13 August 2007
Colleagues join General Manager to raise the flag for the hotel's imminent soft opening

The pre-opening team members at the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, joined General Manager, Adrian Rudin, to raise a flag to mark the hotel's imminent soft opening. Mr. Rudin was joined by Resident Manager, Khaled Ghaleb, and other executives at the momentous event today, which pre-empts the doors of the hotel opening to guests and visitors.

The first phase of the exciting new project has taken only 24 months to come to fruition. The first pile went in to the ground on 17th August 2005 and the pre-opening team has been dedicated to opening the hotel on time and with facilities available for guests.

"We are delighted and proud that today we are marking the imminent soft opening of the Shangri-La Hotel in Abu Dhabi. In 24 months, we have conceptualised, built and delivered a product that is outstanding in the local market and we are looking forward to welcoming our first guests over the coming weeks," said Adrian Rudin.

The 21-acre project includes 214 luxurious rooms and suites all with balconies, as well as seven villas, each with its own theme. The Residence will house 161 spacious serviced apartments, ranging from studio to four-bedroom units. Exceptional recreation facilities throughout the complex include four outdoor swimming pools, a health club with private pool, children's pool and playground, five private beaches and a variety of sporting activities.

Al Jaber Group has played an instrumental part in the phenomenal development and growth of the United Arab Emirates over the last 30 years. With a current dedicated and professional workforce of over 25,000 employees and a visionary management team the group has made a significant contribution in playing an integral part of the countries ambitious construction efforts. Al Jaber's participation in the development of the UAE's infrastructure has included involvement in areas such as construction, logistics, oil and gas services, landscaping, industrial development and trading. The achievements of Al Jaber have performed with consistent quality safety and excellence to bring services and products that have helped build a nation. 

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently manages 50 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a room's inventory of over 24,000.  Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.  Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Thailand, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates.  The group has over 40 projects under development in Canada, mainland China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.  For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

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About Shangri-La Hotel
The hotel is marking its soft opening with special food and beverage promotions to all guests and visitors. Opening promotions will be distributed to local media soon.

For more information please contact:
Natalie Glorney
Director of Communications
Shangri-La Hotel
Qaryat Al Beri
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Tel: (971 2) 5098618
Fax: (971 2) 5585999
Email: natalie.glorney@shangri-la.com
Website: www.shangri-la.com

© Press Release 2007