The FIT Awards returns for another edition, recognising the achievements of the UAE’s top fitness professionals with submissions across various categories now open.

The winners of the annual event, organised by Sport360°, presented by Emirates NBD and supported by Daman Active Life, Dubai Sports City and REPs, will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday, November 24, at The One and Only Royal Mirage in Dubai.

With the fitness industry growing rapidly in the UAE, which is home to more than 2,500 professionals and 160 plus venues, seven of the 17 categories are new for 2016.

The awards, which are split into Individual and Business/Facility categories, honour excellence in the field of fitness. Among the accolades to be won in the Individual category, include the Personal Trainer of the Year, Fitness Manager of the Year and for the first time – Youth Trainer of the Year.

In the Professional and Facility list, awards up for grabs include Facility of the Year, Yoga/Pilates Studio of the Year and Supplier of the Year.

Submissions are also invited from the GCC in four categories – Sports Medicine/Rehab Facility of the Year, Recreation Leisure Facility of the Year as well the two new additions – Wellness Facility of the Year and Health Food Operator of the Year.

The deadline for submissions is October 25 with the shortlisted finalists revealed on November 1. Entries will go through a rigid and transparent judging process, overseen by a panel of 18 of the region’s industry experts, and will be facilitated by independent auditors.

Since its launch, the FIT Awards has gone from strength to strength with more than 200 entries received last year, and the third edition looks set to be another success.

“We are delighted to welcome back the FIT Awards. The passion and support from the GCC’s fitness industry has made this event an important and respected part of the event calendar,” said Karalynn Thomson, manager – commercial and events at Sport360°.

“The health and fitness industry is not only one of the fastest growing industries in the GCC; it is also one that plays a crucial role in encouraging the population to lead a active and healthy lifestyle. With the third edition of the FIT Awards, our objective is to build on the momentum created in previous years and grow the event to allow individuals, businesses, campaigns and facilities to show the region their success over the past 12 months.”

Vikram Krishna, executive vice president, head of group marketing and customer experience at Emirates NBD, added: “As a bank that is passionate about sports and fitness, we are delighted to partner with the FIT Awards that pay tribute to the growing fitness industry in the region.”

Tickets, starting from Dh650, for the gala dinner will be on sale from November 1. For more information on categories or how to enter, visit sport360.com/fitawards.