The First Group offers free accommodation to victims of the Torch fire

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

Dubai, 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.