The First Group

The First Group

Hospitality asset ownership and management.

Overview

The First Group owns, develops, and manages hospitality assets, including upscale hotels, residences, and lifestyle venues, while offering property ownership opportunities to clients and partners. It runs end-to-end hospitality solutions, handling development, ownership, and ongoing asset management to deliver guest experiences across its portfolio of hotels, residences, F&B outlets, and lifestyle venues. The company stands out by offering a broad, high-value portfolio together with hands-on asset management and partnerships with global hotel brands, serving as a regional hospitality solutions provider. Its goal is to be the region’s premier provider of comprehensive hospitality solutions, delivering high-quality guest experiences and attractive ownership opportunities.

About The First Group

Simplify's Rating
Why The First Group is rated
C+
Rated C on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Consulting

Real Estate

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded

2005

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • March 2026 Ethiopia agreement opens a fast-growing market with long-run hotel demand.
  • January 2026 ranking among Dubai's top five developers validates delivery momentum and scale.
  • Accessibility and Shaner partnerships widen operator reach, improving occupancy and brand credibility.

What critics are saying

  • April 2026 Studio City construction still needs MEP completion and first-floor casting.
  • Ethiopia expansion multiplies execution risk across ten hotels, currencies, permits, and partners.
  • Dubai concentration leaves earnings exposed if tourism weakens or branded rivals outbuild CIEL.

What makes The First Group unique

  • The First Group blends hotel development, ownership, and management across Dubai and abroad.
  • June 2026 Ethiopia agreement extends its model beyond the UAE into ten hotels.
  • CIEL and Dubai Studio City showcase landmark, high-visibility projects tied to hospitality branding.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Company News

Hospitality Net
Apr 18th, 2025
Onur Avkan has been appointed Cluster General Manager at The First Group

Onur Avkan has been appointed cluster General Manager at The First Group.

The First Group
Feb 1st, 2025
Dubai Studio City

Recognising DSC's potential, The First Group is expanding its footprint with the launch of The First Collection Dubai Studio City.

Morningstar
Nov 26th, 2024
Shaner Hotels Announces Alliance with Dubai-Based The First Group

Shaner Hotels Announces Alliance with Dubai-Based The First Group

Zawya
Oct 2nd, 2023
Amsaan Accessible Tours and The First Group partner to transform hospitality accessibility for deaf tourists

Dubai, UAE: Amsaan Accessible Tours (AAT), the first company in the MENA region specialising in creating unique tourism experiences for Deaf people, has joined forces with The First Group, one of the region's fastest-growing end-to-end hospitality solution providers, to enhance the accessibility of its offerings in its international chain of hotels for Deaf tourists in the region.

Penny Realty Real Estate LLC
Sep 11th, 2023
Dubai Real Estate Developers - The First Group Launches New Waterfront Hotel 2023

Dubai Real Estate developers - The First Group launches new Waterfront hotel 2023.

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