The First Group partners with BB Holding for the UAE’s first Radisson Red on Marjan Island | News
The first group hospitalityone of the fastest growing hotel management companies in the region, has announced a partnership with BB Holding to operate in the coming years Radisson RED Marjan Island– the first Radisson RED franchise in the UAE, expected to open in 2027. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies: The First Group’s debut in Ras Al Khaimah and BB Holding’s first hotel development in the UAE, boosting investor confidence in the emirate’s fast-growing hospitality sector.
Located on the vibrant Marjan Island, the AED 215 million lifestyle hotel will feature 261 modern rooms and suites, along with four dynamic F&B outlets: an all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop specialty restaurant, a lobby café and a poolside bar. Guests will also enjoy an array of premium amenities, including a private beach, outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, indoor and outdoor play areas for children, and flexible meeting and event spaces.
In response to the partnership: Rob Burns, CEO of The First Groupstated:
“We are proud to expand our hotel operations to Al Marjan Island, one of the most exciting lifestyle destinations in the Gulf. Radisson RED Marjan Island represents a new chapter for The First Group, combining our operational expertise with Ras Al Khaimah’s rapidly evolving hospitality landscape. This resort will strengthen our growing portfolio while bringing an energetic, design-driven experience to one of the UAE’s most promising markets.”
Michael Bagdasarov, Managing Director of BB Holdingnoted:
“A key factor in choosing The First Group Hospitality was their comprehensive suite of centralized services, which was especially important to us as a newcomer to the UAE market. These services create the benefits of a large hotel cluster, reduce finance, HR, IT and engineering overheads and improve overall profitability. Furthermore, The First Group’s proven F&B expertise perfectly aligned with our vision for developing vibrant, in-demand restaurant concepts that will attract both guests and local visitors.”
Stirling Hospitality Advisors played a central role during the development process, leading the search and selection of operators in line with BB Holding’s strategic objectives.
Elie Milky, Chief Development Officer, Middle East, Northeast Africa, Greece and Cyprus, Radisson Hotel Group, added:
“We are proud to be working with BB Holding and The First Group Hospitality to bring Radisson RED to Ras Al Khaimah. This project reflects the strength of the market and the confidence investors have in the growth of Ras Al Khaimah. We see this as the start of a long-term partnership and a platform for further expansion in the Emirates.”
The consultancy managed feasibility studies, brand and operator assessments and negotiations, ensuring the partnership between BB Holding and The First Group Hospitality was built on operational excellence, market insight and a shared long-term vision.
Radisson RED Marjan Island will embody the brand’s signature bold design, creative spirit and social energy, combining industrial-chic aesthetics with a resort-inspired atmosphere befitting its waterfront location.
The development is in line with Ras Al Khaimah’s broader tourism vision and coincides with major projects such as the Wynn Resort and Coral Bay, which will enhance the emirate’s profile as a global hospitality hub.
Stretching 4.5 kilometers into the Arabian Gulf, Al Marjan Island consists of four coral-shaped islands with 7.8 kilometers of pristine beaches and a growing portfolio of premium hotels, lifestyle locations and entertainment destinations, making it an ideal location for Radisson RED’s dynamic entry into the UAE market.
