The First Group develops and operates upscale hotels, residences, food-and-beverage venues, and leisure destinations, primarily in Dubai and expanding markets. Its hotel-ownership model serves individual investors, while hospitality operations serve guests, owners, partners, and international travellers.
AI-researched delivery record, not yet confirmed by the developer. Dates may be approximate; original sources are linked.
AI research over published reviews and resident comments. Scores are a model’s reading of opinion, not figures stated on a page, and nothing here feeds any number above it. The links under each block are the pages that research says it used. Based on available resident reviews of covered buildings. These are reported experiences, not independent building inspections, and may not represent all residents or properties.
AI-researched delivery record, not yet confirmed by the developer. Dates may be approximate; original sources are linked.
AI research over published reviews and resident comments. Scores are a model’s reading of opinion, not figures stated on a page, and nothing here feeds any number above it. The links under each block are the pages that research says it used. Based on available resident reviews of covered buildings. These are reported experiences, not independent building inspections, and may not represent all residents or properties.
| Project | Overall | Structure & systems | Management & living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennium Place MarinaDubai Marina, Dubai462 units | 8.8/ 10 | 7.4/ 10 Trip.com 9/10 · 274 reviews · trip.com Yango Maps 86/100 · 225 reviews · maps.yango.com Combined from 2 published figures on 2 platforms, weighted by review count, adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint where reviews are few: 7.4. | 7.7/ 10 Trip.com 8.8/10, 9.5/10, 9.1/10 · 274 reviews · trip.com Yango Maps 97/100 · 316 reviews · maps.yango.com Yango Maps 92/100 · 260 reviews · maps.yango.com Yango Maps 90/100 · 186 reviews · maps.yango.com Yango Maps 42/100 · 114 reviews · maps.yango.com Yango Maps 41/100 · 42 reviews · maps.yango.com Combined from 8 published figures on 2 platforms, weighted by review count, adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint where reviews are few: 7.7. |
Google’s 4.6/5 from 4,057 reviews is the largest directly reported review base and converts to an 8.9 anchor under the requested curve. The evidence is predominantly positive on staff, location, rooms and amenities, but repeated service, housekeeping, HVAC and noise complaints warrant a modest net reduction; the structure sub-score is held below living because the reported physical-condition issues are more mixed. | |||
Reviews generally describe the rooms as modern, spacious and clean, with Trip.com publishing 9.0/10 for cleanliness and 8.8/10 for amenities. Counterevidence includes reports of stained linen, dust, a broken shower, low water pressure and an air-conditioning complaint; one Yango reviewer said, “There are 4 elevators, but only one works.” | The daily experience is mostly praised: Long Weekend counted 224 staff compliments and 97 location compliments, while Tripadvisor reviews call staff “kindly, polite and helpful” and praise the breakfast and pool. The recurring downside is inconsistent follow-through—one guest had to “remind them daily to clean”—alongside highway noise, a small pool and occasional charges or service complaints. | ||
| Ciel Dubai MarinaDubai Marina, Dubai1,004 units | 8.6/ 10 | 8.3/ 10 | 8.2/ 10 Tripadvisor 4.8/5, 5/5, 4.7/5, 4.9/5 · 149 reviews · tripadvisor.com Booking.com 9.1/10, 9.3/10, 8.8/10, 8.7/10, 9.5/10, 8.4/10, 7.7/10 · 103 reviews · booking.com Combined from 11 published figures on 2 platforms, weighted by review count, adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint where reviews are few: 8.2. |
Google’s 4.7/5 rating from 730 reviews is the largest reported review base and converts to 8.5 under the specified curve. Positive themes are more prevalent, but repeated lift delays and room-functionality complaints keep the result close to the anchor; the evidence is guest/hotel evidence rather than long-term resident evidence. | |||
Reviews describe Ciel as new, modern, clean and comfortable, but lift performance is a repeated concern: one guest reported waiting more than five minutes, while others described lifts as slow or a “work in progress.” One detailed review reported that “some of the power outlets didn’t work,” wood veneer was starting to peel, and the room design was “poorly planned, nonfunctional”; these are individual reports rather than evidence of a broad structural failure. | Guests commonly praise the staff as “friendly, polite, and helpful,” and describe the hotel as “extremely clean,” with strong views and amenities. Reservations include rooftop-pool or spa access restrictions, cramped breakfast areas, construction or neighbour noise, and occasional slow service or follow-up. | ||
| The First Collection WaterfrontBusiness Bay, Dubai327 units | 8.1/ 10 | —/ 10 | 8.3/ 10 Booking.com 8.8/10, 9.3/10, 8.8/10, 9.1/10, 9.1/10, 8.7/10, 8.7/10, 9/10 · 4,158 reviews · booking.com Tripadvisor 4.7/5, 4.8/5, 4.9/5, 4.9/5 · 1,004 reviews · tripadvisor.com Combined from 12 published figures on 2 platforms, weighted by review count, adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint where reviews are few: 8.3. |
Booking.com provides the largest review base and sets the level at 8.8/10, converted to 7.6 under the specified guest-rating curve. Tripadvisor is materially more positive but has a smaller base, so it moves the result only modestly; recurring praise and complaints produce a net small upward commentary adjustment. No structure score is assigned because the published evidence contains observations but no qualifying structure rating. | |||
Guests commonly described the rooms as “clean,” “spacious” and “well-maintained,” and one specifically praised the bathroom and shower for “great water pressure.” Physical criticisms included a “very small” bathroom, occasional traffic noise and one report that the smart-TV system was down for three consecutive nights; these are guest observations rather than an engineering inspection. | Daily-life feedback is strongly positive about hospitality: guests called the staff “incredibly friendly, helpful, and welcoming,” and praised the concierge for solving issues quickly. The clearest operational complaint was a restaurant meal where tables were left uncleared for about an hour, steaks took over 30 minutes and the complaint received little follow-up; other reviews mention occasional noise and a small pool. | ||
| First Collection Jumeirah Village CircleJumeirah Village Circle District 14, Dubai491 units | 8.0/ 10 | 8.4/ 10 Agoda 9.1/10 · 9,392 reviews · agoda.com Booking.com 9.1/10 · 7,164 reviews · booking.com Booking.com 9.1/10 · 5,624 reviews · en.planetofhotels.com Tripadvisor 4.8/5 · 3,263 reviews · tripadvisor.co.uk Combined from 4 published figures on 3 platforms, weighted by review count, adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint where reviews are few: 8.4. | 8.5/ 10 Agoda 9/10 · 9,392 reviews · agoda.com Booking.com 9.1/10 · 7,164 reviews · booking.com Booking.com 9.1/10 · 5,624 reviews · en.planetofhotels.com Tripadvisor 4.9/5 · 3,263 reviews · tripadvisor.co.uk Property Finder 5/5 · no review count · propertyfinder.ae Combined from 5 published figures on 4 platforms, weighted by review count, adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint where reviews are few: 8.5. |
Agoda has the largest reported review base among the comparable aggregate ratings and its published 8.8/10 score converts to 7.6 under the guest-rating curve. Tripadvisor is a strong positive dissenter, but the score is moderated by the larger-base anchor and by the reported operational and physical-condition complaints, partly offset by repeated praise for cleanliness, staff and amenities. | |||
Guests commonly described the rooms as clean, comfortable and well-maintained; one review specifically reported “good water temperature (cold and hot), good water pressure.” Reported physical drawbacks included windows described as “very dirty,” air conditioning that was “either too cold or too hot,” construction noise, and parking elevators not connected to other floors; no serious structural failure was reported. | Daily-life feedback is strongly positive about staff and cleanliness: guests called the reception staff “warm, welcoming and very accommodating,” and described the pool as “very clean.” The main operational complaints were that room service was “extremely bad” with delayed or missing orders, a report of “extremely rude” pool staff, limited dining variety, nearby construction and the need to rely on taxis. | ||
| TRYP by Wyndham DubaiBarsha Heights, Dubai675 units | 7.7/ 10 | 6.5/ 10 | 7.3/ 10 Agoda 8.9/10, 8.9/10, 8.7/10, 8.6/10, 8.5/10 · 13,138 reviews · agoda.com Combined from 5 published figures on 1 platform, weighted by review count, adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint where reviews are few: 7.3. |
Agoda's 8.6/10 aggregate, based on 13,138 verified guest reviews, is the largest qualifying rating base and converts to 7.2 under the guest-rating curve. The final score is 7.4 after limited commentary adjustment: strong repeated praise for service, cleanliness, breakfast and location offsets recurring but non-severe reports of noise, AC and room/bathroom maintenance issues. | |||
Reviews include specific physical-system complaints: one guest reported that “the AC [was] not working,” another said the bathroom tub was leaking across the bathroom, and another reported leaking windows and a moisture-damaged bathroom door. A separate review described the 16th-floor corridor as worn with dirty carpets; these are guest observations rather than an engineering inspection. | Guests repeatedly praise the service—“Clean and very good staff and service all were helpful and humble”—as well as breakfast, cleanliness, metro access and shuttle connections. The negative operational feedback is narrower but recurring: guests mention street or adjoining-room noise, a pool that can feel crowded, and occasional front-desk or extra-fee concerns. | ||
| The First Collection Business BayBusiness Bay, Dubai440 units | 7.7/ 10 | —/ 10 | 7.6/ 10 KAYAK 9.5/10, 9/10, 8.5/10, 2.5/10 · 4,929 reviews · kayak.com Tripadvisor 4.9/5, 4.8/5, 4.9/5, 4.8/5 · 1,720 reviews · tripadvisor.com Combined from 8 published figures on 2 platforms, weighted by review count, adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint where reviews are few: 7.6. |
KAYAK provides the largest clearly stated review base among the directly read rating pages and sets the starting level at 6.6 after the requested 1–10 conversion. The much larger Trivago aggregate is a material higher dissent, but the available category and written-review evidence is mixed enough that the final score remains close to the KAYAK anchor after limited commentary adjustment. | |||
Published reviews describe the hotel as modern, clean and generally well maintained; one guest called it “comfortable, well-maintained,” while Tripadvisor’s summary notes “occasional maintenance lapses.” The physical complaints found were limited but included a refrigerator that still did not work after replacement and nearby construction noise; no flooding, major structural failure or prolonged lift outage was reported. | Daily-life feedback is predominantly positive: guests describe “friendly and helpful” staff, immaculate cleaning, comfortable rooms and a “massive pool.” Counterevidence includes a double-charge complaint, reports that “any issue takes a lot of time,” and criticism of construction noise, shallow/cold pool conditions and the need for taxis because the hotel is not convenient for walking. | ||
| Avalon TowerJumeirah Village Circle, Dubai362 units | 7.3/ 10 | —/ 10 | 7.4/ 10 fäm Properties 5/5, 5/5, 5/5, 5/5, 5/5 · 1 review · famproperties.com Combined from 5 published figures on 1 platform, weighted by review count, adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint where reviews are few: 7.4. |
Yango Maps provides the largest located aggregate, 4.1/5 from 5 ratings, which converts to 7.3/10 under the supplied curve; it is guest evidence, so it is only a moderate proxy for a resident year. The one-resident fäm result is directionally positive but too small to overturn the anchor, while the historical delivery complaint is not current completion evidence and the only repeated negative in the guest reviews is a minor location/access concern. | |||
no notes returned no links returned | Guest feedback describes “polite, caring but unobtrusive staff,” a “gorgeous” gym, a “large heated swimming pool,” and daily room cleaning. The principal negative was access: one guest said the location was inconvenient and took a long time to reach the centre; a separate 2024 investor complaint alleged the project had still not opened, but current DLD-linked material records completion on 30 June 2020, so that older claim is not treated as current completion evidence. |
#### Al Khobar
#### Almaty
#### Kazan
#### Astana
#### Baku
#### Abuja
#### Lagos
#### Jeddah
#### Moscow
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 co-development partner for The First Collection Sharm Oasis, Pulse brings deep local market expertise
Our collaboration includes The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, The First Collection Marina and The First Collection Waterfront
Ciel ... has joined IHG’s Vignette Collection
collaborations including Millennium Place Marina and Grand Millennium Business Day
The First Group developed TRYP by Wyndham Dubai
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 co-development partner for The First Collection Sharm Oasis, Pulse brings deep local market expertise
Our collaboration includes The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, The First Collection Marina and The First Collection Waterfront
Ciel ... has joined IHG’s Vignette Collection
collaborations including Millennium Place Marina and Grand Millennium Business Day
The First Group developed TRYP by Wyndham Dubai
| DEVELOPER LICENCE | 29 Dubai Land Department · AE |
| United Arab Emirates | active 7 projects tracked |
| Egypt | active 0 projects tracked |
| Hotel | 7 of 7 |
| Hotel residences | 2 of 7 |
Throughout our network, our strategy remains unchanged: deliver quality projects that ensure worry-free returns for our investors.The Business Year 2012-09-11https://thebusinessyear.com/interview/build-with-pride/
A commitment to excellence is part of our corporate DNA, and this shows as we continue to deliver innovative projects in the most desirable locations throughout the world.The Business Year 2012-09-11https://thebusinessyear.com/interview/build-with-pride/
### Danny Lubert
Throughout our network, our strategy remains unchanged: deliver quality projects that ensure worry-free returns for our investors.
A commitment to excellence is part of our corporate DNA, and this shows as we continue to deliver innovative projects in the most desirable locations throughout the world.
Danny Lubert's vast experience of major global property markets and aptitude for detecting opportunities in key emerging markets has proven key to The First Group’s growth to date. Under his guidance, the group of companies has expanded its presence in major markets including the United Kingdom, Spain, Cyprus, South East Asia, West Africa, CIS countries, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. With a background in commerce and mathematics, Danny Lubert specialises in financial structuring, acquisition and marketing.
Founder & Senior Partner ... With a background in commerce and mathematics, Danny Lubert specialises in financial structuring, acquisition and marketing.
Founder & Senior Partner
It demonstrates that our ambition is matched by our ability to execute.Guinness World Records 2026-08-20https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/commercial/2026/8/behind-the-worlds-tallest-hotel-interview-with-ceo-rob-burns
The record was never pursued at the expense of those fundamentals; it was achieved because the entire team remained committed to them throughout the journey.Guinness World Records 2026-08-20https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/commercial/2026/8/behind-the-worlds-tallest-hotel-interview-with-ceo-rob-burns
The attention may come from the record, but the reputation will be built through the experiences we deliver to our guests.Guinness World Records 2026-08-20https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/commercial/2026/8/behind-the-worlds-tallest-hotel-interview-with-ceo-rob-burns
Rob is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, where he studied Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Management.
### Rob Burns
# Rob Burns CEO & Partner at The First Group
Rob also serves as Chairman of the Board.
It demonstrates that our ambition is matched by our ability to execute.
The record was never pursued at the expense of those fundamentals; it was achieved because the entire team remained committed to them throughout the journey.
The attention may come from the record, but the reputation will be built through the experiences we deliver to our guests.
promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2009, and to Chief Executive Officer - a position he has held since 2017.
The American national has called the city of Dubai home since 2008. Since then, he has led the rapid growth of the dynamic, integrated property developer The First Group, firstly as Chief Marketing Officer before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2009, and to Chief Executive Officer - a position he has held since 2017. Rob also serves as Chairman of the Board.
Having spent more than 30 years in leadership roles for some of the world’s most-respected hospitality real estate developers, Rob is one of the foremost industry leaders in real estate development and hospitality.
### Rob Burns Chief Executive Officer ... Rob also serves as Chairman of the Board.
### Rashad Barajakly
Rashad then joined the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and from there went on to join the DIFX ... His journey continued through notable positions at various investment firms
Joining The First Group in 2009, initially as Chief Investment Officer, Rashad quickly became a keystone of the company’s financial and commercial expansion. His promotion to Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer in 2017 marked the culmination of years of dedicated service.
Rashad is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in finance, investment banking, and operations, with an expansive career spanning both the United States and UAE.
Joining The First Group in 2009, initially as Chief Investment Officer, Rashad quickly became a keystone of the company’s financial and commercial expansion.
### Rashad Barajakly Managing Director
### Talal Jassim Al-Bahar
Locally, Mr. Al-Bahar is the Vice Chairman of IFA Hotels & Resorts (“IFAHR”), the Vice Chairman and CEO of Kuwait Real Estate Company (“AQARAT”), the Chairman of Arzan Financial Group (“Arzan”). He is also a Board Member of Commercial Real Estate Co. (Al-Tijaria), and Board Member of Boursa Kuwait (“Boursa”).
Mr. Talal Al-Bahar has c. 25 years of experience in international financial and Real Estate investment and development sectors.
Locally, Mr. Al-Bahar is the Vice Chairman and CEO of Kuwait Real Estate Company (“AQARAT”), the Chairman of Arzan Financial Group (“Arzan”).
Locally, Mr. Al-Bahar is the Vice Chairman and CEO of Kuwait Real Estate Company (“AQARAT”), the Chairman of Arzan Financial Group.
Mr. Al-Halabi holds a degree in Economics from London School of Economics
### Abdul Wahab Al Halabi
Mr. Al-Halabi sits on the board of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, is the Vice Chairman of Union Properties PJSC (both listed entities) and the regional board of Houlihan Lokey
He has been the Group Chief Investment Officer of Meraas Holding ... He has also been the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Properties and held various senior positions within the Dubai Holding group ... He started his career with KPMG in London ... for two years was a partner at KPMG Dubai
Mr. Al-Halabi has over 28 years of experience in the field of executive management. He is involved in the real estate and leisure industry in the region.
Mr. Al-Halabi holds a degree in Economics from London School of Economics and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
He has been the Group Chief Investment Officer of Meraas Holding, a leading UAE based developer where he was responsible for the group's capital markets, investments, funding and finance functions. He has also been the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Properties
### Carlos Leal
Carlos is also the CEO of IFA Asset Management and a Board Member of various group companies, including Yotel Hotel Management Company, and is Executive Chairman of UHM.
Before joining UIP in 1999, Carlos held several positions within the Murray & Roberts Group and Nedcor Group in South Africa.
Before joining UIP in 1999, Carlos held several positions within the Murray & Roberts Group and Nedcor Group in South Africa. ... Carlos’ experience spans over thirty years, including vast international knowledge and expertise in major leisure industry projects’ investment, development, project and asset management.
Carlos’ experience spans over thirty years, including vast international knowledge and expertise in major leisure industry projects’ investment, development, project and asset management.
Carlos Leal is the General Manager of United Investment Portugal (UIP), spearheading the company’s overall strategy and operations in Europe and abroad.
0 undated completions and 0 boundary-uncertain completions are retained but excluded from figures.
| Project | Location | Type | Units | Floors | Area | Cost | Payment plan | Launched | Construction start | Original target | Handover | Delay | Confidence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ciel Dubai Marina | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai Marina | hotel | 1,0041 | 82 | 102,000 m² | AED 650m estimated cost | — | 2018 | 2018 | Jan 2023 – Dec 2023 | Nov 2025 | +28.5 mo (+23.0 to +34.0) | sourced | completed |
| The First Collection Business Bay | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Business Bay | hotel | 4401 | 18 storeys (+1 basement level) | 53,497 sq ft | AED 119.9m other | — | 2015 | 01-Jul-2015 | Jan 2020 – Dec 2020 | Mar 2021 | +8.5 mo (+3.0 to +14.0) | sourced | completed |
| The First Collection Waterfront | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Business Bay | hotel, hotel residences | 3271 | 22 storeys (+2 basement levels) | — | AED 158.7m estimated cost | — | 2017 | July 2017 | — | Jul 2020 | — | not scorable | completed |
| Avalon Tower | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Jumeirah Village Circle | hotel, hotel residences | 3621 | 3B+G+16+R | 227,073 sq ft | AED 94m other | — | 2017 | June 2017 | May 2020 | Jun 2020 | +1.0 mo (+1.0 to +1.0) | sourced | completed |
| First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Jumeirah Village Circle District 14 | hotel | 4911 | 40 | 46,166 m² | AED 203.2m estimated cost | — | 2021 | September 2021 | Sep 2018 – Dec 2018 | Jun 2020 | +19.5 mo (+18.0 to +21.0) | sourced | completed |
| Millennium Place Marina | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai Marina | hotel | 4621 | — | — | — | — | 2019 | 21 February 2019 | Jan 2019 – Mar 2019 | Apr 2019 | +2.0 mo (+1.0 to +3.0) | sourced | completed |
| TRYP by Wyndham Dubai | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Barsha Heights | hotel | 6751 | — | — | — | — | 2013 | August, 2013 | Sep 2016 – Dec 2016 | Sep 2017 | +10.5 mo (+9.0 to +12.0) | sourced | completed |
| Coverage | active |
| Tracked since | October 6, 2026 |
| Last checked | October 15, 2026 this month |
| Profile last researched | October 15, 2026 |
| Claim |