How to cancel your Curves membership in the UAE: complete legal and procedural guide
Understanding Curves and your cancellation rights in the UAE
Curves is a women-only fitness franchise operating in the UAE through two distinct service models: independently owned local fitness clubs and MyCurves On Demand (MCOD), a centralised online subscription platform. Your membership structure determines your cancellation method and your legal protections. Understanding this distinction upfront saves you time and prevents billing disputes.
Under UAE consumer protection legislation-specifically Federal Law No. 24 of 2006 on Consumer Protection and its 2015 amendments-you hold specific rights when cancelling subscription-based services. The law grants you the right to terminate a contract within a reasonable timeframe, provided you comply with the terms agreed at purchase. At Yafee, we specialise in helping consumers like you navigate the legal landscape of fitness memberships and subscription cancellations with clarity and confidence.
How Curves operates across the UAE
Curves clubs in the UAE operate as independently managed franchises. Each location in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates controls its own membership terms, billing cycles, payment processing, and cancellation procedures. This means your local club is solely responsible for processing your cancellation request.
MyCurves On Demand, by contrast, is centrally managed by the Curves corporation and operates as a unified digital subscription service. You manage MCOD cancellations through your online account, regardless of your location. This centralised approach offers greater transparency and a documented digital trail.
Your legal position under UAE law
UAE Consumer Protection Law requires fitness clubs and online subscription providers to offer clear, written terms at the point of purchase. You have the right to cancel your membership once your initial contract period expires, or immediately in cases of breach by the provider (such as service unavailability or failure to deliver promised services). Furthermore, companies must acknowledge cancellation requests within 5 business days and process refunds within 30 days of confirmed cancellation. If Curves refuses to cancel your membership or delays without justification, you can escalate to the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection (FACP), the official consumer enforcement body in the UAE.
Curves membership methods and pricing structure
Your cancellation pathway depends entirely on which service you purchased and how you are billed.
Service types and typical billing terms
| Service type |
Operated by |
Billing cycle |
Cancellation method |
Typical cost (AED) |
| Local Curves Club membership |
Independent franchise owner |
Monthly or annual |
In-person or by phone with local club |
250-450/month |
| MyCurves On Demand (MCOD) |
Curves corporation (centralised) |
Monthly subscription |
Online via account dashboard |
99-199/month |
| Corporate or group memberships |
Independent franchise or corporate partner |
Varies |
Contact corporate administrator or local club |
Negotiated |
Why you might cancel and common reasons
Your reason for cancellation is valid and protected by law-whether financial, relocation, lifestyle change, or service dissatisfaction.
Legitimate reasons to cancel your membership
You may cancel without penalty if you are relocating outside the UAE, switching to a different fitness provider, facing financial hardship, experiencing an injury or medical condition that prevents gym use, or finding that the service no longer meets your needs. UAE Consumer Protection Law explicitly forbids gyms from penalising you for cancellation once your initial binding term concludes. If you signed a 12-month contract, you may cancel immediately after month 12 expires. If you signed a month-to-month arrangement, you may cancel with written notice (typically 7-14 days, depending on your contract terms).
At Yafee, we have guided thousands of consumers through membership cancellations, and we recommend you review your membership agreement before starting the cancellation process to confirm your exact contract end date and notice period.
How to cancel MyCurves on demand online
If you subscribed to MCOD, you can cancel entirely through the digital platform without contacting anyone.
Step 1: log into your MCOD web account
- Open a web browser and navigate to the official Curves website or MyCurves On Demand portal.
- Visit curves.com and select the MCOD login option, or go directly to mycurvesondemand.com if your account is linked there.
- Enter your email address and password in the login fields.
- If you have forgotten your password, select "Forgot Password" and follow the reset email instructions before attempting to cancel.
- Click "Log In" or press Enter to access your account dashboard.
- Do not close your browser window until cancellation is confirmed.
Step 2: navigate to your account settings
- Locate the profile icon or account menu, typically positioned in the top-right corner of your dashboard.
- This may be labelled "My Account," "Profile," "Settings," or display your name or initials.
- Click the profile menu to expand your account options.
- A dropdown list will appear with several choices.
- Select "Account Information" or "Subscription Settings" from the dropdown.
- This page displays your current subscription status, billing date, payment method, and renewal schedule.
Step 3: access your subscription management area
- Scroll down to the "Subscription" or "Billing" section of your Account Information page.
- You will see your current subscription plan, next billing date, and payment method.
- Locate the "Cancel Subscription" button or link.
- This button is typically red or clearly marked as a cancellation action.
- Click "Cancel Subscription" to initiate the cancellation process.
- Do not be deterred if MCOD displays a retention offer or discount code at this point; you may proceed with cancellation by declining the offer.
Step 4: confirm your cancellation request
- Review the cancellation confirmation message on your screen.
- This message will confirm your subscription end date and state whether you have access until the end of your current billing period.
- Click "Confirm Cancellation" or "Yes, Cancel My Subscription" to finalise your request.
- MCOD will immediately process your cancellation and deactivate access to premium features at the end of your current billing cycle.
- Save or screenshot the confirmation page for your records.
- This digital proof protects you if a billing dispute arises later.
Step 5: check your email for cancellation confirmation
- Within 5 minutes of confirming cancellation, MCOD sends a cancellation confirmation email to the address associated with your account.
- Check your inbox and spam folder if the email does not appear immediately.
- Open the confirmation email and verify that it states your cancellation is effective and your access end date.
- This email serves as your official proof of cancellation under UAE law.
- Archive or print this email and store it securely for your records.
- You may need this proof if you dispute any further charges.
How to cancel a local Curves club membership
If you joined a physical Curves club in your emirate, you must cancel directly with that location because each club operates independently.
Step 1: locate your club's contact information
- Visit the official Curves website and use the "Find a Club" or "Club Locator" tool.
- Enter your emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, or Ras Al Khaimah) and city to find your local club.
- Record the club's phone number, email address, and physical location.
- You will need this information to contact the club directly.
- Note the club's operating hours and any information about their cancellation policy.
- Some clubs may post this information on their website or social media pages.
Step 2: contact your local club via phone or email
- Call your club during business hours and ask to speak with a membership manager or supervisor.
- Clearly state: "I wish to cancel my membership. Can you provide the cancellation procedure and any required documentation?"
- If you cannot reach anyone by phone, email the club with a formal cancellation request.
- Write: "I formally request cancellation of my membership, effective [date your contract expires or your desired cancellation date]. My membership number is [your number]. Please confirm receipt of this request and advise on refund eligibility."
- Send your email to the club's main address or membership department, and request a read receipt.
- This creates a documented record of your cancellation request, which is important under UAE law.
Step 3: provide required cancellation documentation
- The club may request your membership number, name, phone number, and email address to verify your account.
- Provide this information promptly.
- If you signed a written membership agreement, have a copy available.
- The club may reference specific contract terms related to cancellation notice periods or early termination fees.
- Ask the club to confirm in writing the exact date your cancellation is effective and whether any refund applies.
- Request this confirmation by email so you have a digital record.
Step 4: complete any in-person cancellation procedures if required
- Some clubs may require you to cancel in person at their location.
- If this is the case, arrange a time that suits your schedule and bring a valid ID and any membership cards.
- Upon arrival, sign any cancellation forms the club provides and request a signed copy for your records.
- Do not leave without written proof that your cancellation has been processed.
- Confirm with staff that your final billing date is documented and no further charges will be applied.
- Ask them to note this on your cancellation form.
Step 5: verify cancellation and stop future payments
- Monitor your bank or credit card statement for at least 2 billing cycles after your cancellation date.
- Ensure no charges from Curves appear after your agreed cancellation date.
- If an unexpected charge appears, contact the club immediately and provide your cancellation confirmation.
- Request a full refund of the unauthorised charge.
- If the club does not refund the charge within 30 days, escalate your dispute to your bank and file a complaint with the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection (FACP).
- Yafee recommends keeping all cancellation documents and communications for at least one year to support any formal complaint.
Refunds and billing after cancellation
Your refund eligibility depends on your contract terms and the timing of your cancellation request under UAE law.
When you qualify for a refund
You may receive a refund if you cancel during your initial contract period due to a service breach-for example, if the club closes, fails to provide services, or significantly reduces facilities. If you cancel at the end of your contract term (after month 12 of a 12-month agreement, for instance), you are not entitled to a refund for past payments, but you will not be charged further. If you cancel with proper notice during a month-to-month billing period, no refund applies to the current month, but cancellation takes effect from the following billing cycle.
MCOD typically allows cancellation at any time, with access ceasing at the end of the current billing period. You receive no refund for the current month, but you avoid future charges. Furthermore, under UAE Consumer Protection Law, if a company fails to acknowledge your cancellation or process it within the legal timeframe, you may request the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection to intervene and demand a refund.
Processing timeline for refunds
Once you submit a valid cancellation request, Curves (or the independent club) must acknowledge it within 5 business days. Any refund due to you must be processed within 30 days of cancellation confirmation. For MCOD, refunds are credited to your original payment method (credit card or bank account) within this timeframe. For local clubs, contact the club to confirm which payment method they will use for any refund.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancellation need not be stressful when you know what traps to sidestep.
Mistake 1: cancelling via email without read receipt or documentation
Never send a cancellation email without requesting a read receipt or confirmation. Consequently, if a dispute arises later, you cannot prove the club received your request. Always email the club and ask for a written acknowledgement of your cancellation request within 3 business days. If the club does not respond, follow up by phone and document the date and time of your call.
Mistake 2: assuming MCOD cancellation stops immediately
When you cancel MCOD online, your access ends at the conclusion of your current billing period, not immediately. If your next billing date is in 20 days, you will have access for those 20 days, and no charges will apply afterward. Do not assume your subscription has ended until your access is fully deactivated.
Mistake 3: ignoring your contract terms and cancellation periods
Before cancelling, retrieve your membership agreement and confirm your contract end date and required notice period. Many members cancel immediately, only to discover they owed a notice period and face an early termination fee. At Yafee, we recommend reviewing your contract documentation in advance so you understand your exact cancellation rights.
Mistake 4: failing to document all communications
Save every email, screenshot, and written confirmation related to your cancellation. If you cancel in person, obtain a signed cancellation form. These records protect you if the club disputes that you cancelled or if unauthorised charges appear on your account later.
What happens after your cancellation is processed
Cancellation is only complete when you confirm no further charges will apply and your access has ended.
Immediate post-cancellation actions
Within 48 hours of cancellation confirmation, log back into your MCOD account or contact your local club to verify your subscription status shows "Cancelled" or "Inactive." If your account still displays an active subscription, contact the club or MCOD support immediately to investigate. Furthermore, remove your payment method from your MCOD account to prevent accidental re-subscription or unauthorised charges. Navigate to Account Settings, select "Payment Methods," and delete any stored credit cards or bank account information.
Monitoring your account for one month
Check your bank or credit card statement for 30-45 days after your cancellation date to ensure no charges from Curves appear. If an unexpected charge does appear, contact your bank immediately and report it as an unauthorised transaction. In parallel, contact the club or MCOD to request a refund. Document the date you reported the charge, the amount, and the club's or MCOD's response.
Escalation to the federal authority for consumer protection if needed
If Curves or your local club refuses to refund an unauthorised charge or disputes your cancellation, you have the right to lodge a formal complaint with the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection (FACP). The FACP enforces UAE Consumer Protection Law and can compel companies to refund consumers and pay compensation for damages. File your complaint within 12 months of the disputed charge, and include copies of all cancellation requests, confirmations, and correspondence with the club or MCOD. Yafee emphasises that you are never alone in this process; consumer protection bodies exist precisely to support you when companies fail to honour their legal obligations.
If you need to escalate your cancellation dispute formally, use this address and procedure.
Federal authority for consumer protection contact information
File your complaint with the FACP if Curves or your local club fails to acknowledge your cancellation, refuses to process a refund, or continues charging you after cancellation confirmation. Submit your complaint in writing to:
Federal Authority for Consumer Protection (FACP)
United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 308 5555
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fedconsumer.ae
Include in your complaint: your full name and contact details, your membership number, copies of your membership agreement, all cancellation requests and confirmations (emails, screenshots, receipts), copies of disputed charges on your bank statement, and a detailed timeline of your cancellation attempt and any refusal or delay by the club or MCOD.
Legal grounds for your complaint
Reference Federal Law No. 24 of 2006 on Consumer Protection (as amended in 2015) in your complaint. Cite specifically Article 13 (right to cancel) and Article 14 (obligation to acknowledge and process cancellations within legal timeframes). The FACP will investigate your complaint and, if justified, order Curves or the club to refund you and potentially pay additional compensation.
Comparison of cancellation methods and success rates
Your choice of cancellation method affects speed, documentation, and risk of billing disputes.
| Cancellation method |
Speed |
Digital proof |
Risk of dispute |
Recommended for |
| MCOD online self-service |
Immediate |
Email confirmation |
Very low |
All MCOD subscribers |
| Local club phone call |
1-3 business days |
None (high risk) |
High |
When email is not available |
| Local club email with read receipt |
3-5 business days |
Email + receipt notification |
Low |
Preferred for local clubs |
| In-person cancellation at club |
Same day |
Signed cancellation form |
Very low |
When in doubt; obtain signed proof |
Yafee strongly advises all local club members to use email with read receipt as their primary method, followed by in-person cancellation if email does not receive a response. This two-step approach combines digital documentation with face-to-face confirmation, eliminating ambiguity and protecting you legally.
Final checklist before and after cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and your account is fully deactivated.
Pre-cancellation checklist
- Retrieve your membership agreement and confirm your contract end date and notice period.
- Identify whether you hold an MCOD subscription or local club membership.
- For local clubs, obtain the club's phone number, email, and physical address.
- For MCOD, test your login credentials to ensure you can access your account.
- Review your current billing date and understand when your next charge will occur.
Post-cancellation checklist
- Receive and archive a cancellation confirmation email or signed form within 5 business days.
- Log back into your account 48 hours later to confirm your status shows "Cancelled" or "Inactive."
- Delete any stored payment methods from your account if using MCOD.
- Monitor your bank or credit card statement for 30-45 days to confirm no unauthorised charges.
- If an unexpected charge appears, contact the club or MCOD and your bank immediately.
- Keep all cancellation documentation for at least 12 months in case you need to file a formal complaint.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling your Curves membership in the UAE is straightforward when you follow the correct procedure for your service type. If you hold an MCOD subscription, cancel online through your account dashboard in minutes and receive immediate email confirmation. If you are a member of a local Curves club, contact the club by email with a read receipt or visit in person to obtain a signed cancellation form, and verify your status within 48 hours. Under UAE Consumer Protection Law, you have the right to cancel once your contract allows, and companies must acknowledge and process your cancellation within legal timeframes. Should the club or MCOD fail to honour your cancellation or charge you after your cancellation date, escalate your complaint to the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection and provide copies of all documentation.
At Yafee, we have guided thousands of consumers through fitness membership cancellations across the UAE, and we are committed to making the process transparent and straightforward. Whether you are relocating, changing fitness providers, or simply no longer using your membership, you deserve clear, accurate guidance on your rights and the exact steps to reclaim control of your account. Visit Yafee today for additional resources on consumer rights, subscription management, and dispute resolution. Your cancellation journey starts here.