IEG Middle East

24-26 October 2025

Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City

Dubai Active Industry
CEO Forum

Middle East Fitness Business Summit - CEO Forum

CEO Forum

24 October 2025

Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City

CEO Forum

The CEO Forum

Welcome to the CEO Forum, where global industry giants converge to shape the future of fitness and wellness. A dynamic space for top executives and visionaries to discuss cutting-edge trends, technologies, and strategies driving the industry forward. 

From keynote speeches by renowned fitness experts to interactive panel discussions, this summit drives innovation, success and empowerment in our audience’s organisations. Join the CEO Forum and be part of the conversation that's shaping a healthier, happier world for generations to come.

Your ticket includes access to

CEO Forum

Complementary Delegates Lunch

UAE Health & Fitness Industry Report

B2B Matchmaking App

Exhibition - All 3 Days

VIP Buyers Lounge

Official Networking Party

Pre-Opening Event

All Summits and Roundtables

Agenda

24 October 2025

10:45AM

Welcoming Note by Forum Host and Chairman

10:45AM | Welcoming Note by Forum Host and Chairman

Chaired by

Dave Wright

Founder & Investor, MyZone

11:00AM

Opening Dialogue: The Future of Fitness: Building a Healthier Nation Through Public-Private Collaboration

11:00AM | Opening Dialogue: The Future of Fitness: Building a Healthier Nation Through Public-Private Collaboration

A conversation between key city influential leaders, exploring the success of collaboration between government and private sector innovators can shape a future-ready fitness and wellness ecosystem, one that drives national health, boosts economic resilience, and accelerates technological progress.

Presented by

Cedric Betis

Wellness Consultant, Dubai Future Foundation

11:30AM

Keynote: The Science of Future Wellness: Global Trends Reimagined for the Middle East

11:30AM | Keynote: The Science of Future Wellness: Global Trends Reimagined for the Middle East

In this visionary keynote, futurist Carl Rohde reveals the most influential global trends shaping the future of fitness, health, and wellness, from biohacking and longevity science to immersive fitness experiences and wellness tourism. Drawing on his extensive cultural trend research at Science of the Time, Carl will explore how these innovations can be reimagined and localised to elevate the Middle East’s unique fusion of wellness, luxury, and lifestyle.

This session delivers strategic foresight for governments, investors, and industry leaders aiming to position the region as a world-class wellness hub. Over the past three years, Carl has interviewed 150 thought leaders, all at CEO or sub-CEO level, across fitness, health, hospitality, luxury, and technology. Expect powerful insights and direct quotes from these conversations, offering valuable perspectives for every fitness leader in attendance.

Presented by

Prof. Dr. Carl Rohde

Futurist and Founder, Science of the Time, The Netherlands

12:15PM

Report Release: UAE Health & Fitness Industry Report

12:15PM | Report Release: UAE Health & Fitness Industry Report

For the first time, the UAE’s leading fitness and wellness operators have united to create a comprehensive, industry-led report, marking a major milestone for the region’s fast-growing active sector. This data-driven collaboration offers clear insights into operator performance, consumer behaviours, and market trends, filling a critical gap and helping shape the future of fitness in the UAE.

The session will feature a presentation of the key findings, followed by a panel discussion with the stakeholders behind the report, and an open Q&A.

Panelists

Susan Turner

CEO, Precision Wellness

Nasser Obeid

CEO, Pure Gym Arabia

Gavin Baxter

Commercial Director, IEG Middle East

Dr. Dimitri Koutsoubakis

CEO, ONE FIT HOLDING

Mark Buchanan

CEO, Fitness First

Norris Panton

Founder, Gulf Active Industry Network (GAIN)

Loren Holland

Founder and CEO, GymNation

12:30PM

Closing Remark

12:30PM | Closing Remark

1:15 - 3:00PM

Delegates Networking Lunch

1:15 - 3:00PM | Delegates Networking Lunch

Step out of the conference room and into a more relaxed setting. The networking lunch is your chance to grab a bite, meet the people behind the ideas, and have real conversations that could spark future collaborations. Whether you're reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting someone new, this setting allows you to share ideas, and build genuine connections.

What else is happening?

Find out what else is happening at the region’s premier conferences for health, fitness, and wellness professionals. Our events deliver cutting-edge insights, global perspectives, and practical strategies to sharpen your expertise in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

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