Saudi officials close ‘illegal’ women’s fitness centre
April 16, 2010
Saudi Arabian health officials have closed down an "illegal" womenâs fitness centre attached to a hospital in Jeddah.
Gyms or fitness clubs for women are illegal in the Kingdom, despite the growing popularity of underground venues.
Muhammad Abdul Jawad, Director of the Medical Licensing Administration, told Arab News that "anyone who violates regulations governing the running of health facilities would be punished severely because this involves people's health."
Jawad warned clinics and hospitals that officials regularly inspect health facilities to make sure they are following regulations.
Saudi Arabia's Municipal and Rural Affairs Ministry recently closed two other gyms in Jeddah and one in Dammam, in eastern Saudi Arabia.
