering from injury, each user receives personalised recommendations aligned with their unique health blueprint.
Additionally, a “wellness chamber” inside the facility offers mental and muscle recovery using temperature-controlled therapy. Cooling air and soft heat waves help reduce stress, improve circulation, and regulate heart rate.
Redefining preventative health
Dr Faisal Haji, director of health sector innovation at the Department of Health, highlighted that the project is about “rethinking the gym itself.” Rather than focusing purely on physical improvement, the gym is positioned as a proactive healthcare environment – part of a wider vision to embed wellness into everyday spaces such as homes, schools, and workplaces.
Though currently a prototype, talks are under way to introduce the system commercially. With interest already growing from potential partners, the future of fitness in the UAE looks intelligent, automated, and incredibly personal.