Insights

Insights for people who build and run businesses.

Practical guides on opening, funding and running businesses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, written by a team that owns and runs businesses there. Each guide answers its question first, and the sector guides cite sources for their regulatory statements.

Featured guide

Opening a gym in Abu Dhabi

Opening a gym in Abu Dhabi comes down to six decisions taken in the right order: who the gym is for, whether the numbers work, a site whose rent the membership can carry, the licence and approvals the activity needs, a fit-out built around how members train, and a team and pre-sales plan that fills the floor from day one.

4 min read · Updated 3 October 2026

Sector guides

How specific kinds of business work in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Opening a gym in Abu DhabiConcept, numbers, site, licensing, fit-out and pre-sales — in that order.4 min read
Leasing commercial space in Al AinPermitted use, catchment, total occupancy cost and lease terms.2 min read

For business owners

Decisions every owner faces: testing an idea, raising money and handing over management.

How to raise investment for your businessKnow the amount and its use, the kind of money, and your evidence.3 min read
Feasibility study checklistWhat a feasibility study must cover, and the decision it should end in.2 min read
When to hire a management companyThe signs, what a management company does and what to agree.2 min read

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