Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is opening three new properties in the Gulf in the next three years: Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Muscat, Oman, in July 2005, and The Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai and Traders Hotel, Dubai, to open in early July 2003 and January 2004.
Shangri-La has signed a management agreement with UAE-based Al Jaber Group to operate the deluxe five-star Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai. This will be Shangri-La’s first hotel in the Gulf, a region the group has targeted for expansion, and it will also be the Al Jaber Group’s first deluxe hotel project.
The property, which forms part of a twin tower multi-purpose complex, is currently under development and will feature 301 guestrooms and suites, along with 126 service apartments. The complex is located near Dubai’s World Trade Centre and the commercial districts.
Commenting on the expansion, Giovanni Angelini, Shangri-La’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said: ‘This is an exciting opportunity for us to develop a presence in the Gulf. Dubai is an attractive and popular destination for Asian and European travellers, making it the ideal location for us to open our first hotel in the region and to debut Shangri-La’s legendary hospitality.’
The luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, was designed by Canadian-based architects NORR Group Consultants International. Each room measures a spacious 45 metres on average, and all rooms and suites feature an expansive work area, dataports, and tea and coffee making facilities, as well as 24-hour room service. The property features seven restaurants reflecting regional, Asian and international cuisine, and three bars. Recreation facilities include two fully equipped health clubs with sauna, massage and Jacuzzi, and a roof-top swimming pool for the exclusive use of Horizon Floor guests.
Other facilities include a 24-hour business centre complete with four work-stations and a boardroom. Adjacent to the business centre are three conference rooms; other meeting facilities include Grand and Junior Ballrooms, located on the hotel’s nineth storey.
Its sister hotel, the 250-room four-star Traders Hotel, Dubai, will open in 2004 and operate as a management contract. Located near the Dubai International Airport and the business district, this will be the sixth hotel in the group’s growing Traders brand, which was launched by Shangri-La in 1989. It will join Traders hotels in Beijing and Shenyang, China; Yangon, Myanmar; Manila, Philippines; and Singapore.
Featuring a health club with an indoor pool, Traders Hotel, Dubai will offer a 24-hour coffee shop and a separate bar, comprehensive meeting facilities including a ballroom of 300 square metres and a business centre. Each of the 30 square metre rooms will provide the latest in technology to ensure that today’s traveller is well catered for.
The Traders Hotel, Dubai is being developed by the Muscat-based Zubair Corporation, which is also developing Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Muscat, Oman. This world-class destination resort with 680 rooms will open in July 2005 south of Muscat.
The most exciting all-in-one resort complex in the Gulf, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa will consist of three hotels aimed at different luxury markets with all rooms and suites having sea views and balconies. There will be a selection of deluxe villas, a conference centre and a ballroom accommodating up to 800 people, as well as a heritage village consisting of retail outlets and eight restaurants.
Designed by the London office of Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, one of the world’s top architectural firms, the resort will reflect the distinctive Omani/Arab architecture, and will benefit from its own private beach, a luxurious exclusive spa, fresh and salt water swimming pools, tennis courts and a fitness centre.