The Dubai Muscle Show kicks off this weekend, December 8-9, and will feature over 14,000 square meters of exhibition.

Athletes, vendors, and attendees will all be flocking to the Mecca of fitness in the Arab world. Kai Greene will be performing a guest pose, and Eddie Hall will be teaching a deadlift seminar. But beyond exhibition and education, the muscle show will host MMA, Boxing, Strongman, Crossfit, Parkour, and the first Pole Dancing competition in the Middle East.

However, the biggest event will be the IFBB Gulf Classic, showcasing international talent. It will include Men’s Physique, Men’s Muscular Physique, Men’s Bodybuilding, and Men’s Classic Bodybuilding classes, along with Juniors and Masters divisions.

The list of speakers is also absolutely first class. Jay Cutler, Eddie Hall, Kai Greene, Dorian Yates, Ronnie Coleman, and Sean Ray, are some of the special figures who will take the stage to share knowledge and answer questions. In addition, the list of athletes available for meet and greet includes all the above, plus Cedric McMillan, Paige Hathaway, and Evan Centopani, among others.

Arab stars Big Ramy, Mo Ismail, Essa Obaid, and Ahmad Ashkanani, who recently won the Arnold Classic, will also be in attendance.

“This year the show is five times bigger than last year,” Mr Ismail told TheNational.AE. “This is one of the biggest line-ups of athletes you’ll see in the region and Dubai is the best place to do it. As an expo and fitness event it’s massive. Also within a bodybuilding content, it’s even better because it’s IFBB sanctioned.”

Bodybuilding has experienced a popular explosion in the Middle East over the past several years. Many attribute some of the push to Lebanon’s Mr Olympia winner Samir Bannou.

To catalyze the spread of bodybuilding in the Middle East, the Dubai Muscle Show is looking to attract a broader fanbase.

“The coolest thing is that a family can come and build awareness for children or themselves and learn about the health and fitness industry which is a multi-billion-dollar industry,” said Mr Ismail. “There’s something in it for everyone. It’s not niche like it was before.”

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