As one of Dubai’s leading developers, The First Group has earned a reputation for excellence in construction, architecture and upscale hospitality. Our collaborations with some of the world’s most respected names in real estate, travel and luxury lifestyle are testament to that reputation.
From strategic alliances that shape award-winning hotels and iconic projects to premium partnerships that elevate the ownership experience, every collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering world-class services and spearheading a new era of innovation in the real estate & hospitality sector.
Together with our partners, we create memorable opportunities for our clients while reinforcing our position as one of the UAE’s most trusted names.
Learn More about our partners
Development Partners
China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC)
China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) is one of the world’s leading construction and engineering enterprises, renowned for delivering landmark projects across global markets. A long-standing partner of The First Group, CRCC has played a key role in the successful delivery of The First Collection Business Bay, The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, The First Collection at Studio City and Grand Millennium Business Bay.
As the development partner for Ciel – the world’s tallest hotel – CRCC brings unrivalled technical expertise, large-scale project experience and engineering excellence to this landmark project, reinforcing The First Group’s commitment to delivering groundbreaking hospitality offerings in Dubai.
NORR
As lead design partner for Ciel — The First Group’s flagship development and the world’s tallest hotel — NORR Group has created an architectural masterpiece defined by innovation, sustainability and contemporary urban design. This landmark collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship that has seen NORR contribute to the initial concepts for The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle and Grand Millennium Business Bay, as well as the architectural concepts for Hotel Local.
With a legacy spanning more than eight decades, NORR continues to shape iconic projects around the world. Its ongoing collaboration with The First Group reinforces Dubai’s position as a global leader in hospitality and architectural design.
KOHLER
Kohler is a global leader in kitchen and bathroom design, renowned for its innovation, craftsmanship and uncompromising quality. As the exclusive supplier of bathroom fittings and fixtures for Ciel, the world’s tallest hotel, Kohler’s products exemplify the brand’s commitment to design excellence, performance and enduring style.
This collaboration not only enhances Ciel’s reputation as one of Dubai’s most iconic hotels but also reflects The First Group’s dedication to partnering with the world’s most-trusted brands.
Pulse Developments
Pulse Developments is one of Egypt’s most respected real estate developers, recognised for its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation and community-focused design. Guided by a vision to redefine modern living, the company delivers integrated developments that combine architectural excellence with sustainable, long-term value creation for investors, residents and guests alike.
As co-development partner for The First Collection Sharm Oasis, Pulse brings deep local market expertise and a proven track record in delivering resort-style communities. Spanning 64,000 square metres and located in Sharm El Sheikh’s prestigious Nabq Bay area, the project has been conceived as a fully integrated, gated resort destination featuring landscaped grounds, expansive swimming pools, retail and lifestyle amenities, and a hotel component. Operated by The First Group, it represents our first resort-style development on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.
Hospitality Partners
Marriott International
Marriott International, the world’s largest hotel operator, is a valued partner of The First Group. Our collaboration includes The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, The First Collection Marina and The First Collection Waterfront – each part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio – as well as Hotel Local, which is a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Together, these unique and distinctive properties showcase Marriott’s global reputation for world-class hospitality combined with The First Group’s expertise in developing and operating upscale lifestyle hotels.
IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts – home to globally recognised brands including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn – is a key strategic partner of The First Group. Ciel, the world’s tallest hotel and an iconic landmark in Dubai Marina, has joined IHG’s Vignette Collection, an exceptional brand dedicated to providing authentic, experiential stays. This milestone underscores IHG’s global market strength and The First Group’s capability to deliver record-breaking developments in one of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets.
Emirates Skywards
Our long-standing collaboration with Emirates Skywards, one of the world’s leading loyalty programmes, provides our owners with exclusive travel privileges and enhanced opportunities to earn Skywards Miles. The partnership adds meaningful value to the ownership experience, reflecting our shared commitment to excellence in travel and hospitality.
Millennium hotels and resorts
Millennium Hotels & Resorts is a trusted partner of The First Group, with collaborations including Millennium Place Marina and Grand Millennium Business Day (formerly known as The One Hotel at Business Bay). Both properties demonstrate The First Group’s capability to deliver high-performing hotels under leading international brands, strengthening Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets.
Wyndham hotels & resorts
In partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, The First Group developed TRYP by Wyndham Dubai – the largest TRYP-branded hotel worldwide. Today, the property ranks among Dubai’s most popular lifestyle hotels, combining Wyndham’s global brand appeal with The First Group’s expertise in delivering standout guest experiences. Its success underscores our ability to deliver unique hospitality experiences that resonate with both international travellers and the local community.
The ascott limited
The benefits of our partnership with The Ascott Limited, one of the world’s leading serviced residence operators, are highlighted by the outstanding performance of Citadines Metro Central in Barsha Heights, which ranks among the area’s most-popular long-stay properties. Its success highlights The First Group’s strength in creating developments that cater to evolving guest needs and long-stay demand.
Strategic Partners
Hoque global
Hoque Global is a U.S.-based hospitality investment and development company with a portfolio of lifestyle-focused brands, including Hotel Local. Through this partnership with Hoque Global, The First Group’s The One at Jumeirah Village Triangle became the first property in the Middle East to carry the Hotel Local name. Designed around a “Live Like a Local” philosophy, the hotel combines intuitive service, immersive design, and advanced technology to create a community-focused destination that strengthens Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for hospitality.
Shaner
Founded in 1979, Shaner Hotel Group is an award-winning owner, developer, and operator with a portfolio of more than 80 hotels worldwide. Through its strategic alliance with The First Group, the partnership aims to expand hotel management agreements (HMAs) across the Gulf, Cyprus, MENA, Greece, and beyond. Together, the two companies combine Shaner's global operational expertise with The First Group’s regional market strength to accelerate growth, elevate guest experiences, and drive innovation across hospitality and F&B ventures.
