Welcome to the movement, welcome to Akrobat UAE!

Welcome to an exclusive interview with Claire, the visionary entrepreneur behind Akrobat UAE. With a passion for promoting healthy and active lifestyles, Claire has introduced the UAE to Akrobat, the industry leader in inground trampolines boasting over 20 years of European manufacturing excellence.

Arriving in the UAE in the last quarter of 2023, Akrobat UAE aims to create joy and shared memories for families, offering products that are not only durable and visually stunning but also meet the highest EU and International standards.

Join us as we delve into Claire’s inspiring journey, the unique features of Akrobat trampolines, and her aspirations for bringing unparalleled quality and happiness to homes across the UAE.

1. Can you tell us about the journey that led you to bring Akrobat trampolines to the UAE?
It started on a sunny day in the UK when my children and I spent numerous hours playing happily in the garden on a friend’s in-ground trampoline.   They jumped, played slip n slide and drew pictures with chalk.  By the end of that day I knew I was going to have one in my home.   What I didn’t realise then, was how very difficult fulfilling that reality was going to be.  

After a year long, painful and expensive process we successfully installed an in-ground trampoline in our own home, very happy in the knowledge that in-ground trampolines do what you want them to do, make being at home enjoyable and fun without ruining the aesthetics of your garden. 

2. What inspired you to start this venture?
Sometimes, it isn’t until you have been able to come through a situation that you realise just how much it took to get you through it.  How much time, energy, resources.  Initially I simply shared our experience when friends asked how they could get an inground trampoline for their home.  I soon realised, more than advise, people wanted assistance.   Having lived the experience of renovating a home, importing products for that home and knowing how much joy that kids had gained from it, I felt confident I could assist other families achieve the same positive result without experiencing any of the difficulties.

3. What sets Akrobat in-ground trampolines apart from other trampolines on the market, especially in terms of quality and safety?
In 2023 AkrobatUAE became the official distributor for Akrobat in-ground trampolines in the UAE. 

Months of research had made it clear that Akrobat was the only manufacturer we wanted to bring to the UAE.  They sit head and shoulders above any other in terms of safety standards & quality.    Equally important for me was their business ethics. So many businesses are about profit at the expense of people and the planet.  Akrobat is a company that invests in itself, its people and creating quality products that can last a lifetime.
We understand what you are looking for when you are investing in your family and your home, it doesn’t get any more personal.  We know that.

4. How do Akrobat  trampolines withstand the harsh UAE climate, and what specific features make them suitable for this environment?
We use strictly tested, certified and non-toxic weather-resistant materials that ensure years of operation.
All parts of our in-ground trampolines fully comply with the requirements of the EN 71:14 standard. This means that the safety padding is resistant to the most extreme temperature conditions, from -40 to +70°C, and this material also supports the warranty of our safety pads.
We offer lifetime warranties across our range of inground frames.  We are able to do this due to our frames being made of hot-galvanized steel with minimum 275 g/sqm zinc coating guaranteeing reliable mechanical strength and resistance to rust even in hot coastal areas with high concentration of salt mist.

5. Can you share some insights into the manufacturing process and quality control measures that ensure Akrobat trampolines meet the highest EU and International standards?
As a parent and trampoline user, you should know that trampoline safety certification is not compulsory, this often explains the low quality & prices of Asian trampolines.   Akrobat uses only materials of European origin, which, among other things, comply with all the ‘REACH’ requirements, which restrict the use of any harmful chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment.

As well as meeting all european manufacturing guidelines, our in-ground trampolines are certified by international and independent institutions such as Intertek from Germany and Keurmerkinstituut from the Netherlands.

The certifications for the inground trampolines we offer include

• EN 71-14: This certificate defines all requirements and test methods. The certificate applies to trampolines for indoor and outdoor use, as well as those trampolines intended for use by one person at a time. By following the standards set out in the EN 71-14 certificate, it is ensured that these trampolines are safe for home use.
• EN 1176: The standard applies to permanently installed public playground equipment and surfacing. Its main purpose is to ensure adequate safety during play in, on, and around the equipment.
• EN 913: This is the standard that specifies the general safety requirements and test methods for all gymnastic and sports equipment intended for sports education, training, and competition – and we include trampolines in this category.
• EN 13219: This is the standard that specifies the functional requirements of certain types of trampolines and the specific safety criteria they must meet.

We have yet to find any competitors that have obtained such certifications from independent and accredited providers for any residential trampolines here in the UAE .  

6. What challenges did you face when introducing Akrobat UAE to the market, and how did you overcome them?
One of the many great benefits of the UAE is that it encourages trade and industry, so setting up a business here is relatively simple.  However it can be a steep learning curve: shipping, customs, sales channels, advertising.  SME’s have to navigate all these skills.   I believe creating successful business connections is key.  Not everyone I have met has understood the business or wanted to learn about it.  I have been rejected more times than a spotty teenager by suppliers and retailers.  Perseverance and commitment is what has led to finding the right team and partners.

7. How do you see Akrobat UAE contributing to the well-being and happiness of families in the UAE?
The freedom of play and movement is very welcome for any family with children, especially outdoors, and we wanted to be able to offer that within the home environment.

We knew we were solving problems for families when bringing our inground options to the UAE

• Providing a safer options for families by reducing the risk of children falling off a high object 
• Parents don’t need to constantly assist their children with getting on and off a trampoline
• Not having your trampoline blow around the garden every times it rains 
• Retaining valuable square footage in your garden and reducing the eyesore that is 12ft tall black netting in the center of your garden 

But as well as solving issues we hope to be increasing the wellbeing in each home.  

• Keeping kids away from the screens 
• Multitude of health benefits that jumping and rebounding offers for both adults and children alike
• Adding value to homes and gardens with integrated sports equipment that is aesthetically pleasing

It is our hope to deliver a business that offers premium quality products, promotes wholesome family experiences, keeps you healthy and looks great in your home. 

8. Can you tell us about the warranties offered with Akrobat trampolines, and why they are compared to those of high-end cars? 

Our warranties stem from our manufacturing process.  Certified, independently tested, products developed in a union of science and craftsmanship.  We support that with a genuine customer experience.  I’m sure many consumers have paid champagne prices for lemonade quality.   We intend to be part of setting a standard for businesses in the UAE to provide the quality they promote.

9. What has been the response from the UAE community since you launched in the last quarter of 2023? Any memorable customer feedback or success stories?
Seeing the joy and experiencing the laughter of people, especially children, enjoying themselves is priceless.   One 5yr old declared ‘I have never seen a grandma on a trampoline before’ when watching his friends 70 something grandmother jumping like she was 15 again.  Everyone was laughing and fully present with each other. 

We are so grateful for the support of our customers, it has been overwhelming,  be it google reviews or sharing social media posts.   The UAE community is a discerning one and being able to offer a product that bonds people of all ages & nationalities, that brings people together in a way that celebrates UAE homes and families is such a privilege.

10. How do you envision the future of Akrobat UAE? Are there any upcoming products or expansions that customers can look forward to?
We would love to see these healthy products, and the wholesome fun it invokes, in more commercial spaces around the UAE. Spreading the joy, fun and happiness around the country.  We have a public use range that we are offering to schools and developers of public spaces such as parks, playgrounds and event sites.  

If you would like one of our in-ground options for your garden. Currently you can purchase via most mainstream landscaping agencies or directly with us online at www.akrobatuae.com  using the code Qidz10 for a 10% off until the end of October We are always happy to hear from you if you have any questions or would like advice on what type of inground trampoline to choose or which size would suit your home best.  Send us a message to hello@akrobatuae.com  

11. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to introduce a new product to a market like the UAE?
I have yet to hear any entrepreneur say that starting any business was easy.  I think you need to love what you do.   The team takes our business personally.  The energy we put into Akrobat UAE could have been used elsewhere, but we knew this was an opportunity that we needed to offer to the families of UAE.   Creating healthy happy homes is our motivation, we would love for every human on the planet to experience that. Why do you do what you do?  Regardless whether you are offering a product or service, online or physical, make sure it’s meaningful to you.  Everything else can be figured out.

Good Luck.