The First Group named among Dubai’s top five developers for 2025
Dubai-based hospitality property developer and operator The First Group ranked fourth among the emirate’s top real estate developers by number of units delivered in 2025, underscoring the company’s growing footprint in one of the world’s most competitive real estate markets.
According to data published by Engel & Volkers and sourced from DXB Interact, The First Group delivered 2,529 units during the year, ahead of Damac Properties in fifth with 2,113 units. Emaar Properties — the UAE’s largest developer — topped the ranking with 7,318 units.
The rankings reflect completed handovers across residential and hospitality developments in a market that continues to see strong investor demand and sustained population growth.
2025 a landmark year
For The First Group, 2025 marked a defining year — not least due to the opening of Ciel Dubai Marina, officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest hotel. Rising 377 metres above the Marina skyline, the landmark five-star hotel represents the company’s largest and most ambitious project to date.
A member of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Vignette Collection, Ciel has further cemented Dubai’s reputation for record-breaking architecture and elevated hospitality experiences.
The First Group’s delivery pipeline in 2025 also included upscale lifestyle hotel properties in key districts such as Business Bay and Jumeirah Village, reinforcing its successful hybrid model as both developer and long-term operator.
Rob Burns, Chief Executive Officer of The First Group, said the ranking reflects the firm’s disciplined growth strategy and focus on execution.
“Delivering more than 2,500 units in a single year is a significant milestone for our business,” Burns said. “It demonstrates the strength of our development platform, our ability to execute complex projects at scale, and the continued demand for well-located, professionally managed hospitality assets in Dubai.”
“The highly successful opening of Ciel Dubai Marina — the world’s tallest hotel — is symbolic of our ambition. But equally important is our consistent delivery across the portfolio, ensuring owners see tangible progress and long-term value.”
Primed for further growth
Dubai’s property market has remained resilient despite global economic headwinds, supported by rising foreign direct investment, pro-business regulations and sustained tourism growth. Analysts note that timely project delivery has become an increasingly important differentiator as buyers prioritise certainty and quality in a maturing market.
The First Group’s 2025 performance positions it firmly among Dubai’s leading mid-to-large scale developers, with a portfolio that spans upscale hospitality, branded residences and a growing collection of F&B and lifestyle assets. As Dubai continues to attract international capital and talent, the company’s combination of operational expertise and development capability makes it ideally placed for further expansion in the years ahead.
