Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai scoops 'Best New Business Hotel in the World' award

The awards were announced in the presence of HRH the Countess of Wessex and were held in association with TQ3 Travel solutions.

The Business Traveller Awards 2004 are the result of the 20th annual Reader Poll by the magazine. Second place went to the Grand Hyatt Dubai and the Bulgari Milan came-in third.

Remarking about the award, Mr Bernhard Haechler, General Manager, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai said,

"We are thrilled to have been recognized by the readers of Business Traveller magazine. It is testimony to the commitment of our employees who each embrace our culture of 'one team one way towards excellence'. The facilities of Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai provide everything the business traveller could desire, however, we believe it is the personalized and attentive service from caring people that is the main contributor to our success."

Located a mere 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, the stunning 301 room luxury hotel boasts magnificent views of gleaming skyscrapers and breathtaking sea and desert scapes. The hotel guest rooms are among the most spacious in Dubai and are all beautifully appointed in warm, earthy tones with modern conveniences. Guests are spoilt for choice with nine distinctive restaurants and bars with everything from an International Café and Vietnamese cuisine with a French twist to authentic Cantonese, Moroccan and Seafood.

Business has never been so enjoyable, with a 24 hour business centre, extensive meeting facilities and state-of-the-art technology. When it's time to take a break from business and just relax, the Health & Recreation facilities are the answer with the entire 4th floor featuring the Spa, squash and tennis courts, fully equipped fitness centre and swimming pool.

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai is a haven of ultimate luxury and comfort. The preferred choice for business and leisure travellers, it's clear why the readers of Business Traveller gave Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai their vote.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, was also awarded Best Business Hotel Chain in Asia Pacific for the ninth consecutive year, while the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore was selected Best Business Hotel in The World.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently manages 44 hotels in Australia, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, with a rooms inventory of over 21,000. In addition, the group has over 20 projects under development in Canada, China, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, and Thailand.