GymNation, the homegrown UAE fitness brand, has announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind Self-Defence Retreat in Dubai – a programme originally created in response to the UK\u2019s growing conversation around personal safety and the phone-theft epidemic impacting London. The initiative follows a surge of social media reactions in the UK, where GymNation\u2019s recent London campaign sparked thousands of comments and divided opinions online.<\/p>\n
The reaction was first triggered by GymNation\u2019s billboard takeover across London, inviting Londoners to \u201cescape\u201d to Dubai for a Self-Defence Retreat. This quickly became a talking point on the streets and online, driving widespread debate around the capital\u2019s rising phone-theft issue.<\/p>\n
Several social media users across the UK engaged with the retreat announcement, with comments ranging from \u201cScan quick before your phone gets nicked\u201d to users joking they \u201cwouldn\u2019t get their phone out to scan that in E&C.\u201d Others reflected on the rise in phone thefts with one user sharing: \u201cI\u2019ve seen people getting their phones snatched 4 times this year\u2026 does make you consider leaving.\u201d Another user simply stated \u201cMISSION: Escape UK\u201d.<\/p>\n
Since the campaign went live, the momentum has continued to build. The class has attracted over 600 sign-ups<\/strong> in one week, as well as extensive media attention from the UK and beyond. Several UK journalists have already flown to Dubai to trial the class themselves, while dozens of UAE-based British expats planning to return home for Christmas have contacted GymNation to secure a spot ahead of their trip.<\/p>\n