Dubai/Karachi – In a remarkable entrepreneurial journey, Pakistani couple Anam Khalid and Wajdan Gul have taken their gym apparel brand SquatWolf from a small apartment in Dubai to the prestigious Dubai Mall, making it one of the most prominent Pakistani-founded lifestyle brands to achieve such recognition in the Middle East.
Launched in 2016 with an initial investment of AED 250,000, SquatWolf was born out of the couple’s observation that the UAE fitness community lacked a locally tailored sportswear alternative to global giants like Nike and Adidas. Their early focus on quality, niche market segments, and community-building helped the brand gain traction across the Gulf.
By 2018, SquatWolf expanded into Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, while their innovative content campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic boosted visibility worldwide. Today, the brand claims a presence in 120 countries and continues to grow rapidly.
The milestone of opening a store in Dubai Mall was achieved through a customer-led introduction to Emaar’s CEO, leading to swift approval and store allocation. “Being in Dubai Mall is more than just retail — it’s global brand validation,” said Wajdan Gul.
The founders emphasize team-building as a key factor in their success. “If you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room,” Wajdan remarked, highlighting the importance of hiring top talent to sustain growth.
SquatWolf now operates three outlets in Dubai, including its flagship at Dubai Mall, and has set its sights on further global expansion — positioning itself as a leading sportswear brand with Pakistani roots and international ambition.