This week, we feature an interview with Asma Hilal Lootah, an Emirati entrepreneur in the wellness industry and the founder of The Hundred Wellness Centre.
Welcome to our weekly series, ‘How I Got My Job as…’ where we connect with remarkable entrepreneurs and businesswomen from the UAE and around the world to explore their career journeys, daily routines, insights for newcomers, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.
Located in Jumeirah, The Hundred Wellness Centre was created out of Asma’s passion for Pilates. It holds the distinction of being the first Emirati-owned and longest-running Pilates studio in Dubai, offering various therapies and treatments, including Reformer Pilates, yoga, counseling, coaching, and more.
Asma discusses her journey in establishing The Hundred Wellness Centre and her vision for the future.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Religion, because my teacher had a strong belief in my potential. She was Palestinian, originally from Gaza.
What was your first job?
While attending George Washington University, I worked in the computer lab, earning 11 dollars an hour!
What was your professional background before launching the centre?
I began my career at Etisalat before moving to the engineering sector at the Emirates Communications Corporation for four years, where I achieved my certification as a Network Administrator. I had the opportunity to install the first broadband servers and then entered a phase of self-discovery. I remember buying a book titled “Do What You Are,” which included various personality assessments. It led me to realize I could thrive in creative roles or as a human rights advocate or lawyer! So, I transitioned to the marketing department for a year, while all the while knowing I wanted to start my own business. My experience with Pilates was life-changing; it brought me immense happiness, thanks to an extraordinary teacher and a wonderful group of women. When my Pilates studio closed, I was inspired to open my own. In 2008, I left my corporate job to pursue this dream, initially planning to launch it in Dubai Healthcare City. This studio became the second Pilates studio in the UAE and the first Emirati-owned one. Now, looking back, I recognize that I created a historical milestone.
What motivated you to venture into the wellness industry and establish the centre?
From a young age, movement has always been a passion of mine. I loved being active outdoors, learning to ride a bike by myself and spending time swimming in my home pool. During my self-discovery journey, I identified three key elements that guided me: I wanted to start a business I loved, contribute positively to my nation, and support others. Having personally felt the benefits of Pilates on my happiness and mental wellness, when my studio closed, I knew I had the calling to open a wellness centre, confident it would be a success.
Beginning as a small studio in Dubai’s Healthcare City in 2008, The Hundred Wellness Centre has since flourished into a beautifully designed facility in Jumeirah, welcoming clients since 2014.
What are the core aspects of your role?
As the founder, owner, and manager of The Hundred Wellness Centre, I am responsible for all major business decisions. I also collaborate with the café team to develop new menu items.
Can you describe your daily routine?
I typically wake up around 7 or 7:30 am. I start my day with a cup of Japanese Sencha green tea sourced from Kyoto. I cherish this quiet time, often enjoying my tea on the balcony while soaking in the sunrise. Once I’ve greeted my four cats and bunny, I review my to-do list, prioritizing three key tasks for the day. Meal planning is crucial for me as I’m training for a marathon, so I also check my training schedule. Following breakfast, I take my daily supplements. I workout six days a week at 9 am, except for Mondays when I train at 3 pm, focusing on strength training and running to prepare for the London marathon. After working out, I often have a post-exercise drink and check my emails. I also enjoy running outdoors on Tuesdays, and I usually visit the café afterward for coffee and interaction with the staff, especially since I live nearby.
After a busy morning, I head home for lunch and work until about 6 pm. I ensure I have dinner before 7 pm and unwind by watching TV until I go to bed around 10 pm.
What advice would you offer to those aspiring to follow a similar path?
Pay attention to your inner voice and guiding instincts; they will serve you well. It’s natural to feel apprehensive when embarking on new ideas, but it’s essential to take that risk. Remember, setbacks are part of growth. You can fail and try again, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Tune out any distractions and focus on what truly matters to you.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
My parents taught me to act kindly, forgive, and ensure that I always settle my financial obligations on time. I find it hard to rest if I owe someone money!
And what is the worst advice you have encountered?
I was told not to pursue a café business due to the high competition in the area, which has proven to be incorrect.
Can you tell us about the services provided at the centre?
The Hundred Wellness Centre is designed to empower individuals to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
It serves as a holistic wellness hub, featuring a diverse group of health and wellness experts under one roof. Our offerings range from fitness classes and therapies to life coaching, events, organic markets, and a delightful café. We provide services including chiropractic care, Pilates, infrared sauna, body composition analysis, classical homeopathy, psychology, life coaching, and occupational therapy. I take great pride in being the first centre to introduce GYROTONIC, a movement-based discipline, to the region, and we are the only studio offering certification courses to become a GYROTONIC instructor.
What has been your greatest challenge?
Learning to trust again after experiencing disappointments and setbacks in my relationships has been a significant challenge. Regulating my emotions and pausing before reacting has also been essential.
What are your future aspirations?
By the end of this year, and before I celebrate my 50th birthday in February 2026, I aim to complete two Abbott World Marathon Majors. I am running the London marathon for the Rainforest Foundation due to my strong commitment to environmentalism, and I also plan to participate in the New York marathon. Ultimately, my goal is to finish all six Abbott World Majors.
From a career perspective, I am focused on expanding the services available at the centre, and personally, I dream of owning a cottage in the Cotswolds in England.