The Emirati entrepreneur discusses Lagree, lifestyle culture and creating one of Dubai’s newest wellness concepts.

Dubai’s wellness landscape has evolved rapidly in recent years, shifting far beyond traditional gyms into something more community-driven, design-led and culturally aware. Gigi Dubai, one of the newest concepts to land in the city is a Lagree studio that has grown into a lifestyle platform built around movement, creativity and connection. 

Founded by Emirati entrepreneur Ghaliya Ahli, Gigi offers a new approach to wellness, blending fitness with design, social experiences, and a strong sense of community. We spoke with Ghaliya about redefining wellness culture in the UAE. 

What initially drew you to the Lagree method and why did you feel the market was ready for it? 

Wellness has always been part of my lifestyle, not a trend. Lagree felt innovative, effective, and different. Dubai is very open to new, elevated concepts, so I saw a gap for something that delivers real results but also feels like a lifestyle experience.

For those unfamiliar with it, how would you explain the Lagree method, and what makes it different from more traditional fitness concepts? 

Lagree is a slow, controlled, full-body workout on a Megaformer. It’s low-impact but very intense. What makes it different is the focus on precision, control, and endurance. It’s as much mental as it is physical.

Lagree has grown rapidly in popularity globally and within the UAE. Why do you think the method resonates so strongly with people today? 

People are shifting towards smarter, more sustainable workouts. Lagree gives strong results without stressing the body, and it builds discipline, which people are really drawn to now.

Gigi feels more like a lifestyle platform than a conventional fitness studio. Was that always part of your original vision? 

Yes. I always saw Gigi as a lifestyle and community platform. I wanted to create a space where people connect, not just work out. A lifestyle brand that builds a real sense of belonging within the community.

You come from a background in marketing and research. How has that influenced the way you’ve built and positioned the brand? 

It made me very intentional. I look at behaviour, culture, and gaps in the market. I naturally think in terms of design, experiences, and positioning. It was part of my vision to build a creative culture and a social environment, and redefine wellness as something that’s part of your lifestyle, not limited to a class. I’m a very social person, so I wanted the brand to reflect that. I love creating experiences, events, and activations; it’s something I’m passionate about, and it brings me a lot of joy to connect people through it.

Gigi has hosted classes around the UAE in unique environments. Why is it important for you to take wellness beyond the studio environment? 

I wanted to redefine wellness and make it more fun, social, and integrated into everyday life. Creating experiences, events, and activations allows us to build a stronger sense of community, and for me, that creative and social element is a big part of what Gigi is.

What shifts have you noticed in how people now approach fitness and self-care? 

People are more intentional now. Focusing on balance, recovery, and longevity. There’s also more demand for boutique, community-driven experiences, not just traditional gyms.

As an Emirati entrepreneur building a wellness brand in Dubai, were there any particular challenges you faced in the early stages? 

Educating the market on Lagree and staying true to the brand while simultaneously growing. I wanted to build something original, rather than just follow what already exists.

Design and aesthetics play a strong role in Gigi’s identity. Tell us about the design of the space. 

The space is minimal, warm, and elevated, but I also wanted to push beyond the typical neutral wellness aesthetic. I wanted something a bit more bold, different, and even a little sexy. I love art, culture, and creativity, so it was important for the brand and space to reflect that energy while still feeling intentional and inviting.

Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Gigi Dubai? 

To expand into new locations and grow Gigi into a bigger lifestyle brand and concept, beyond fitness, while still staying true to its identity.

Finally, what advice would you give to other young Emirati entrepreneurs looking to build brands within the wellness and creative industries? 

Build something real to you. Don’t follow trends. Stay patient, stay original, and focus on creating something with purpose. My advice is to focus on you until the focus is on you. Your only competition is yourself.