UAE’s The First Group Hospitality signs multiple hotel‑management agreements with Marriott International , Radisson RED and IHG Hotels & Resorts as it expands its regional and international portfolio

Published on November 8, 2025

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UAE’s The First Group Hospitality signs multiple hotel-management agreements with Marriott International (Tribute Portfolio & Autograph Collection), Radisson RED, and IHG Hotels & Resorts as it expands its regional and international portfolio. This significant move marks a new chapter for the UAE’s hospitality industry, bringing with it exciting opportunities for both travelers and the tourism sector. Through these partnerships, The First Group Hospitality is strengthening its presence in the region while enhancing the global appeal of the UAE as a top-tier travel destination. With newly rebranded properties under renowned hotel brands like Marriott, Radisson, and IHG, visitors can expect an even more diverse range of luxurious stays, enriching the UAE’s reputation as a hub for premium experiences. As tourism continues to grow, these developments are set to further bolster the UAE’s booming hospitality sector, improving airline connectivity and elevating the travel experience for tourists from all over the world.

Signing Multiple Hotel-Management Agreements, The First Group Hospitality Expands Along Their Regionally International Portfolio.

Ever since the UAE was established, the country has combined rich culture with modern world class luxuries. For that reason, the tourism sector has been thriving. Recently The First Group Hospitality (TFGH) has been making announcements that highlight the potential these opportunities present to the world. Considering the recent key hotel partnership agreements with Marriot International, Radisson RED, IHG Hotels & Resorts, it is safe to say TFGH takes hospitality to the next level. The new partnerships will boost the UAE tourism potential and future travel opportunities to diverse destinations worldwide.

Growth of Global Presence with Marriott International

Dubai’s flagship properties rebranding is in collaboration with one of the most recognized hotels globally: TFGH with Marriott International. The First Collection Marina and The First Collection Waterfront will also become part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, a lifestyle brand well known to its travelers for its contemporary and upscale properties. In addition, Marriott’s Autograph Collection well known for its personalized and distinguished hospitality will take over operations of Hotel Local Dubai located in Jumeirah Village.

Since Advent International acquired Marriott International, Dubai will have the most complex and sophisticated hospitality to offer with the most advanced technology available today. With an even better proposition for the sophisticated international travelers, the properties will offer premium stays and unparalleled services.

Greener Pastures with Advent International’s Acquisition of Marriott International

Since Advent International acquired Marriott International, Dubai will have the most complex and sophisticated hospitality to offer with the most advanced technology available today. With an even better proposition for the sophisticated international travelers, the properties will offer premium stays and unparalleled services.

These changes show how Dubai has been growing in rank as the top global destination for travelers Dubai was the leader in luxury tourism and with new developments brings the most modern and luxurious hotels in the city. From the waterfront to the hotels, visitors enjoy the modern and urban aesthetics of the hotels. With luxurious hotels and partnerships, TFGH, Marriott offers the most unforgettable experiences for tourists.

As UAE’s hospitality sector grows, Radisson RED Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah is set to open in 2027. As the first Radisson RED hotel in UAE, it will have 261 rooms and will attract youthful, spirited travelers. Radisson design hotels have modern and upbeat presentation, and appeal to younger travelers. They are unique and perfect for the youthful hotels.

Radisson RED matches Ras Al Khaimah which is the fastest growing destination in the UAE. Visitors to the island enjoy the perfect combination of location – the beach and the city which suits the leisure travelers and those vacationers wishing to experience Ras Al Khaimah’s burgeoning culture and adventure. Ras Al Khaimah is growing in tourism and this partnership will spark the growth in tourism for the international visitors. With the Radisson RED tourist facilities and the energetic atmosphere this is going to add a positive contribution to the tourist landscape in the UAE.

With the growing demand for travel to Ras Al Khaimah, this new hotel is going to positive expand the airline’s connectivity in the region. You can travel to Ras Al Khaimah by Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, this airport is catering to a large number of international flights especially to the UK, India, and Russia. Important airlines like Emirates, flydubai, and Wizz Air offer direct and easy flights to the growing Ras Al Khaimah.

IHG Hotels & Resorts Grows Portfolio with Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle

Another big milestone within TFGH’s expansion blueprint comes from working with IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the largest hotel chains globally. With this new agreement the Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle, which has 349 rooms, will be added to the closet, located by Al Maktoum International Airport.

Dubai has some of the world’s busiest airports and with the addition of Al Maktoum International Airport, has solidified it’s place as a global travel hub. The new Holiday Inn building will support the flow of business men and women and tourists to Dubai providing easy access as a stop over point. It also offers transport options to the centre of the city.

Holiday Inn’s reputation of supportive reasonable prices, helps capture a certain demographic which helps them increase their consumer base. The location and pricing near the airport appeals to those with layovers and business access to Dubai. The partnership with IHG, built another reference for TFGH as it’s portfolio continues to grow. It solidifies TFGH’s role as a key player when it comes to the hospitality industry in the region.

Connecting Travel and Tourism: The Impact on Airlines

As the hospitality sector in the UAE expands, so does the business of the countries airlines due to increasing demand and accessibility. New and rebranded hotels will boost international and domestic air traffic as more people visit the UAE.

Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways have already developed strong route networks to the UAE. As newly developed hotels gain more popularity, the demand for flights to the UAE will increase. The UAE’s access and hospitality offerings are enough to entice airlines to increase flight frequency on existing routes and even new routes.

Emirates is also the larger airline serving Dubai and operates to over 150 locations worldwide, meaning people traveling for tourism to the UAE can access Dubai hotels more easily. flydubai has access routes to Europe and Asia and also interconnects the Middle East and has access to Dubai and the rest of the UAE. They are also Dubai’s and the UAE’s larger airlines.

European travelers can also consider Wizz Air and flynas when booking flights to Ras Al Khaimah. This makes Ras Al Khaimah more accessible to international travelers looking for a more peaceful alternative to the busy streets of Dubai.

A Surge in International Tourism

Recently made agreements with TFGH and the partnering of Marriott, Radisson, and IHG are focusing on the international hotspots of the UAE. This is because, in the tourism industry, the UAE is predicted to grow even more. The last reports show that the tourism sector in the UAE is predicted to grow to USD 73 billion and international spending is also predicted to grow by over 37% compared to the spending made during the pandemic.

The UAE is attracting visitors from all over the globe. India, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Russia are the leading source countries for inbound tourism and this is likely to remain the same as the UAE increases the scale of its tourism facilities. Dubai, to give an example, welcomed over 5.3 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 3% year-on-year increase, with Indian nationals consistently ranking as the top visitors.

The top global tourism destination The strategic partnerships formed by TFGH with international hotel brands will continue to strengthen the UAE’s position as a. The impact on the airline and tourism industry will be undeniable as more travelers will be able to visit and experience these hotels and resorts. Increased flights, more efficient airport operations, and greater tourism spend will all follow.

Travel Tips for Tourists Visiting New UAE Hotels

If you are planning a visit to the UAE and wish to stay at one of the new hotels under TFGH’s management, these tips will be useful to you.

1. Book Your Flights Early – Increased tourist arrivals and high demand for flights to the UAE mean that you should secure your flights as early as possible. Emirates and flydubai have the most scheduled flights, with multiple daily flights from major cities around the world.
2. Look for Hotel Packages – Most hotels, particularly those under the Emirates hotel brands like Marriott, Radisson, and IHG, have special tourist packages. Discounts for longer stays, airport transfers, early check-ins, and more are all part of the deal.
3. Schedule Around Big Times – Dubai rings in the year with global events like the ** Dubai Shopping Festival** and in ’25 Expo. If you plan on visiting during these busy times, it’s best to stay and plan your flights early.
4. Know the Visa Requirements – Some nationalities can get a tourist visa upon arriving in the UAE, however, it’s best to get visa requirements checked, as some people can stay for long periods.
5. Plan to Get Around – Dubai has a lot of shopping malls and cultural热点. So it’s best to plan what you want to do a head of time in order to use your time wisely. The metro is an easy and cheap way to get to your hotel from the main sites.
6. Pack for the Weather – The UAE has a desert climate. Therefore, you should pack light and breathable clothing, sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses. Although, from October to April it is less warm, you may want to pack a light jacket for the evenings.

UAE’s The First Group Hospitality signs multiple hotel-management agreements with Marriott International, Radisson RED, and IHG Hotels & Resorts, marking a major expansion in its regional and international portfolio. These strategic partnerships promise to enhance the UAE’s hospitality offerings and elevate the global tourism experience.

What’s Next for UAE Tourism?

As travelers look to the future for even more exciting opportunities, the UAE carefully focuses on innovation within its hospitality and tourism sectors. Lasting partnerships with global hospitality brands, such as The First Group Hospitality bonds with Marriott, Radisson, and IHG, further signal innovation and an increasing focus on guest experience. Such partnerships, aligned with the UAE’s global infrastructure and hospitality-focused air service expansion, enhance the UAE’s international travel leader status.

As the UAE tourism and hospitality sectors further invest in cutting-edge tech, sustainability, and digital transformation, their tourism offering balances culture, luxury, and adventure. The UAE is an incredible and dynamic travel region, so it’s the right time to focus on the extraordinary experiences awaiting each and every traveler.