Dubai Active Industry Announces Advisory Board to Drive the Next Phase of Growth for the Middle East’s Health, Fitness and Wellness Sector

Dubai, UAE | As Dubai Active Industry prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in October 2026, the Middle East's leading international health, fitness and wellness tradeshow has announced the launch of its Advisory Board, bringing together some of the region's most influential leaders from across fitness, wellness, hospitality, education and sports performance.

The formation of the board marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Dubai Active Industry and reflects its commitment to driving the next phase of growth for the health, fitness and wellness sector across the Middle East.

Over the past decade, Dubai Active Industry has established itself as the region's leading business platform for the industry, connecting global brands, distributors, operators, investors and decision-makers while facilitating innovation, education and commercial opportunities. As the event enters its second decade, the newly formed Advisory Board will help guide its strategic direction and ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of the market.

Comprised of senior executives, founders and industry pioneers with decades of expertise working across the Middle East and internationally, the Advisory Board will provide strategic insight on emerging trends, market opportunities and industry challenges, helping to shape the future of the event while enhancing the experience and value delivered to exhibitors, buyers and visitors.

The Dubai Active Industry Advisory Board includes the following esteemed members:

• Glen Stollery, CEO, Les Mills Middle East, Africa & India

• Greg Boucher, CEO, MEFITPRO

• Hashem Aljamal, CEO, Cypex Group

• John Foy, COO, Inspire Group Kuwait

• Kathryn Moore, Founder and Managing Director | Spa Connectors and co-op

• Laura Brown, Regional Manager MENA, HYROX & HYROX365

• Lucy Merigold, Associate Vice-President Marketing, Fitness First Middle East

• Lydia Bel, CEO, Wellness First

• Mahmoud Wafa, Operations and Commercial Manager, Arena Fitness Innovation

• Mark Kirby, Hospitality Executive & Industry Leader

• Raay Etyemezian, Consultant, RE Fitness Consulting

• Rory McEntee, CMO, GymNation

• Roland Steyn, Owner, MiFitness International

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*listed alphabetically

Representing a diverse cross-section of the industry, the board brings together expertise spanning fitness operations, wellness, hospitality, education, suppliers, events and business development. Through regular collaboration, members will contribute valuable market intelligence and strategic recommendations that help strengthen Dubai Active Industry's position as the region's most influential meeting place for the sector.

"The launch of our new Advisory Board is a defining moment as we prepare to celebrate ten years of Dubai Active Industry," said Rachel Chatham, Managing Director at IEG Middle East, organisers of Dubai Active Industry.

"What makes this board particularly valuable is not only the breadth of expertise it brings together across fitness, wellness, hospitality and education, but the depth of knowledge its members have of global and the GCC's diverse markets. Collectively, they represent decades of experience shaping the industry's growth across the region.

As we enter our second decade, their insights will help us identify opportunities, respond to evolving market needs and create even greater value for exhibitors, buyers and visitors, while directly contributing to the future growth and progression of the industry across the region. Their guidance will play an important role in ensuring Dubai Active Industry continues to set the benchmark and strengthen its position as the leading health, fitness and wellness business platform in the Middle East."

The Advisory Board will play a key role in strengthening the event's commercial impact by identifying new opportunities for growth, improving buyer engagement, enhancing content and facilitating higher-value networking and business connections.

Its creation comes at a time of unprecedented momentum for the region's wellness economy, with increasing investment in active lifestyles, preventative health, fitness infrastructure and wellness tourism driving demand across the sector.

By bringing together some of the industry's most respected voices, Dubai Active Industry is reinforcing its commitment to serving not only as a world-class tradeshow, but as the leading platform actively supporting the advancement and long-term success of the health, fitness and wellness ecosystem throughout the Middle East.

Dubai Active Industry will celebrate its 10th anniversary on the 30 October – 1 November 2026 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, marking a decade of connecting businesses, showcasing innovation and helping shape the future of health, fitness and wellness across the region.

Find out more details about the Advisory Board here.

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About Dubai Active Industry

Organised by IEG Middle East, Dubai Active Industry is the Middle East's leading international health, fitness and wellness tradeshow, connecting brands, buyers, operators, investors and industry professionals from across the GCC and beyond. The event serves as the region's premier platform for business growth, innovation, networking and knowledge-sharing within one of the world's fastest-growing wellness markets.