The Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has signed a management agreement with the UAE-based Al Jaber Group to operate a new deluxe hotel under development in Dubai.

The Shangri-La hotel, currently under development, will feature 300 guestrooms and suites and approximately 110 service apartments. The hotel, which forms part of a twin tower multi-purpose complex, is scheduled for completion in late 2001.

This will be Shangri-La's first hotel in the Middle East and is indicative of the group's desire to expand into new markets. It is also the Al Jaber Group's first deluxe hotel project. The hotel complex is located close to Dubai's World Trade Centre and key business and commercial districts, said Ahmed Ramdan, spokesman for the Al Jaber Group.

The deluxe hotel will feature a range of restaurants and bars as well as comprehensive meeting space. Recreation facilities will include two fully-equipped health clubs with sauna, massage and Jacuzzi and a roof-top swimming pool for the executive use of Horizon Floor guests.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently manage 37 properties in China, Fiji Islands, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.