In a raw, industrial space in Al Quoz, Yousef Al Gurg watches as people swing from rings and hang from monkey bars. The clang of metal is punctuated by laughter inside Gravity Calisthenics Gym, a facility that feels more like an underground movement than a commercial enterprise. From his glass office overlooking the main floor, Al Gurg observes the community he has built.
“This is our escape,” he says. “Gravity isn’t just a business. It’s a place where people come to get away from the city, train, meet their friends, grab coffee, even play board games.”
The gym, Dubai’s first dedicated calisthenics facility, is intentionally unpolished. There are no mirrors, no thumping pop music, and no chrome machines. “We wanted to stay true to our purpose,” Al Gurg explains. “It’s not about the equipment. It’s about what you can do with your body.” This philosophy extended to the gym’s location. Instead of a glossy postcode like DIFC, he chose a cavernous warehouse that offered a functional space for movement.
From Passion to Profession
The idea for Gravity began over a decade ago while Al Gurg was studying architecture. “I came across calisthenics on YouTube,” he recalls. “There was nowhere in Dubai to practice it. So I thought, if it doesn’t exist, why not build it?”
Before he became a fitness entrepreneur, Al Gurg was an athlete. “I started playing professional football at 13,” he says, having played for eight years before moving into mountaineering and then calisthenics. His athletic background gave him a deep appreciation for functional fitness, which remains at the core of his gym’s philosophy. He believes that the UAE’s sporting dream is kept alive by a foundation of physical discipline.
He launched the venture with his friend, Saleh, who initially served as an advisor before becoming an investor and business partner. Al Gurg credits clear boundaries and defined roles for the success of their professional relationship.
A Community Built on Resilience
In a city with a constantly changing fitness scene, Gravity’s survival is a testament to its strong community. “Our members don’t just train here. They go hiking together, play paddle, paintball, even hang out outside the gym,” Al Gurg says.
This loyalty was crucial when the gym faced a major crisis during last year’s floods. The entire area was submerged, with water reaching knee-high inside the facility. Gravity was forced to close for months to rebuild. “We were determined not to let it break us,” he says. “Our community supported us all the way.”
Al Gurg also works with the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DET), helping startups and young entrepreneurs. He acknowledges the government support available to Emiratis but insists it is not a substitute for hard work. “Support alone doesn’t build success. Emiratis are ambitious,” he states. “If things were handed to us, the UAE wouldn’t be where it is today.” His experience with Gravity provides practical lessons that he shares with the new businesses he guides.
Looking Ahead
Al Gurg admits he started his business in his early twenties with more passion than financial acumen. “At some point, you realise you need to pay attention to the numbers,” he says. The gym broke even within six years and now operates on a sustainable model. His advice to other entrepreneurs is simple: “Play to your strengths. If you’re not good with money, find someone who is.”
With a successful brand established in Dubai, Al Gurg is now focused on global expansion through a franchise programme. He credits the city’s dynamic environment for fostering such ambitions, noting that the opportunity in Dubai has attracted top global talent. “It’s a tough market, but once you succeed here, you can take your business anywhere,” he says.
Gravity has already collaborated with the Dubai Fitness Challenge and hosted the Battle of the Bars world championship. For Al Gurg, the greatest reward remains the impact on his members. “The most satisfaction we get,” he says, “is seeing how fitness transforms people’s lives. That’s what keeps me going.”
