Privacy Policy
Effective Date: June 6. 2025
Last Updated: June 6. 2025
WHO WE ARE AND THE SCOPE OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY
We are Barbella Gym, a fitness and wellness company based in Kuwait, operating across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the broader MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. References to “Barbella Gym”, “we”, “our”, or “us” in this Privacy Policy (“Policy”) include Barbella Gym’s affiliated entities, locations, and brands throughout these regions.
Barbella Gym offers fitness-related services and products (“Services”) designed to help individuals reach their health and wellness goals through physical training, coaching, classes, and community experiences. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, including but not limited to:
- Kuwait Data Protection Law
- Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL)
- UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data
- Other applicable data protection frameworks within the GCC and MENA region
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect personal information (“PI”) through:
- Our websites, mobile apps, and online platforms (“Site”);
- In-person visits to our gyms or events;
- Interactions via phone, SMS, WhatsApp, email, or social media;
- Our point-of-sale systems and membership interfaces.
This Policy is incorporated into our Terms of Use and applies to all individuals who interact with us. By using our Site or Services, you agree to the terms of this Policy and the handling of your PI as described herein.
We may update this Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, technology, or our services. If we make material changes, we will notify you via email, app alert, or notice on our Site. Your continued use of the Site or Services after any updates constitutes your acceptance of the revised Policy. Unless otherwise permitted or required by law, we will manage your personal data in accordance with the version of this Policy in effect at the time your data was collected.
1. What Information Do We Collect?
We collect personal information (“PI”) from you at various points during your interaction with our services: online, in person, and through mobile or communication channels. This may include, but is not limited to:
Information You Provide Directly
When you interact with us, whether by creating an account, logging in, contacting us, purchasing a membership, requesting a free trial or class pass, subscribing to communications, attending an event, filling out a survey, entering a sweepstakes or promotion, using our app, or visiting one of our gyms, we may collect:
- Full name
- Date of birth, age, and gender
- Phone number and email address
- Residential or mailing address
- Account username and password
- Emergency contact details
- Payment and billing information (e.g., credit/debit card, bank details)
- Purchase and transaction history
- Gym usage information (e.g., class attendance, personal training sessions, check-ins)
- App activity and interaction data
- Biometric identifiers (e.g., facial recognition, fingerprints, or other forms of secure biometric entry)
- Video surveillance data for facility safety and security
- Health or medical information you voluntarily provide (e.g., allergies, injuries, physical limitations)
- GPS/location data (if you opt-in)
Note: We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under the age of 16. Use of our facilities and services is restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older, or at least 16 years old with active parental or legal guardian involvement.
For Corporate Memberships
When enrolling under a corporate account, we may request:
- Your name and company/organization name
- Company email and phone number
- Workplace address
- Any information submitted as part of the company’s benefit or wellness program
Job Applicants and Career Inquiries
If you apply for a position through our careers portal or job listings, we may collect:
- Full name, phone number, and email
- Resume/CV, employment history, job title, references
- Work authorization status
- Additional details you provide voluntarily
Franchise Inquiries
If you contact us regarding franchising opportunities, we may request:
- Full name, email address, phone number, and ZIP/postal code
- Financial details such as net worth and available capital
Automatically Collected Information
When you access our Site or mobile application, we and third-party partners may automatically collect certain technical and usage-related data, including:
- IP address
- Country and time zone
- Operating system, platform, and browser type/version
- Device type and internet service provider
- Traffic and usage data (e.g., session duration, pages visited, links clicked)
- Location data (if enabled on your device or browser)
- Source of your visit (e.g., direct, referral, search, digital ad)
- In-app or on-site purchase behavior
- Search queries performed on the Site
- Mobile number (if accessing through a mobile device and shared via permissions)
Purpose and Data Minimization
We strive to only collect and process personal information necessary to fulfill the specific purpose for which it was obtained. We do not process PI for purposes incompatible with the original reason for its collection without informing you or obtaining your consent where required by law.
While you may choose to limit the PI you provide, doing so may restrict access to certain services, features, or benefits of the Site or mobile application.
2. How Do We Use Your Information?
We use the personal information (“PI”) we collect for a range of business and operational purposes, in compliance with applicable privacy laws in the United States, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the MENA region. These uses include:
Operational and Member Services
- To communicate with you via phone, email, text message, or other channels.
- To provide, maintain, and operate our Site and Services, including managing your account and customizing personal training services.
- To deliver the information, products, and services you request.
- To verify your identity and manage user authentication.
- To address and respond to customer support inquiries and service issues.
- To provide any requested accommodations or preferences.
- To manage access to facilities, including for security or safety purposes.
Legal, Security, and Risk Management
- To detect, prevent, and respond to fraud, abuse, unlawful activity, or technical issues.
- To comply with applicable laws, regulations, government requests, or legal processes.
- To assert and defend our legal rights and interests, and manage disputes or claims.
- To fulfill our contractual obligations, including processing payments and collections.
- To protect the safety, security, property, and rights of members, employees, and the public.
Data Management and Improvement
- To maintain, update, and analyze business records and membership data.
- To conduct business planning, forecasting, and service improvement efforts.
- To support IT operations, network security, and website functionality.
- To analyze trends and behaviors for business intelligence and product development.
Marketing and Communications
- To capture leads and identify potential prospects.
- To deliver promotional content, marketing campaigns, and personalized advertisements (including lookalike and retargeting audiences).
- To enrich PI with third-party or public data for better targeting and outreach.
- To share your mobile phone number or PI with related entities or affiliates you have explicitly opted into, for their direct marketing purposes. (We will never share your phone number or PI with unrelated third parties for their marketing purposes without your consent.)
Third-Party Services
- To make the services of approved third-party providers available to you or your guests.
- To enable advertising and marketing partnerships (where permitted and consented).
Human Resources and Franchising
- To assess your application for employment or manage the employment relationship.
- To review your submission as a potential franchisee candidate.
Other
- To fulfill any other purpose for which you provided the information.
- To evaluate or complete a merger, divestiture, restructuring, acquisition, or sale of assets.
Data Enrichment and Analytics
Where legally permitted, we may combine the PI you provide with other data sources, such as public databases or third-party providers, to validate, correct, or enhance our records. This helps us identify potential members and offer services that may be relevant or of interest to you. For instance, we may analyze data such as:
- Age, location, gender, and income range
- Site or app usage patterns
Demographic or behavioral indicators of fitness interest or club membership intent
3. Marketing
Email Communication
At Barbella Gym, we respect your privacy concerns. If you provide your email address when you inquire about membership, request a free trial guest pass, subscribe to our updates, or register interest in a new location, we may send you marketing emails about exclusive offers, club news, or upcoming openings.
These emails may contain tracking pixels to help us measure performance (e.g., how many people opened or clicked). You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of our emails. However, you may still receive important service-related communications.
Mobile Phone Communication
If you provide your mobile number, we may send you SMS or WhatsApp notifications about class schedules, membership updates, or service alerts.
By opting in, you consent to receive these messages. While we may share your number with our service providers to deliver these messages, we will not sell or share your number with unaffiliated third parties for their own marketing purposes without your explicit consent.
Advertising
We may use your information to show relevant ads on platforms like Instagram, Google, or Facebook. This could include remarketing, custom audiences, or personalized content based on your interaction with our website or messages.
Third-Party Services
From time to time, we may partner with third-party apps or services that complement your fitness experience. If needed, we may share basic data (like your name or email) to enable those features.
We encourage you to review any third-party provider’s privacy policy before using their services.
4. Where do we get your personal information?
You
We may collect personal information directly from you when you interact with Barbella Gym, such as when you register for a membership, sign up through our website or app, make a purchase, contact customer support, fill out a form, respond to a promotion or survey, or participate in any gym-related programs. We may also automatically collect certain data through web technologies like browser cookies, web beacons, and similar tools when you use our digital platforms or interact with our emails.
Social Media and Public Platforms
If you engage with Barbella Gym through social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), we may receive information about you in accordance with the privacy settings and permissions you’ve established on those platforms. We may also collect data from publicly accessible websites or social accounts.
Third Parties
We may also receive personal information about you from authorized third parties, such as franchise partners, your employer (for corporate memberships), payment processors, advertising platforms, service providers, staffing agencies, or individuals who refer you. These third parties are expected to provide your data lawfully and with the appropriate permissions.
5. How do we disclose your information?
We will not disclose your personal information (“PI”) except with your consent or as outlined in this Privacy Policy. When disclosure is necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, we do so with strict data protection and confidentiality measures in place.
Before sharing your information with affiliates, service providers, or partners, Barbella Gym requires those entities to comply with applicable data protection laws, including but not limited to the KSA Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), UAE Federal Decree Law No. 45 of 2021, and other GCC privacy frameworks, to ensure your information is handled securely and lawfully.
We may disclose your PI to:
- Our affiliates and subsidiaries, under common ownership or control, operate in or outside the GCC region.
- Authorized franchise partners operating under the Barbella Gym brand, to provide consistent services and membership experiences.
- Third parties at your direction or with your explicit consent, including your emergency contact or legal representative.
- Third-party service providers who support our operations (e.g., billing systems, membership platforms, mobile app developers, or class reservation systems), under contractual obligations to protect your data.
- Marketing and advertising partners, to help us deliver promotional content, analyze campaign performance, or build relevant audience segments, only where legally allowed and with your consent if required.
- Professional service providers, such as auditors, accountants, legal advisors, and consultants.
- Government authorities or regulators, as required to comply with applicable local laws, court orders, or legal processes in any GCC jurisdiction.
- Third parties in the context of a business transition, such as a merger, acquisition, divestiture, reorganization, or sale of company assets.
- Law enforcement or investigative authorities, if we believe in good faith that such disclosure is necessary to detect, prevent, or address fraud, abuse, illegal activity, or threats to safety.
- Debt collection and enforcement partners, if needed, to enforce our agreements or collect owed amounts.
We do not sell your PI. If we ever engage in any new data-sharing arrangement, we will provide you with the appropriate disclosures and opt-in or opt-out options in accordance with GCC and local privacy laws.
6. Do we use cookies?
Yes. Barbella Gym uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website and mobile app, analyze usage patterns, remember your preferences, and support security measures.
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your browser. These files help us:
- Recognize repeat visitors
- Understand how users interact with our services
- Improve site functionality and performance
- Deliver relevant advertisements and marketing
We use several types of cookies:
- Strictly Necessary Cookies: Required for basic functionality like login and page navigation.
- Performance & Analytics Cookies: Help us analyze how our services are used and improve them.
- Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings.
- Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver ads more relevant to you and your interests.
Some cookies are first-party (set by Barbella Gym), and others are third-party (set by advertising or analytics partners).
You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings or device-level controls. Disabling certain cookies may affect your experience on our site.
For full details about how we use cookies and how you can control them, please review our Cookie Policy.
7. Links to Third Parties’ Sites and Third-Party Integrations
We may provide links on our website or mobile app to third-party websites, services, or resources for your convenience and information. We may also integrate third-party tools or platforms that synchronize with our services; for example, maps, class booking platforms, or payment processors.
You acknowledge and agree that Barbella Gym is not responsible for the availability, content, or accuracy of these third-party websites, services, or integrations. We do not endorse, guarantee, or make any representations regarding the content, goods, services, or practices of any third party.
We are not responsible for the privacy, security, or data collection practices of those third-party platforms and cannot ensure the safety of any personal information you provide to them. Any personal data you share with these third parties is governed by their own privacy policies and terms—not ours.
We strongly encourage you to review the privacy policies and terms of service of any third-party websites or services you access through our Site or App.
8. How long do we retain your information?
We retain your personal information (PI) for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which we collected it, such as to provide you with our products and services or maintain your active membership with Barbella Gym.
In certain cases, we may retain your information for longer periods if required to:
- Comply with legal, regulatory, tax, or accounting obligations
- Resolve disputes or enforce our agreements
- Protect our rights or the safety of our members and staff
- Collect fees or manage business operations
Where possible and appropriate, we may retain your PI in a deidentified or aggregated form so that it no longer identifies you directly or indirectly.
To determine the appropriate retention period, we take into account:
- The amount, nature, and sensitivity of the data
- The risk of unauthorized use or disclosure
- The purposes for which the data was collected
- Applicable legal, regulatory, or contractual requirements
Once your information is no longer needed and no legal or operational reason remains to keep it, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with applicable laws and our data retention policies.
9. How do we protect your information?
Barbella Gym has implemented a comprehensive data privacy and security program, including reasonable technical and organizational measures, designed to safeguard the personal information (PI) we collect and that you share with us.
These measures include, but are not limited to:
- Secure physical, administrative, and technical safeguards
- Internal access controls to restrict data usage to authorized personnel only
- Ongoing employee privacy and security training
- Regular monitoring and assessment of systems and practices to detect vulnerabilities
Payment Security:
Any payment transactions are encrypted and securely handled through trusted third-party payment processors. Barbella Gym does not store or have access to your full credit card number or sensitive financial information.
Your Responsibility:
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your Barbella Gym account credentials, including your password. We recommend you choose a strong password and do not share it with anyone.
Limitations:
While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data, but we are committed to continuously improving our systems to reduce potential risks.
10. Mobile Apps
We offer a downloadable native member application for iOS and Android devices (the “App”). You can use the App to book and manage class reservations and access your membership information. At this time, the App does not include direct e-commerce or payment functionality.
However, members can pay for their gym membership through the web version of the app, which is accessible via mobile browser. Payment processing is handled securely through our authorized third-party payment providers.
Our App may collect personal and other information as described in Section 1 of this Policy, and such data will be used or disclosed in accordance with this Privacy Policy. A link to this Policy will be made available prior to or during the download process.
Location Services
If you permit our App to access your device’s location, Barbella Gym may use your device’s Global Positioning System (GPS) or other technologies (such as wireless beacons) to deliver location-based content and notifications. This may include:
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Enhancing your in-gym experience
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Providing navigation assistance within our facility
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Delivering offers or alerts relevant to your location
You can manage or disable location sharing at any time in your mobile device or App settings.
Data Sharing
We may share information collected through the App with our authorized third-party partners or service providers to support App functionality, deliver services, or improve your experience. These third parties are obligated to safeguard your data in compliance with applicable laws and our internal standards.
By using the App, you consent to the data collection and practices outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you no longer agree to these terms, you may delete the App from your device at any time.
11. Children’s Privacy
The Site and our Services are not directed to children under the age of sixteen (16), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under this age. At Barbella Gym, membership and facility access are only available to individuals who are at least 16 years old. Individuals aged 16 or 17 must have documented parental or guardian consent to become members.
We do not knowingly collect or maintain personal information from children under the age of 16. If we learn or are notified that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under this age without the appropriate consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete that information as soon as possible.
We do not operate any children’s programming (e.g., Kids Crunch), and our services and facilities are intended strictly for adult use or for teenagers age 16 and older with the necessary parental permission.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise and be involved in their children’s online activity to help ensure a safe and responsible experience.
12. Your Choices Regarding Your Personal Information
Access.
Barbella Gym respects your control over your personal information. Upon request, we will confirm whether we hold or are processing personal information that we have collected from you. You have the right to access, amend, or update inaccurate or incomplete personal information, request the deletion of your data, or request that we no longer use it.
In certain cases, we may be unable to fulfill your request. These may include circumstances where fulfilling the request would interfere with legal or regulatory obligations, impact legal matters, where we are unable to verify your identity, or where the request involves disproportionate effort or cost. However, we will always strive to respond to your request within forty-five (45) days and will provide an explanation if we cannot comply.
If your personal information was provided to us or processed on behalf of an unaffiliated third party that determines the means and purposes of processing (e.g., a corporate partner or service provider), your request should be directed to that entity. We will follow any instructions they provide concerning your personal information.
Cookies.
For information on managing cookies and your choices regarding them, please refer to Section 6 above or our dedicated Cookie Policy.
Mobile Phone Numbers.
To opt out of our sharing your mobile phone number with affiliates or related entities for their advertising purposes, please contact us at: [email protected].
Please note: you cannot opt out of our sharing your number with service providers or subcontractors who support essential services.
To stop receiving text messages from us, follow the opt-out instructions provided in the message or contact [email protected].
E-Marketing Communications.
To unsubscribe from promotional or marketing emails, use the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any of our emails or contact us directly at [email protected].
Please note that even if you choose to opt out of promotional communications, we may still need to contact you for important service-related messages, including updates to your membership, account, or services you are enrolled in.
You always have the option to limit the information you provide. However, choosing not to provide certain requested information may limit your ability to access some services, offers, or features available on the Site or through our Services.
13. Applicable Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the State of Kuwait, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any claims, disputes, or legal proceedings arising under or in connection with this Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located within Kuwait.
If any provision of this Policy is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severable and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions. The rest of the Policy shall remain in full force and effect.
14. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy or your personal information (PI), you may contact us in the following ways:
- Email: [email protected]
- Online: Visit our contact page at https://www.barbellagym.com/contact/.
If you no longer wish to receive marketing communications from us, you may opt out by clicking the unsubscribe link in any marketing email you receive, or by emailing us at [email protected].
15. MENA Region-Specific Notices: Compliance with PDPL
If you are a resident or data subject in a Middle East and North Africa (MENA) country that has enacted personal data protection legislation (such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, or Kuwait), the following provisions explain how Barbella Gym collects, processes, stores, and transfers your personal data in accordance with local Personal Data Protection Laws (PDPL).
A. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your country of residence, and subject to legal conditions and exemptions, you may have the right to:
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Access the personal data we hold about you.
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Rectify inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete personal data.
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Delete or erase your personal data where legally permissible.
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Withdraw your consent at any time, where data processing is based on your consent.
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Object to or restrict processing, including automated decision-making or profiling (where applicable).
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Port your personal data to another controller in a structured, commonly used format (where applicable).
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File a complaint with the relevant Data Protection Authority in your jurisdiction.
To exercise any of these rights, please email us at [email protected] using the subject line “MENA Privacy Rights Request.” We may request specific information to verify your identity before acting on your request.
B. Legal Basis for Processing
We collect and process personal data only when we have a valid legal basis. These include:
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Your explicit consent, which you may withdraw at any time;
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Performance of a contract with you (e.g., to deliver gym services and manage your account);
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Compliance with legal obligations, such as tax, accounting, or health regulations;
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Legitimate interests pursued by Barbella Gym, provided such interests are not overridden by your fundamental rights and freedoms.
C. Data Transfers Outside the MENA Region
In some cases, your personal data may be transferred outside your country (e.g., to servers located in the EU, UK, or United States). Where such cross-border data transfers occur, we ensure adequate protection is in place through:
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Standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities;
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Adequacy decisions by data protection regulators (where applicable);
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Binding corporate rules, data protection agreements, or technical safeguards like encryption and access controls.
We will only transfer data when it is legally allowed and securely protected.
D. Data Retention
Your personal data will be retained:
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Only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy;
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To meet legal, regulatory, accounting, or reporting obligations;
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To resolve disputes and enforce our terms.
Where local laws mandate specific retention periods, we will comply with those requirements.
E. Automated Decision-Making
We do not use your personal data for automated decision-making or profiling that produces legal or similarly significant effects unless permitted by law and with your explicit consent (where required).
F. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your personal data or this policy, please contact:
- Email: [email protected]
- Online Form: https://www.barbellagym.com/contact/
We will respond in accordance with the applicable data protection laws in your country and within any legally required timelines.
16. Accessibility
We are committed to ensuring that our website, mobile application, and all digital services are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience and make our Privacy Policy and other content usable and understandable for all users.
If you have difficulty accessing any part of this Privacy Policy or our services due to a disability, or if you need information in an alternative format, please contact us at:
- Email: [email protected]
- Web form: https://www.barbellagym.com/contact/
We will work with you to provide the requested information through a communication method that is accessible for you, consistent with applicable law.
We also continually strive to improve the accessibility of our digital properties by implementing best practices aligned with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
17. How can you contact Barbella?
If you have questions regarding our Privacy Policy, our website, exercise any rights you may have, or how we use your data, please email [email protected].
For other inquiries about our clubs, please contact us here: Contact Barbella
