Dubai welcomes community-first Hotel Local in Jumeirah Village Triangle
New 579-room property blends comfort, cuisine, and community in central Dubai
DUBAI: In a collaborative venture between The First Group Hospitality and US-based Hoque Global, Hotel Local has officially opened its doors in Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT), Dubai.
Designed as a lifestyle-centric, community-first hospitality brand, the 579-room property represents a significant evolution in the urban hotel experience – merging local culture, social engagement, and immersive guest offerings within a vibrant and inclusive space.
With this launch, Hoque Global brings its first Hotel Local property to life outside the United States, signalling ambitious international plans for the brand’s expansion into major cultural hubs worldwide. Under the management of The First Group Hospitality, the hotel sets a new benchmark for contemporary lifestyle stays in Dubai, redefining what it means to travel, connect, and belong.
Hotel Local
Hotel Local is purposefully positioned as more than a destination – it is a community extension, offering a rich blend of curated cultural experiences, social interaction, and neighbourhood hospitality. Located strategically in JVT, the hotel offers 579 rooms across six distinct room types, catering to short- and long-term guests, including business travellers, digital nomads, city residents, and families.
Each room is designed to reflect the brand’s aesthetic—comfortable, modern, and community-inspired—ensuring guests feel instantly at home. The property includes a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the JVT skyline, a state-of-the-art gym, and a tranquil wellness spa. Complimentary shuttle services connect guests to Soluna Restaurants & Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, offering easy access to pristine beaches, gourmet dining, and water activities.
Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group, commented: “Hotel Local is more than just a place to stay; it’s a vibrant social hub where guests and locals come together to connect, create, and experience Dubai in an authentic and immersive way.”
Culture meets connection
The concept for Hotel Local was born from Hoque Global’s commitment to education, community engagement, and inclusive growth. The brand’s ethos is deeply rooted in fostering empathetic leadership in the hospitality industry by offering training and development opportunities for local talent.
Mike Hoque, Founder and CEO of Hoque Global, noted: “Hotel Local was born out of a deep passion for people, community, and education. Our mission is to train and educate future talents in a world-class facility, cultivating empathetic leaders who will redefine hospitality service for generations to come.”
This community-oriented vision is reflected not just in the operations, but in every interaction across the hotel’s services – from food and beverage to social programming and guest engagement.
Dave Johnson, a veteran hospitality leader and partner in the Hotel Local project, added: “The JVT location and property are spectacular – a perfect embodiment of our vision for a community-centric lifestyle hotel. This marks just the beginning, and we look forward to expanding the brand worldwide.”
Dining and social anchors
Culinary experiences at Hotel Local are carefully crafted to reflect the locality while delivering global standards of taste and innovation. Among its signature venues are:
- Farmers Commons: A farm-to-table dining destination highlighting sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Dishes incorporate hydroponic herbs, fresh regional produce, and artisanal dairy, championing authenticity and simplicity.
- Neighbourhood Brew: A multi-functional café and lounge space that evolves throughout the day – from morning coffee and artisanal pastries to a laid-back evening ambience with craft beers and signature cocktails.
The hotel’s social calendar also promises ongoing excitement, with themed brunches, collaborative pop-up events, and cultural evenings curated for both guests and the wider community. The combination of thoughtful programming and unique F&B offerings ensures Hotel Local serves as a true neighbourhood anchor—an ever-evolving destination for creativity, conversation, and connection.
A global brand with local roots
Hotel Local, conceived and developed in Dallas, Texas, stands at the intersection of community-led hospitality and forward-thinking design. With its launch in Dubai, the brand positions itself as a lifestyle innovator with global ambitions.
The First Group Hospitality will oversee operational management, bringing its extensive regional expertise and track record of successful properties to the partnership. The brand’s future pipeline includes planned rollouts in key U.S. cities such as New York, Miami, and San Francisco, alongside additional locations in the GCC.
Hoque Global’s commitment to shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals is a cornerstone of the brand’s DNA. Through structured learning modules, mentorship programmes, and career development pathways, Hotel Local invests in cultivating a diverse talent pool ready to lead the industry forward.
Guests of Hotel Local are not just travellers – they are participants in a shared experience. From curated playlists and locally commissioned artwork to event spaces designed for spontaneous collaboration, the hotel provides a framework where individuality is celebrated, and the local spirit is honoured.