The First Group is a real estate developer and hospitality company based in Dubai, UAE.[2] The company has established properties and hospitality services across the UAE.[3]
Background
The company operates a portfolio of residential apartments, hotels, F&B outlets in the United Arab Emirates. The First Group currently operates seven hotels in the UAE and manages every operational aspect on behalf of its owner-partners.[4]
History
The First Group was founded in 2005 as a property development company in Dubai, focused on developing and operating apartment buildings.[5] The company eventually expanded and began operating hotels and hotel apartments.[6]
Over the past two decades, The First Group has built a diverse portfolio of hospitality and leisure assets, including award-winning upscale hotels and residences, and F&B brands. [7]
Projects
The First Collection
In 2021, The First Group launched its hospitality brand The First Collection. [8]
The first hotel under the brand was The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle. [9]
In May 2024, The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle joined the Tribute Portfolio. Part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection. [11]
The second hotel was The First Collection Business Bay. [12]
The First Collection Business Bay has 437 rooms and suites. [13]
The First Collection Waterfront opened in November 2023. [14]
The First Collection Waterfront has 327 rooms and suites. [15]
The First Collection Waterfront is the third hotel under The First Collection Portfolio brand. [16]
Ciel Dubai Marina
Standing at 365 metres high and 82 storeys high, it will be the tallest hotel in the world once completed.[17]
Ciel Dubai Marina will have more than 1,000 hotel rooms and suites and the total project value is US$ 544.3 million.[18]
Ciel Dubai Marina is designed by the architectural firm, NORR Group. And is being constructed by The First Group’s chief development partner, China Railway Construction Corporation.[19]
Ciel Dubai Marina has been awarded these titles: 2019 International Property Awards (IPA) for Best International Hotel Architecture and Best Hotel Architecture Arabia and Best High-rise Architecture[20]
More than 11,800 cubic metres of concrete and over 3,000 tonnes of steel has been used in the building’s foundations.[21]
One of the standout features is the 300-meter-tall atrium which is vertically stacked and naturally ventilated terraces.[22]
As of March 2023, the super structure was 99% complete, the convey system installation is 53 per cent complete, and the fixture of steel trusses in the atrium has been finished. The tiling is 66 per cent completion, and the installation of wall partitions and plastering is 97 per cent complete.[23]
Awards
The First Group has been named Leisure and Hospitality Project of the Year at the prestigious Middle East Architect Awards in 2017. [24]
Sustainability
The First Group Hotels engages in environmentally-friendly practices through various sustainability initiatives. These efforts include reducing water and energy consumption and eliminating plastic key cards.[25]
