Elevating Gym Design and Wellness Spaces: Inside VEO Gyms by Emaar Hospitality
The future of gym design is here, and it’s redefining how we experience fitness and wellness. VEO by Emaar Hospitality Group, designed by DZ Design, offers a fresh take on wellness design, seamlessly blending nature, luxury, and community-driven experiences.
As Dubai’s fitness landscape evolves, VEO introduces a new breed of wellness-focused gyms, fostering a sense of inclusivity and balance. Launched in April 2024, VEO is the latest lifestyle gym brand from Emaar, with locations in The Meadows, The Lakes, and Manzil, and further expansion planned.
Designed as a holistic community hub, VEO promotes active living and well-being by offering spaces that encourage members to connect, create, relax, and recharge. The interiors reflect this ethos, combining natural materials with a modern aesthetic to create an inspiring yet calming environment.
Designing for Both Performance and Comfort
The design challenge for VEO was to create a space where fitness enthusiasts could train effectively while also engaging in meaningful social interactions. DZ Design’s approach focused on a gym that is refreshingly carefree, simple, fun, and lifestyle-oriented.
“We wanted to create a gym that feels like home—an environment where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and motivated to reach their fitness goals,” says Dina Murali, Design Director at DZ Design.
Key Features of VEO’s Wellness-Centric Design:
- Multi-use flexible spaces – allowing seamless transitions for different activities throughout the year.
- Symmetry and balance – ensuring a harmonious flow that keeps members focused.
- Immersive lighting and temperature control – optimising comfort and performance.
- Raw, natural elements – integrating organic textures to enhance well-being.
The Power of Materiality in Gym Design
The material selection for VEO was driven by the philosophy of balance and connection to nature. Inspired by the elements—earth, water, fire, and air—the interiors offer a sophisticated blend of textures and colours to enhance both physical and mental well-being.
Material and Colour Palette:
- Wood finishes – adding warmth and grounding energy.
- Metal accents – introducing a contemporary edge.
- Natural stone – reinforcing the luxurious yet earthy feel.
- Organic textiles – promoting relaxation and comfort.
- Soft greens & earthy tones – evoking calmness.
- Deep reds & oranges – stimulating motivation and energy.
Reception Area: A First Impression of Wellness
The moment members step inside, they are greeted by a modern reception desk finished in a soothing green hue, immediately setting a calming tone. The organic curved lines and strategic placement of indoor plants create a welcoming atmosphere, reinforcing VEO’s community-driven approach to wellness.
Spin Studio & Gym Area: A High-Energy Experience
The spin studio is designed to fuel energy and motivation, featuring tiered spin bike arrangements for optimal visibility. Dynamic LED lighting, strategically placed along walls and ceilings, enhances the intensity of workouts. A bold mural with the word “BURN” acts as an ever-present motivator, pushing members to give their all.
DZ Design elevates the changing room experience by integrating minimalist aesthetics with functional elegance. Light-coloured tiles create an airy feel, while fluted green cabinetry adds sophistication and a touch of biophilia. Custom-framed fitness-inspired artwork, in energising green and orange hues, reinforces VEO’s wellness-driven philosophy.
The Future of Gym & Wellness Design
With VEO, DZ Design is setting a new precedent in gym design by proving that fitness environments can be functional, flexible, and beautiful. This project is a testament to the studio’s expertise in crafting wellness-focused spaces that go beyond aesthetics to enhance performance, relaxation, and community interaction.
Why This Matters:
- A shift toward nature-inspired wellness spaces – bridging fitness and holistic well-being.
- Community-driven gym concepts – fostering deeper connections and engagement.
- Evolving fitness environments – where design plays a pivotal role in motivation and performance.
As the fitness industry continues to innovate, wellness-centric design will become the new benchmark. With VEO by Emaar, DZ Design proves that a gym is more than just a place to work out—it’s a space that inspires a better lifestyle.