Sharon Garrett moves to Dubai to join the new Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has appointed Sharon Garrett as Director of Communications for the new Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai and the soon to open Traders Hotel Dubai. This appointment reflects a return to the Middle East for Ms Garrett who was previously responsible for Group Public Relations for Jumeirah International (in 2000/1). 

Prior to joining Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts Ms Garrett was Director of Communications for InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong. 

In her new role Ms Garrett will be responsible for marketing and communications activities for both hotels.

"I am delighted to have been offered such an exciting opportunity to join Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and to return to Dubai. This is an exciting time for Shangri-La, with both Dubai properties spear-heading the group's debut in the Middle East." said Ms Garrett.

Shangri-La has signed a management agreement with UAE-based Al Jaber Group to operate the deluxe five-star Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai. This is 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 43 storey hotel, which forms part of a twin tower multi-purpose complex features 301 guestrooms and suites, along with 126 serviced apartments. Already open for business, the complex is ideally located for business travellers near Dubai's World Trade Centre and the commercial districts.

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai is the first of four new properties Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts are opening in the Gulf in the next three years. The Traders Hotel, Dubai is planned to open in late 2003, with Shangri-La properties in both Oman and Qatar to follow in 2005/6.

The 250-room four-star Traders Hotel, Dubai, opening later this year is being developed by the Muscat-based Zubair Corporation and operates 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. Today's traveller is well catered for, with each of the guest rooms equipped with the latest in technology. 

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently manages 42 hotels in Australia, the Chinese mainland, Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and United Arab Emirates with a rooms inventory of over 20,000.