Deals Extend the Company’s Presence Across the Middle East and Beyond
The First Group Hospitality has signed several new hotel management agreements during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World, further strengthening its reputation as one of the region’s fastest-growing operators in the hotel management sector.
At a signing ceremony held on the opening day of the summit, the company confirmed the strategic rebranding of three of its key Dubai hotels under Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio and Autograph Collection. The newly rebranded hotels include The First Collection Marina, Dubai, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; The First Collection Waterfront, Dubai, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; and Hotel Local Dubai, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Autograph Collection.
Situated in three key neighbourhoods – Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Jumeirah Village Triangle – the rebranded properties reflect the operator’s strategy to deliver distinct lifestyle-led hotel concepts while benefiting from Marriott’s extensive global network and loyalty programmes.
On the second day of the summit, The First Group Hospitality confirmed the signing of Radisson RED Marjan Island in partnership with BB Holding. Scheduled to open in 2027, the 261-room hotel will be the first franchised Radisson RED property in the UAE, marking the company’s expansion into Al Marjan Island, a prime destination in Ras Al Khaimah known for luxury resorts and varied leisure attractions.
A subsequent announcement confirmed the introduction of Gennadi Seaside Resort in Rhodes, Greece, signalling The First Group Hospitality’s entry into the European market.
Speaking on the signings, Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group, commented:
“These milestone signings reflect The First Group Hospitality’s expanding collaboration with leading global hotel groups who trust us to manage flagship properties in the UAE and beyond. We sincerely thank our partners for their confidence in our vision and continued support throughout this growth journey. The variety of management agreements demonstrates our versatility as third-party operators to work across a spectrum of properties, from midscale to luxury, from city hotels to beach resorts.”
The string of deals signed at FHS World comes amid strong momentum for The First Group Hospitality’s hotel portfolio. Beyond the summit, the company and IHG Hotels & Resorts recently announced the signing of Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle, a 349-key hotel located 25 kilometres from Al Maktoum International Airport. This new addition under the IHG umbrella builds on a partnership that already includes landmark projects such as Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection – soon to be the world’s tallest hotel.