Michael Owen in Dubai for the inauguration of major project for The First Group

Dubai – The First Group and First Homes Worldwide’s global ambassador, England International soccer star Michael Owen, flew to Dubai recently to join the company’s directors in celebrating the opening of their Dubai office – and officially inaugurating The First Group’s flagship Dubai Development, The Diamond at Sports City

First on Michael’s agenda was a date with 40 young local soccer hopefuls, keen to pick up some tips from the top. Michael shared some of his professional expertise with the lucky group, who enjoyed a memorable afternoon at the prestigious Burj Al Arab Hotel’s Marina Garden – as their smiles show.

Next was a sparkling VIP reception at Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach hotel, where The First Group brought together leading names from Dubai’s business community to celebrate the Dubai office opening.

Speaking to the guests, the First Group Joint Chairman Danny Lubert said “We at The First Group are thrilled to have Michael Owen as our first global ambassador and we are delighted to have been able to bring Michael over to Dubai as we mark our official arrival here. Michael will be carrying out the ground-breaking ceremony which will signify the start of construction at our inaugural project in Dubai, The Diamond at Dubai Sports City.”

Michael’s next appointment was slightly less glamorous but equally important, and saw him visit the site of Dubai’s Sports City where he climbed aboard a JCB and officially inaugurated The First Group’s flagship property – The Diamond at Sports City.

The Diamond is a very high-spec residential development offering 13 floors of apartments and one penthouse level. In addition to a wide range of leisure facilities and fully equipped business centre, residents of The Diamond will also enjoy preferential rates at various Dubai Sports City and Dubailand outlets. One of the first occupants will be Michael Owen himself.

Dubai Sports City, the cornerstone of Dubailand, is a $3 billion, 50 million square feet mixed-use metropolis which will be the worlds first integrated purpose-built sports city. The development will be centred around four magnificent stadia offering multi purpose, indoor and outdoor facilities for a wide range of sports including football, rugby, track and field, cricket and hockey.

An indoor arena suitable for all hard court sports, as well as concerts and other events, also features a removable ice rink.

As well as the stadia, Dubai Sports City will feature a series of major sports academy facilities including Manchester United Soccer School, David Lloyd Tennis Academy, Butch Harmon school of Golf, World Hockey Academy, Sports Rehabilitation Centre, gym, 50-metre swimming pool, and the ICC Global Cricket Academy.

In addition to The Diamond, The First Group’s residential property in Dubai Sports City, a new commercial development is soon to be announced.