iSwim, the premier swimming club located in the heart of Dubai Marina, has distinguished itself by being the first in the region to accept cryptocurrency payments, marking a significant step into the Web3 and crypto domain. Renowned for promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and offering superior coaching, iSwim has operated over 50 pools in Dubai and trained more than 7,000 swimmers, including multiple record-breaking champions.
Sam Shami, CEO and managing director of iSwim Mena, expressed his enthusiasm about this pioneering move. "This is our initial venture into the Web3 and crypto realm. If not here in Dubai, then where? We are extremely proud to be part of the UAE and to be shaping the future of sports, Web3, and crypto through our business," stated Shami.
Established over a decade ago, iSwim has rapidly become the top choice for swimmers of all ages in the Middle East. Under the guidance of head coach Elena Shami and Sergey Orlov, the head of the Dubai branch, the coaching team has consistently focused on quality and community engagement. "Over our 10-year journey, we have successfully taught more than 7,000 swimmers, including 18 champions from Lebanon who hold several records," shared Elena Shami.
Despite facing challenges, iSwim strategically relocated from a freezone to mainland Dubai earlier this year, a move facilitated by new UAE laws permitting expats to own 100% of their mainland businesses. This relocation has allowed iSwim to grow, making it the largest club in Dubai Marina, serving over 50 private and community pools.
"Our real challenge is to establish a small team or squad in every community that can train together and compete as one unified iSwim Club," added Shami. The club has also made significant impacts through initiatives like the iSwim Summer camps in Lebanon and the iSwim December and April challenges in JBR, which attract over 100 participants.
In its pursuit of innovation, iSwim introduced iSwim Premium, a concept designed for hotel guests in Dubai Marina, blending elite coaching with luxury hospitality. This premium service was also the first to accept cryptocurrency payments, reinforcing iSwim's position as a leader in UAE's sports and digital innovation.
Looking forward, iSwim aims to expand with plans to open a new branch in Abu Dhabi and host multiple camps annually, potentially extending to other emirates with the support of the UAE General Authority of Sports and the UAE Swimming Federation. "We are grateful for the great leaders and teams who assist us with the challenges we face in the UAE," Shami noted.
iSwim continues to operate as a family-run business, where harmony and decision-making are daily practices. "Some of the most memorable moments are swimming together with my mom around the floating island in JBR," Shami reminisced, emphasizing the personal touch that drives iSwim's success.
As iSwim explores new frontiers, both in the pool and in the digital currency world, it is poised to remain a leader in sports and innovation in the UAE.
