New figures spell good news for developers and investors in the city’s hotel industry

Dubai, UAE -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/21/2014 -- Dubai's hotels welcomed more than 5.8 million guests in the first half of 2014, according to a new report by Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Revenues also topped Dhs 12.74 billion ($3.18 billion), up 10.9% year on year, while guest nights rose by 6.7% for hotels and 4.1% for hotel apartments. The new figures will come as good news for investors and hotel developers in the emirate, such as The First Group, a Dubai based property developer with an exclusive focus on building iconic hotels.

"These first half results really show just how well Dubai's hotel market continues to perform and indeed outshine many more established cities around the world," commented Rob Burns, Chief Operating Officer of The First Group, a Dubai based company with more than 30 years of senior management expertise in the global property industry. "We are very excited about what Dubai's future holds, particularly with the World Expo on the horizon and the city's vision to welcome 20 million visitors by 2020."

The First Group currently has two hotel developments in operation; the highly popular Metro Central and First Central in Tecom – both operated by Auris. It is also building two more hotels in the area and one in Dubai Marina, two of which – TRYP by Wyndham and Wyndham Dubai Marina – will be managed by the world's largest hotel company, Wyndham Worldwide. Under Wyndham's partnership with The First Group, the launch of these two developments will mark a UAE debut for Wyndham, which has a portfolio of more than 7000 hotel properties in 66 countries across six continents.

"A few years ago we made an important, strategic decision to change our company's focus to hotel property and it is a choice that we have not regretted, especially given the strength and continued performance of the city's hotel industry," continued Rob. "We are delighted with these first half results and have no doubt our investors will be too. There is a lot to look forward to in the hotel market over the coming years and we are very proud to be a part of it all."

According to the DTCM report, Dubai currently has 88,680 hotel rooms across 634 establishments, including 7,000 new rooms that were added over the last 12 months. The emirate's top 10 tourism source markets also remained largely unchanged from 2013 and included Saudi Arabia, India, UK, USA, Russia, China, Iran, Oman, Kuwait and Germany, with visitors from China up by 26%.

About The First Group
The First Group is an internationally acclaimed, British-owned, global property development company based in Dubai, with an exclusive focus on creating innovative, iconic hotel projects. The company was co-founded by Danny Lubert and Gary Shepherd who have an outstanding track record, with more than 30 years of collective senior management expertise. Joint chairmen, Lubert and Shepherd draw from strong and diverse backgrounds in the fields of global property, finance, acquisition, marketing and product development. The First Group and its founders' expert eye for emerging property market potential and prestigious partnerships with industry leaders mean that owners can enjoy secure and attractive returns from one of the world's most vibrant hotel markets. With a global headquarters in Dubai and offices spanning Moscow, Almaty, Kazan, Astana, Abuja, Lagos and Jeddah, The First Group's expansive client base is already enjoying lucrative financial rewards. For more details visit http://www.thefirstgroup.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Dubai based property developer’s spokesperson and sports star Bryan Habana wins legendary 100th cap

Dubai, UAE -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/18/2014 -- Springbok star, Bryan Habana, has become the fourth team member to win 100 caps. The 31 year old South African lined up on the left wing in the Rugby Championship on Saturday 6th September to take on Australia in Perth. No stranger to Dubai, Habana is one of The First Group's brand ambassadors, a Dubai based property developer that has an exclusive focus on building iconic hotel properties across the city.

"We are absolutely delighted with Habana's century of tests and want to congratulate him on such a fantastic career to date," commented Danny Lubert, co-founder and co-chairman of The First Group, which has a portfolio of projects across Dubai Sports City, TECOM and Dubai Marina. "We have met Bryan in Dubai many times and he has always been so friendly and professional – this is a huge achievement for him and we are extremely proud that he is part of our dynamic team."

Last year Habana renewed his agreement to be a spokesperson for The First Group for a further three years. He joins fellow sporting legends on The First Team; football's Michael Owen, Nwankwo Kanu and Andriy Shevchenko and tennis star Svetlana Kuznetsova. Habana made his debut for South Africa against England at Twickenham in 2004 and holds the record for the most Test tries in a Springbok jersey. His 56 Test tries places him fourth on the list of all-time international try scorers.

The three-time South African Rugby Player of the Year is also a Dubai property owner with The First Group, at Metro Central Hotel Apartments in TECOM. The First Group's latest project is in Dubai Marina – Wyndham Dubai Marina will be managed by the world's largest hotelier, Wyndham Hotel Group – and will mark a debut for the hotel brand in the UAE.

To find out more about The First Group's ambassadors and developments, visit www.thefirstgroup.com

About The First Group
The First Group is an internationally acclaimed, British-owned, global property development company based in Dubai, with an exclusive focus on creating innovative, iconic hotel projects. The company was co-founded by Danny Lubert and Gary Shepherd who have an outstanding track record, with more than 30 years of collective senior management expertise. Joint chairmen, Lubert and Shepherd draw from strong and diverse backgrounds in the fields of global property, finance, acquisition, marketing and product development. The First Group and its founders' expert eye for emerging property market potential and prestigious partnerships with industry leaders mean that owners can enjoy secure and attractive returns from one of the world's most vibrant hotel markets. With a global headquarters in Dubai and offices spanning Moscow, Almaty, Kazan, Astana, Abuja, Lagos and Jeddah, The First Group's expansive client base is already enjoying lucrative financial rewards.

For more details visit www.thefirstgroup.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Prestigious collaboration begins with The First Group’s acquisition of 30 brand new Mercedes-Benz 2014 GL 500’s to add to their VIP customer fleet

Dubai, UAE -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/16/2014 -- Property investors with The First Group can look forward to a new level of travel comfort and luxury thanks to a prestigious agreement with Gargash Mercedes-Benz, the authorised distributor of the Mercedes-Benz in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. The collaboration will see The First Group add 30 new 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUVs to their fleet of VIP client vehicles.

"We are honoured to announce this partnership with the highly renowned Mercedes-Benz name and Gargash Enterprises, a brand that has gained such a reputation for excellence within the region's automotive market," said Rob Burns, Chief Operating Officer of The First Group. "As a long time customer of Mercedes-Benz, I have experience firsthand the exceptional quality, high performance and superior service which has made Mercedes-Benz one of the world's most respected brands. We are very proud to align with Mercedes-Benz as it will greatly enhance the experience our customers will enjoy. We very much look forward to working towards building what will be a long term mutually beneficial relationship with Gargash Enterprises."

"We are really pleased to team up with The First Group, one of the leading property development companies in UAE, and looking forward to expand this relationship further with future ventures. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is one of the most sophisticated seven seater SUVs in the market, thanks to its stunning design, luxurious & spacious interior and its off-road capability. We are positive that The First Group clients will be highly impressed with the best in class Mercedes-Benz GL 500" commented Karl-Johan Sandesjo, General Manager at Gargash Enterprises.

Each of the 30 vehicles will be branded with The First Group's name and logo and used to chauffeur VIP clients during their Dubai visits.

About The First Group
The First Group is an internationally acclaimed British-owned global property development company based in Dubai, with an exclusive focus on hotel development. The First Group was cofounded by joint chairmen, Danny Lubert and Gary Shepherd, who each draw from strong and diverse backgrounds in the fields of global property, finance, acquisition, marketing and product development. With a proud history of over 30 years' experience and success, through their company they offer innovative and unparalleled off-plan opportunities in the UAE with an emphasis on the lucrative world of hotel investment. With offices spanning Dubai, Jeddah, Moscow, Almaty, Kazan, Astana, Abuja and Lagos, The First Group continues to produce and develop highly sought after property investments in some of the world's most desirable locations.

For more information, visit http://www.thefirstgroup.com

About Gargash Enterprises
Gargash Enterprises has been the authorized General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates since 1958. With showrooms and service centers across Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Fujairah; Gargash Enterprises provides customer focused operations representing the Mercedes-Benz brand in the best possible way.

For more information, visit http://www.gargash.ae

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm