Leading Dubai-based property developer offers free accommodation to worst affected residents

Dubai, 05 March, 2015: Leading Dubai-based property developer The First Group is stepping into the breach to aid those left homeless by the fire that ripped through one of the world's tallest residential buildings in Dubai Marina last month.

The company has pledged to accommodate victims of the fire, which devastated 30 floors of the 86-storey Torch residential tower in the early hours of Saturday, 21 February. The inferno left more than 100 apartments severely damaged and countless residents homeless.

With an investigation into the cause of the fire continuing, many of the worst affected residents have not even been allowed to return to inspect their homes and collect what few belongings remain.

The First Group, which has forged a formidable reputation as one of Dubai's top developers of luxury hotel apartments, has committed to working with Kingfield Owner Association Management Services, which represents the interests of residents of the Torch, to house a number of those impacted by the fire.

It will provide 20 studio and one-bedroom apartments situated within its Metro Central and First Central hotels, located in Dubai's popular TECOM district.

Accommodation will be provided to select residents for up to two months free-of-charge.

Commenting on the initiative, The First Group Joint Chairman Danny Lubert said the company was committed to helping Torch residents in their time of need.

"While the fire briefly drew the attention of the world's media, the human tragedy behind the headlines remains very real for many of the Torch's residents," he said.

"As one of Dubai's leading property developers, we felt it was our duty to give back to the community and assist these residents by providing them with short-term accommodation so they can go about rebuilding their lives."

The First Group Joint Chairman Gary Shepherd said he hoped the example set by the developer would inspire other corporations in Dubai to help those in need.

"People's lives have been forever altered by this catastrophe and I hope other organisations that are in a position to help will do so," he added.

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

ABOUT METRO CENTRAL HOTEL APARTMENTS
Situated in the heart of TECOM, Metro Central Hotel Apartments offers state-of-the-art in-room facilities including a kitchenette, spacious living and dining area, and plush bedroom and bathroom. Top amenities include a rooftop swimming pool and sundeck, a health club incorporating a gymnasium and steam rooms, a business centre, 24-hour reception, valet, Wi-Fi broadband Internet access, and laundry and dry cleaning services.

FIRST CENTRAL HOTEL APARTMENTS
With a choice of classic and privilege style studios and one-bedroom apartments, First Central offers everything guests could need. All apartments feature a fully-equipped kitchenette, while top amenities include a rooftop swimming pool and sun deck, a health club featuring a gymnasium and steam rooms, laundry and dry cleaning services, and Wi-Fi broadband internet access.

ABOUT THE FIRST GROUP
The First Group is a British-owned international hotel & property development company, whose principals have built up their expertise and success in the global market over the last 30 years. The First Group management team draws from strong and diverse backgrounds in the fields of global property, finance, acquisition, marketing and product development. Its expert eye for emerging property market potential and prestigious partnerships with industry leaders means that their clients can enjoy secure and attractive returns from one of the world's most vibrant hotel markets. With its global headquarters in Dubai and offices spanning Moscow, Almaty, Kazan, Astana, Abuja, Lagos, Jeddah and most recently Khobar, The First Group's client base is expanding rapidly. For more details visit www.thefirstgroup.com.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Eve Humphreys                                                                    
Director of Brand & Marketing Communications                                         
Ph: +971 4 438 7458
E-mail: Eve.Humphreys@thefirstgroup.com

Aaron Greenwood
Director
Ph: +44 7731 796 139
E-mail: aaron@contentinc.me.uk

© Press Release 2015