Portuguese fitness chain Vivafit has secured a deal to open 100 women-only health clubs in Saudi Arabia.

The franchise operator has signed a contract with Saudi investment bank Ithraa Capital to fund the new sites, which will see the first 10 clubs launch in the capital city Riyadh in 2017.

In order to operate women-only clubs in the country, Vivafit needs a licence – and CEO Pedro Ruiz is confident it will secure one by the end of this year (2016).

A new company has been set up to operate the clubs – called Vivafit Saudi Arabia – which will be owned jointly by Ithraa (90 per cent) and Vivafit (10 per cent).

Exact details of club facilities are to be confirmed, but the first 10 clubs will all offer Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) personal training sessions.

Vivafit has been active in expanding to developing markets in recent years. It now has multiple sites in India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Oman.

Saudi Arabia will be the 11th country added to Vivafit’s global portfolio.