Membership Terms & Conditions
1- Purpose
These Membership Terms & Conditions govern membership of the Dubai Fitness & Wellness Business Group (DFWBG) and set out the administrative, governance, and participation framework for all members.
By applying for and holding membership, members agree to comply with these Terms & Conditions, together with the Code of Ethics & Professional Standards Charter.
2- Membership Eligibility & Approval
* Membership is open to eligible individuals and organisations operating within, or connected to, the fitness and wellness sector.
* All applications are subject to review and approval by the Group.
* Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
* The Group reserves the right to request additional information as part of the review process.
3- Membership Term & Renewal
- Memberships are valid for a period of 12 months from the date of activation.
- Members will receive automated renewal reminder emails before their membership expires.
- Unless the membership has been cancelled in accordance with the Cancellation Policy before the next billing date, the membership will renew automatically for an additional 12-month term.
- Renewal payments will be processed automatically using the payment method previously authorized by the member under the Continuous Authority (recurring payment) agreement.
- The applicable renewal fee will be the fee associated with the member’s selected membership plan at the time of renewal.
- If a renewal payment cannot be processed successfully, the member will be notified and given the opportunity to update their payment details. Failure to complete payment may result in suspension or termination of membership benefits until the outstanding renewal payment is received.
- Members may cancel automatic renewal at any time before the next renewal billing date in accordance with the Cancellation Policy.
4- Fees, Invoicing & Refunds
* Membership fees are payable in accordance with the published fee structure applicable at the time of application or renewal.
* Fees must be paid within the stated payment terms on the issued invoice.
* Membership fees are non-refundable, except where required by applicable law or at the sole discretion of the Group in exceptional circumstances.
4.1 Billing & Recurring Payments
- Membership fees are charged on a recurring basis under a Continuous Authority (recurring payment) agreement.
- By completing payment, the member authorises the Group to store their payment method securely with the Group’s payment provider and to charge it automatically at each renewal.
- The billing interval is annual: the first payment is taken on the date the membership application payment is approved, and subsequent payments are taken automatically on the same calendar date each year.
- The amount charged is the published fee for the member’s selected plan, in UAE Dirhams (AED), at the rate applicable on the renewal date.
- An automated renewal reminder is sent to the member’s registered email address before each renewal date, and a receipt is issued after each successful payment.
- Recurring billing continues until the member cancels in accordance with clause 4.2.
4.2 Cancellation Policy
- Members may cancel their membership and stop automatic renewal at any time before the next renewal date. No notice period or cancellation fee applies.
- Cancellation may be made either through the Member Access area of the Group’s website, or by email to info@dfwbusinessgroup.org from the member’s registered email address, quoting the member’s name, company and membership number.
- Cut-off: requests received up to 23:59 (GST, UTC+4) on the day before the renewal date will stop the next payment. Requests received on or after the renewal date will take effect at the following renewal, as that year’s payment will already have been processed.
- The Group will confirm each cancellation by email within 2 business days.
- Following cancellation, no further payments will be taken and membership benefits continue until the end of the 12-month term already paid for.
- Fees already paid are non-refundable in accordance with clause 4.
5- Use of Name, Logo & Affiliation
* Members may refer to their membership status and use approved DFWBG branding strictly in accordance with published guidelines.
* Membership must not be used to imply regulatory authority, endorsement, partnership, or representation of the Group without prior written approval.
* The Group reserves the right to require the removal of its name or logo where usage is inaccurate or inappropriate.
6- Conduct, Ethics & Professional Standards
* Members are expected to act in a manner consistent with the Code of Ethics & Professional Standards Charter at all times.
* The Group reserves the right to review conduct that may be inconsistent with its values, standards, or reputation.
7- Suspension or Termination of Membership
The Group reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership where it reasonably determines that a member has:
* Breached these Terms & Conditions or the Code of Ethics
* Engaged in conduct that materially damages the reputation or integrity of the Group
* Failed to comply with applicable laws or licensing requirements
Any such action will be handled proportionately and in line with good governance principles.
8- Data Protection & Communications
* Member information will be handled in accordance with applicable UAE data protection laws.
* By joining, members consent to receive communications relating to membership, industry updates, and Group activities.
* Members may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.
9- Changes to Terms & Governance Documents
* The Group reserves the right to update these Terms & Conditions, the Code of Ethics, or related governance documents from time to time.
* Members will be notified of material changes where appropriate.
* Continued membership constitutes acceptance of updated terms.
10- Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates.
Acceptance
By submitting a membership application and/or renewing membership, the applicant confirms acceptance of these Membership Terms & Conditions and the governing Code of Ethics & Professional Standards Charter.
