Tag Archives: The First Group

Amsaan Accessible Tours (AAT) has joined forces with The First Group to enhance the accessibility of its offerings in its international chain of hotels for Deaf tourists in the region. The agreement supports both organisations’ commitments to responsible tourism on a global scale. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly 1.5 billion people globally grapple with hearing loss. Of these, 430 million face disabling hearing challenges, a figure projected to rise to over 700 million by 2050. Addressing core issues faced by the Deaf community, such as communication barriers and accessibility in bookings and online reservations, the partnership is determined to bring about change. With the support of AAT’s innovative solutions, including an accessible booking platform and comprehensive sign-language support, Deaf guests can anticipate a more inclusive, accessible, and bespoke experience throughout their stay. As part of this collaboration, The First Group, renowned for its upscale properties like The First Collection Business Bay, The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, Wyndham Dubai Marina, and TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, will integrate AAT’s cutting-edge accessibility solutions with all its existing hospitality brands in Dubai. The need for accessibility is evidenced by Expedia’s survey, where 92% of respondents emphasised the importance of travel providers catering to travellers’ accessibility requirements. Recognising this, AAT offers a unique platform where Deaf tourists using British Sign Language (BSL) can easily navigate, make reservations, and communicate their needs seamlessly. A Deaf traveller can smoothly go through and book rooms, check-in, and even request room service or emergency assistance all through AAT’s mobile application in BSL.   Established in 2005, The First Group hotels have welcomed guests from diverse countries, including the KSA, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the …

The First Group announced the successful completion of another remarkable project – The First Collection Waterfront Dubai. Located on the Canal Boardwalk in Business Bay, the new property will be the third in the collection and is scheduled to open its doors in Q4 2023. The First Collection Waterfront will feature 327 rooms and suites. Its rooftop pool will offer panoramic vistas of Dubai’s renowned landmarks, including the iconic Burj Khalifa and the picturesque Dubai Canal. This achievement marks a significant milestone in expanding The First Group Hotels portfolio and underscores the continuous growth of its homegrown hotel brand, The First Collection. Within The First Collection brand, there are already two established hotels – The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle and The First Collection Business Bay. Together, these hotels welcome approximately 850,000 guests annually, hailing from diverse countries including KSA, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UK, Russia, France, USA, and Italy. In 2022, The First Collection hotels achieved a remarkable feat by being the only Dubai establishment to be recognized among the world’s finest hotels by Trip Advisor. Furthermore, The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle has secured an impressive position within the coveted ‘Top 10 Hotels in Dubai’ on Trip Advisor’s esteemed list, specifically claiming the noteworthy #5 spot. “We are thrilled to introduce The First Collection Waterfront, a remarkable addition to our portfolio. This milestone not only signifies our unwavering dedication in providing unparalleled hospitality experiences, but also mirrors our determination to elevate the reach of our brand. At The First Group, our mission is to optimize the performance of each property under our care, seamlessly adapting to changing market trends, and creating exceptional experiences for our guests,” …

The First Group is extending its presence in the GCC with the launch of a new dedicated hotel management division, which will provide third-party management services to owners and investors looking to maximise the commercial potential of their hotel and hospitality assets. With a proven track record of launching and operating some of the UAE’s most successful upscale hotels and homegrown F&B brands, The First Group will leverage its proven expertise to offer best-in-class services and solutions to maximise the revenue-generating potential of clients’ assets. “We’re proud to launch our new third-party hotel management business and are committed to setting the benchmark for excellence in one of the world’s top hospitality markets. Our goal is to ensure that every property we manage operates to its maximum potential, remains adaptable to the latest market trends, and delivers exceptional guest experiences and strong financial returns for our partners,” said Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group. The launch of this dynamic new operation coincides with The First Group being appointed to manage the prestigious ZOYA Health and Wellbeing resort in Al Zorah, Ajman. ZOYA, which is the region’s first fully integrated wellness resort, offers a unique and holistic approach to mind and body rejuvenation. The agreement reflects The First Group’s commitment to expanding its portfolio of upscale hotels and lifestyle destinations while providing exceptional experiences to its guests and strong returns to its partners. “ZOYA Health and Wellbeing Resort marks our 17th management agreement in the region. We are truly excited to bring our all-encompassing hospitality management approach to the wellness sector. Our team of highly experienced property managers, hotel operations and F&B professionals work in sync to elevate the performance of …

The First Collection announced the opening of its second Dubai-based hotel: The First Collection Business Bay.  The launch builds on the success of The First Collection Jumeriah Village Circle, which in Q3 of 2021 was voted #22 in TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Hottest New Hotels in the World – and is the only hotel in the Middle East to have received this accolade. Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group comments: “The opening of The First Collection Business Bay marks another important step in the development of our new lifestyle hotel brand, The First Collection. The brand has been extremely well received by local and international guests, generating fantastic reviews – and we’re very much looking forward to opening our doors of this upscale, dynamic property” The new hotel located in Business Bay, one of Dubai’s most up and coming neighbourhoods, is the latest addition to the group’s fast-growing body of upscale hotels, significantly strengthening brand presence across the city. Seamlessly meeting the demands of business travellers, as well as families and leisure visitors, the stylish hotel is the perfect base to explore Dubai and its world-famous attractions. Close to Downtown Dubai, plus all its iconic attractions (the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall included) as well as within walking distance of the expansive Dubai Water Canal, it is also within easy reach to both Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek due to its extensive transport links. The hotel itself features 437 well-appointed and sustainably designed guestrooms and spacious suites, many of which boast exceptional views of Dubai’s awe-inspiring skyline including the Burj Khalifa and the Stables. Top-tier amenities include a stunning 25 metre open-air swimming pool with sundeck and Burj Khalifa vistas, …

The First Group introduced a unique and innovative lifestyle brand, The First Collection, which encompasses the firm’s portfolio of hotels, restaurants and leisure venues. The launch of the brand marks a major step in the firm’s evolution that has long been recognised as one of the UAE’s leading property developers, thanks to its existing portfolio of 11 award-winning properties, which includes Wyndham Dubai Marina, Millennium Place Marina and TRYP by Wyndham Dubai. Additionally, The First Group has a pipeline of seven upscale and upper-midscale hotels in development in Dubai, with many of these exciting new projects launching under The First Collection banner, along with a selection of The First Group’s existing properties that will be rebranded in the coming months. “The First Collection brings our assets together under one sophisticated brand, providing a platform for the development of exciting lifestyle experiences that leverage our core strengths while providing investors new opportunities to further capitalise on our long-term growth plans,” commented Rob Burns, Chief Executive Officer of The First Group. “The First Collection will enable us to accelerate our expansion plans in new and existing markets, while ensuring strong brand recognition across our entire portfolio,” continues Burns. Over the past several years, The First Group has diversified its operations, branching into key vertical markets, including property asset management and Food & Beverage (F&B) – with the latter earning the brand a formidable reputation as one of Dubai’s most ambitious and innovative hospitality operators. This is thanks in part to the launch of MasterChef, the TV Experience – the world’s first restaurant based on the global reality TV phenomenon, located at Millennium Place Marina. In recent months, the F&B team have rolled …

The First Group is making rapid progress in the development of Ciel with the high-profile Dubai Marina property’s foundations nearing completion. The Dubai-headquartered firm, which ranks among the city’s fastest-growing developers of upper midscale hotels, is building the future icon with development partner China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC). More than 11,800 cubic metres of concrete and in excess of 3,000 tonnes of steel are being used to construct the building’s foundations, highlighting the sheer scale of the project. The largest concrete pour, completed this week, comprised 7,000 cubic metres of concrete over a continuous 48-hour period. A final pour consisting of 1,000 cubic metres of concrete is scheduled for September 3. “We are proud to mark this important milestone in the development of Ciel, which is set to become one of Dubai’s most iconic buildings and a landmark hotel of global significance,” said Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group. “Ciel is The First Group’s 18th project in Dubai and our largest and most complex undertaking to date. This spectacular tower will truly be a jewel in the crown of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Ideally located in Dubai Marina, Ciel guests will enjoy world-class hospitality, F&B and entertainment facilities.” “Having worked with The First Group constructing major hotel projects in Dubai for more than a decade, we are proud to partner with the firm in the development of Ciel, the world’s tallest hotel,” commented Gao Jinping, General Manager of China Railway 18th Bureau Group. “I am confident our partnership will continue to go from strength to strength in the years ahead.” “Ciel will set a new benchmark for innovative design in super-tall buildings, not just in Dubai, …