Shaner Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator, and developer, announced a new partnership with Dubai’s The First Group today. The alliance will be under Shaner’s Italia division, aiming to increase their presence throughout Cyprus and the Gulf region.

The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, will be the first project under this collaboration. This hotel marks the debut of The First Group’s lifestyle hospitality brand, The First Collection.

Shaner Hotels’ president, Plato Ghinos, highlighted the growing demand for well-branded, well-operated hotels in the Gulf region. He noted the scarcity of such opportunities as local owners often prefer independent properties with less oversight. This partnership aims to address this gap, providing services spanning all stages of the hotel life cycle.

Echoing Ghinos’s sentiments, Apo Demirtas, Chief Strategy Officer at The First Group Hospitality, expressed optimism that this alliance would benefit both companies. He cited the potential for cross-pollination of operational systems and vast hospitality experience to accelerate their portfolio expansion.

The partnership will promote hotel management agreements throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Greece, and Cyprus. Hotels will operate under the First Collection, Tribute Portfolio, and the Marriott international family of brands.

Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group, praised Shaner for its international experience, strong internal culture, and existing presence along the Mediterranean. He stated that these qualities make Shaner an ideal partner for expanding further into the Gulf region.

Developed by The First Group and operated by The First Group Hospitality, The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle sits in a 40-story building and is part of the Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio.

The hotel offers 491 suites, a  business lounge, a swimming pool, a sundeck, a fully equipped fitness center, and a spa center. It is located in Jumeirah Village Circle, a short distance from Dubai’s beaches, downtown Dubai, Dubai South, and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Lance Shaner, Chairman and CEO of Shaner Hotels, expressed confidence in the new hotel’s success, both financially for stakeholders and in terms of guest satisfaction. The hotel had already won multiple awards before its official opening, hinting at a bright future ahead.