MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA AWARDS

As part of Beyond Activ World

10 February 2026, Fairmont Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Lead Award Sponsors

Our Awards of Excellence recognize leading companies and executives from across health, fitness, sports, wellness and hospitality, investing in the Middle East and Africa Region. In 2026 we recognize 8 different companies and executives on their achievements and successes in the 12 months from January 2025 to December 2025. 

BELOW ARE THE FINALISTS OF OUR 2026 AWARDS. CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE INCREDIBLE COMPANIES AND EXECUTIVES FOR MAKING IT THIS FAR!

APP OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Award Criteria

Any fitness, wellness or lifestyle app (b2c and/or b2b) Award based on; positive impact on the consumer and/or industry; strength and depth of content; UX design functionality and responsiveness; new growth in MEA; future growth possibility across the MEA region; and the potential impact of future iterations.

FITNESS & WELLNESS COMPANY OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Award Criteria

Any wellness company that operates or invests in the MEA region. Award based on; market leadership; successful expansion of existing business(es); launch of new product lines; new technology adoption internally and externally; business/product innovation; strength of industry relations; and overall industry/customer reputation.

DEAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Award Criteria

Any government body, fitness, wellness or hospitality company, that operates or invests in the MEA region. Award based on; any deal that has a significant impact to the b2b and/or b2c fitness and wellness landscape in MEA (M&A, divestment, JV, listing, capital raise) – deal value; shareholder return; industry implications.

Anytime Fitness Signed New Master Agreements in GCC

GymGuyz Signed New Master Agreements in GCC

Merger of Miran and Welnes

Sport Clubs Company IPO

FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Award Criteria

Any fitness, wellness or lifestyle franchise, that operates or invests in the MEA region. Award based on; success of existing portfolio; recent net growth of franchisees; net growth of member rate in MEA; industry reputation; consumer reputation; franchise leadership; and investment on customer experience.

HOTEL & RESORT COMPANY OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Award Criteria

Any hotel, resort, spa or retreat operating in, or out of, MEA region. Award based on: incorporating holistic health/fitness/wellness programs across their properties; pioneering new and emerging services relating to health, fitness and wellness; investment in new/improved facilities for guest experience; addition of wellbeing as a company pillar; and industry leadership.

REAL ESTATE COMPANY OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Award Criteria

Any hotel, real state company operating in, or out of, MEA region. Award based on: incorporating holistic health/fitness/wellness programs across their properties; pioneering new and emerging services relating to health, fitness and wellness; investment in new/improved facilities for guest experience; addition of wellbeing as a company pillar; and industry leadership.

TECHNOLOGY COMPANY OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Award Criteria

Any fitness, wellness or lifestyle technology company (software, hardware, system or platform – b2c and/or b2b) Award based on; successful commercial expansion in the MEA region; future scalability; technology advancement; perception as industry gamechanger; positive return of investment to customer; and extent of industry collaboration.

EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Award Criteria

Any fitness, wellness hospitality or lifestyle executive who operates or works in the Americas. Award based on; market leadership; recognised thought leadership reputation; successful company performance; positive shareholder ROI; future growth potential in the Americas; promotion of new technology adoption, diversity and industry collaboration.