Riyadh · Jeddah · Partner gyms · Women-only cohorts
Train in Saudi Arabia.
Personal-trainer roles are being Saudised from 18 Nov 2026. Certify in Arabic or English, with women-only cohorts at partner gyms in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Since 2012 · CIMSPA Training Provider Partner
- Fitness Instructor
- 4,799 SAR
- Personal Trainer
- 9,000 SAR
- Next cohort
- 23 Nov · Women-only
Proud to work with
Saudisation clock
Time left before PT roles are Saudised
From 18 Nov 2026, private gyms with 4+ staff need 15% Saudi nationals across 12 roles, including personal trainer.
Cited: Gulf News, Saudi Arabia to localise 12 key jobs in private-sector sports facilities by November 2026.
Your route in Saudi Arabia
Be ready when gyms hire Saudi trainers
- Set 1
Know the rule
From 18 Nov 2026, private gyms with 4+ staff need 15% Saudi nationals across 12 roles, including personal trainer.
- Set 2
Choose your cohort
Women-only cohorts at partner gyms in Riyadh and Jeddah, taught in Arabic or English.
- Set 3
Certify step by step
Fitness Instructor first, then Personal Trainer: UK Level 2 and Level 3 equivalents.
- Set 4
Join a gym team
Gyms can certify whole teams with IFA. TODO(IFA): confirm KSA recognition wording and partner gyms before launch.
Upcoming dates
Next start dates
TODO(IFA): Sample dates until IFA publishes the 2026–27 calendar.
- Enquire
Personal Trainer
Riyadh · Jeddah · In-classWomen-only
Load the bar
Build your course stack
Tap a course to load it onto the bar. Each plate is a qualification, and the total updates in SAR.
Courses in Saudi Arabia
All courses in Saudi ArabiaCertifications
3 weeks· UK Level 2 equivalent
Fitness Instructor
The first step in fitness certification: qualify to train clients in a gym or fitness club.
4,799 SARView course
4 weeks· UK Level 3 equivalent
Personal Trainer
The skills and competence to work unsupervised as a personal trainer: assessment, nutrition and progressive programming.
9,000 SARView course
Career paths
7 weeks· UK Level 2 and Level 3 equivalent
Accelerated Personal Trainer Program
Fitness Instructor, Nutrition and Personal Trainer in one fast-track path, plus three workshops. You finish with two certifications.
11,000 SARView course
3 weeks plus one weekend
Group Fitness Instructor Program
Fitness Instructor plus Bootcamp Instructor: two certifications to lead gym-floor and group sessions.
5,270 SARView course
9 weeks
Pre and Post Natal Specialist Program
Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer and the Pre and Post Natal specialism: three certifications and a business plan.
Price on requestView course
Saudising your gym team or training staff in bulk?
In-house cohorts, Arabic and women-only classes, and re-certification for whole teams.
The team
Taught by people who work in fitness
IFA tutors are practising trainers and specialists. Quality assurance is led by an external verifier for regional registers.
Anna Gibson
Lead Instructor
Personal Trainer, Pre and Post Natal Specialist and Group Exercise Instructor with 15+ years of experience. Teaches in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Khalid Abu Amine
Founder and CEO
Founded IFA in 2012 after 20+ years in the fitness industry across the US, UK and GCC. Former professional basketball player; degree in Health Services and Exercise Sports Science.
Melody Mercedes
Chief Operating Officer
Leads operations and international business development, including Corporate Wellness and student career services. ICF PCC certified coach.
Adam Jitmoud
Assessor and Instructor
An exercise scientist who brings the science behind fitness into every class.
Talk to an advisor
Get the course guide and next dates
Leave your details and an advisor in Saudi Arabia replies on WhatsApp, usually the same working day.
Questions
Before you enrol
How long does it take to become a personal trainer?
Fitness Instructor takes three weeks and Personal Trainer takes four, both Sunday to Thursday with a morning or evening class. The Accelerated Personal Trainer Program combines both, plus nutrition and three workshops, in seven weeks.
How much does the Personal Trainer course cost?
Personal Trainer is 9,000 QAR in Qatar, 900 BHD in Bahrain, 9,000 SAR in Saudi Arabia and £1,999 in the UK. Fitness Instructor is 4,800 QAR, 480 BHD, 4,799 SAR or £899.
Can I pay in instalments?
TODO(IFA): confirm instalment options (Tabby, Tamara or in-house plans) per country. Until then, ask an advisor on WhatsApp.
Will gyms in my country recognise the qualification?
IFA is a CIMSPA Training Provider Partner. The Fitness Instructor course is equivalent to UK Level 2 and Personal Trainer to UK Level 3, the levels Gulf employers ask for in job adverts. TODO(IFA): name the awarding body and any register recognition per country.
Are there women-only classes?
Yes. Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer run as mixed or ladies-only classes, and Saudi Arabia has women-only cohorts at partner gyms. Ask an advisor for the next ladies-only date near you.
Is the course taught in Arabic?
Courses are taught in English, so you need an adequate level of English. You can also attend most classes live from home on Zoom, apart from some practical days. TODO(IFA): confirm which cohorts are taught in Arabic.
Do I need experience to start?
No previous qualification is needed for Fitness Instructor. Personal Trainer needs a Fitness Instructor (Level 2 or equivalent) qualification first.
Does IFA help me find a job?
The IFA team links successful learners with local employment opportunities and can write recommendation letters for students who excel. IFA works with gyms including Qgym Elite, Evolve, Gymmito and Aspire Active Ladies. TODO(IFA): confirm whether an interview guarantee can be published with terms.
Inside IFA
