About Us

Danny Lubert's devotion to the global property market and aptitude to detect emerging markets has proved extremely successful, taking the group of companies to the United Kingdom, Spain, Cyprus, South East Asia and the UAE which is where he and his family are now permanently based. With a background in commerce and mathematics, Lubert specialises in financial structuring, acquisition and marketing.

British-born Gary Shepherd has been actively involved in overseas property development since the early 1980s and predominantly in partnership with Danny Lubert, upon realising the power of their collaboration. Previously Shepherd has worked in Spain and South East Asia and in the 1990s grew a large Hong Kong-based property marketing business, as well as consulting for major development companies such as Eurodisney and the Berajaya Group of Malaysia. The First Group is now Shepherd's focus and he specialises in product development.

Rob is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University where he studied Business, Marketing and Hotel and Resort Management. His career in marketing dates back to 1986 and spans across the US, United Kingdom and Europe. He has experience in a wide array of disciplines including brand advertising, database marketing, direct mail, telemarketing, print and public relations, as well as extensive interactive experience. Having worked with major institutions around the world, Rob arrived in Dubai as the group's Chief Marketing Officer to be quickly promoted to Chief Operating Officer.

With over 30 years' experience in a variety of senior-level business operations, including shipping, asset management, venture capital and feature film production and distribution, Mark has proudly assisted in the key development of a huge number of international ventures. He now continues to apply his expertise in managing The First Group's rapid growth.

Rashad brings years of experience to The First Group, thanks to a career spanning in finance and investment banking encompassing both the US and Dubai. He held senior positions in New York and Atlanta before joining DIFC, then moving on to help launch DIFX and later extending his banking career working with NBK Capital and boutique investment companies. His experience of operations and finance in both private and publicly listed companies is a valuable asset to The First Group.

Amr Al Bawab joined The First Group in March of 2008 bringing a vast level of experience from major multi-national companies from across the globe. Educated in the United States, Amr has developed a career in construction spanning many different disciplines and positions. Bringing over 25 years of experience to The First Group, Amr manages a demanding time line of projects each of which is planned and executed to an unparalleled standard.