Shangri-La Hotels And Resorts Expands Further Into The Middle East

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has announced two new hotels in the Middle East as part of its plans to double the number of hotels it operates by 2005. Two new management contracts have been signed in the Middle East: the 714-room Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort in Muscat, Oman will open mid-2004 as a world-class destination resort and the 210-bedroom Traders Hotel, Dubai will open early 2003. Both hotel projects will be developed by the Muscat-based Zubair Corporation.

South of Muscat, the new Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort will be a fully integrated resort consisting 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. In addition, the spectacular resort, which will reflect the distinctive Omani/Arab architecture, will have its own private beach, a luxurious exclusive spa with a range of treatments, five fresh and salt water swimming pools, five tennis courts and a fitness centre. Boating, diving and water sports will also be available.

The hotel will be situated on a 124-hectare site nestled within the dramatic rocky coastline and with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Oman. It will be approximately 45 minutes drive from Seeb International Airport and 15 minutes drive from the central business district in Ruwi. The resort has been designed by the London office of Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, one of the world'¦s top architectural firms.

Located within close proximity to Dubai International Airport and the business district, the Traders Hotel, Dubai will be the sixth hotel in the group's growing Traders brand launched by Shangri-La in 1989. It will join hotels in Beijing and Shenyang, China; Yangon, Mynamar; Manila, Philippines; and Singapore. This will be the second hotel for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in Dubai following the opening of the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai at the end of 2002.

The Zubair Corporation's Group President and Chief Executive, Rashad M. Al Zubair, said: "We are most delighted to be associated with the Shangri-La group as it is a highly regarded luxury brand with an excellent reputation for personalised service. It is the perfect partnership for our plans for the exclusive Barr Al Jissah development in Oman, whilst the Traders brand is synonymous with quality business class accommodation and will complement our Dubai project."

Commenting upon the two new hotels, Shangri-La's Chief Executive Officer, Giovanni Angelini, who is spearheading the company's expansion plans, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for us to develop a greater presence in the Middle East where we are looking forward to bringing Shangri-La's unique blend of Asian hospitality."

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, the largest Asian-based luxury hotel company in the region, currently manages 37 hotels in China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar and Fiji Islands with a rooms inventory of over 19,000.