Q4 Newsletter - 2025
Shangri -La and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Table of Contents
Message from the General Manager
Hotel Updates
Rewards And Appreciation
Sustainability Initiatives
Learning and Development Updates
Message from the
General Manager
Quarter 04 | 2025
Dear Colleagues,
The fourth quarter of 2025 marked a meaningful This period was marked by colleague engagement,
conclusion to the year for Shangri -La and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi .
active community involvement,
and a continued commitment to excellence across
both hotels.
Sustainability remained a key focus during the quarter by the successful
planting of 25 mangrove trees in support of the UAE’s
national target to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030 , achieved in collaboration with the Emirates Environmental
Group (EEG).
Culinary excellence was also recognized,
with Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard receiving the FACT Dining Award for Favorite French
Restaurant as well as was found a place in MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 .
Key milestones included the Long Service Award Ceremony, recognizing years of dedication and service, alongside colleague engagement initiatives such as Diwali, Eid Al Etihad, World Children’s Day, and the ongoing Moments of Joy program . Wellbeing and community engagement were further enhanced through participation in the 14 th Annual ADCB Zayed Sports City Pink Run 2025 , the Dragon Boat Festival, and the ICF Stand Up Paddling World Championship . The festive season brought colleagues together through the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at both of our hotels, held in partnership with Operation Smile, as well as the Annual Colleagues’ Party 2025 . Excellence continued to be recognized through the Colleague of the Month and Manager of the Quarter awards . In recognition of our collective efforts, we are proud to share that, based on the November 2025 YTD Balanced Scorecard results, the hotels have achieved outstanding month-on-month performance, scoring 30 points for SLAD and 27 points for THAD . This strong performance has positioned us at No . 1 in MEIA and No . 4 globally, driven by exceptional overall results and the valuable contributions of colleagues across all departments .
As we look ahead to 2026 , we remain committed to continued investment in progressive learning and development,
responsible
hospitality,
and the delivery of exceptional
experiences for our guests, colleagues,
and the wider community .
Ahmed Issa General Manager Shangri -La and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhab i
Hotel Updates
Meet Our
Pool Bar Manager
Amir began his hospitality journey in 2009 as an intern at Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives, working in a fine - dining French restaurant . After completing his internship and studies in India, he rejoined the industry at J Resort Alidhoo (John Hills Cinnamon) as a bar waiter . His strong passion for spirits, wines, and cocktails inspired his ambition to become a bartender, leading him to spend nearly five years refining his skills behind the bar. exposure, Amir moved to Abu Dhabi and joined The St . Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche, progressing from Bartender to F&B Supervisor and Assistant Manager . During this period, The Cabana Beach Bar & Grill was ranked the No . 1 F&B outlet in the capital for two consecutive years, driven by strong teamwork and exceptional guest experiences . Seeking international He later joined Rosewood Abu Dhabi as Pool Bar In-Charge, where over three years he led large -scale pool events of up to 500 guests, managed Ramadan pool operations for three consecutive years, consistently achieved targets, contributed to back-to-back successful LQA audits, and supported the development of the Agave Spirit concept with creative tiki-style cocktails . With over seven years of experience in Abu Dhabi, Amir moved to Dubai to join Atlantis The Royal as Assistant Manager, overseeing large -scale pool and beach operations with daily revenues ranging from AED 100K to a record AED 230 K, while supporting budget achievements, Forbes audits, and serving as Person -in-Charge (PIC) . Today, Amir proudly joins the Shangri -La family, reconnecting with his Asian hospitality roots . Outside of work, he is passionate about health and well-being and actively volunteers with initiatives such as Special Olympics Abu Dhabi, Operation Smile UAE charity book sales, and the Dubai Run 2025 .
Amirthalingam Palanisamy
Long Service Award Ceremony! This special event recognized employees who have dedicated 20 , 15, 10, and 5 years of service to our organization . Their hard work, loyalty, and passion have played a huge part in shaping our success and culture . A big thank you to each awardee for their incredible contributions . Your dedication inspires us all and reminds us what teamwork, commitment, and perseverance truly mean .
Here’s to many more milestones and shared successes together!
Employees who have dedicated 20, 15, 10, and 5 years of service to our organization.
Diwali Celebration The Festival of Lights shone bright in our workplace as we came together to celebrate Diwali with laughter, color, and joy! From the vibrant Rangoli competition that filled the floor with creativity and color, to the fun games and activities that brought everyone’s competitive spirit to life it was truly a day filled with smiles and togetherness .
A big thank you to everyone who participated and made this celebration so special your energy and festive spirit lit up the day brighter than any diya!
Here’s to more moments of happiness,
teamwork, and light wishing everyone a prosperous
and joyful year ahead!
14 th Annual Zayed Sports City Pink Run ADCB
SLAD and THAD proudly joined the 14th Annual ADCB Zayed Sports City Pink Run in support of Breast Cancer Awareness .
Each October, the world unites to raise awareness,
honour survivors, support those undergoing treatment,
and remember the lives touched by breast cancer .
The Pink Run stands as a powerful symbol of strength, hope, and solidarity reminding us that we are all in this together .
Now in its 14th year, this inspiring community event continues to bring together individuals,
families, and organizations from across the UAE to stand side by side
in the fight against breast cancer .
Proceeds from the run support the Al Jalila Foundation,
funding breast cancer initiatives and research across the UAE . Over the past 13 years, more than AED
500 ,000 has been raised as a true testament to the power of collective compassion .
We are proud to have participated once again in this meaningful
initiative, taking strides towards awareness,
wellness, and a brighter, healthier future for all
Dragon Boat Festival
We are proud to continue the tradition of excellence at the Dragon Boat Festival, held this year at Shangri -La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi . Our dedicated paddlers balanced busy work schedules with twice - weekly practices, demonstrating true commitment and teamwork in preparation for the races .
We are thrilled to announce the incredible achievements of our Shangri -La Dragons : • Community Cup : Gold Medal • Corporate Cup : Bronze Medal • ICF World Championship (Mega SUP Event) : Gold Medal
These victories reflect the team’s determination,
spirit, and “Compete to Win” mindset . A huge thank you to all
colleagues who practiced,
paddled, and cheered this success belongs to every one of you.
We look forward to the next Dragon Boat Festival and continuing our legacy of teamwork, perseverance, and excellence!
ICF Stand Up Paddling World Championships
The SUP World Championships 2025 were held from 29 October to 2 November 2025 marking the first time the event took place in the UAE and the wider MENA region . The championship welcomed over 500 athletes from 54 nationalities, celebrating international sporting excellence . Competitions spanned Junior, Masters 40 +, Masters 50 +, and Open divisions, featuring Sprint, Technical, and Long-Distance races, along with team and inflatable board events, showcasing an outstanding level of skill and endurance . We are proud to share that our team secured Gold in the Mega SUP Team Event category, reflecting the dedication and teamwork of our colleagues . We extend our sincere appreciation to all athletes, officials, organizers, and partners who contributed to the success of this landmark event .
We celebrated World Children’s Day at Salma Rehabilitation Hospital, bringing joy, comfort, and meaningful connection to the children, their families, and the hospital’s dedicated healthcare teams . World Children’s Day
Our colleagues arranged a thoughtful
selection of interactive activities that brought plenty of
laughter and bright smiles throughout the day . Adding a touch of Shangri - La hospitality,
we shared an
elegant assortment of cupcakes,
pastries, and a celebratory cake, creating a warm and memorable
experience for everyone who joined .
By creating uplifting moments beyond medical care, we support emotional well-being, foster connection, and remind every child that they are cherished, valued, and never alone.
Moments of Joy – Wednesday Edition
Hosted by culinary and engineering team . The celebration was filled with games, gift giveaways, and themed décor making it a truly joyful experience .
A heartfelt thank you to the entire team for organizing such a memorable event .
Honoring Eid Al Etihad
Eid Al Etihad was commemorated with a heartfelt celebration that brought colleagues and guests together in a shared spirit of unity and national pride .
The occasion featured a ceremonial
cake - cutting alongside a thoughtfully curated selection of traditional
sweets and
refreshments,
creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the venue .
Elegant, carefully designed decorations across the property paid tribute to the 54 TH Anniversary of the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural heritage, enduring legacy, and remarkable journey of progress and unity .
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Shangri-La and Traders
Partnered with Operation Smile UAE , a global nonprofit that provides free cleft lip and palate surgeries and care to children in need, helping to heal smiles and transform lives around the world . Children aged six to ten were welcomed as guests of honor at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, joining colleagues and guests for an evening of carols, festive lights and celebration . A memorable highlight saw the children take part in the cherished tradition of lighting the Christmas tree . Through this heartfelt initiative, the team came together to spread smiles, festive cheer and lasting memories, as guests enjoyed festive refreshments and delightful Christmas treats, reflecting Shangri - La’s commitment to community engagement and the Shine spirit .
Annual Colleagues Party 2025 Celebrating Talent, Unity, and Joy
The Annual Colleagues’
Party was a grand celebration filled with excitement,
entertainment,
and
togetherness,
bringing colleagues from across the hotel together for an unforgettable evening .
The highlight of the night included a thrilling raffle draw, where several colleagues were rewarded with exciting prizes. The stage came alive with impressive departmental performances, each showcasing remarkable talent, creativity, and team spirit.
The fashion show added elegance and confidence to the celebration,
followed by a captivating
special singing performance,
which was received with great appreciation . The evening was
further energized by an engaging ExCom performance,
reflecting leadership participation and
team unity.
As the celebrations continued,
colleagues enjoyed the open dance floor, ending the night on a
joyful and energetic note.
Annual Colleagues Party 2025 Highlights
Celebrating the magic of Christmas Celebrate the magic of Christmas in true festive style at Sofra bld, Shangri -La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, where the spirit of the season comes alive with a delightful Christmas Day Brunch .
Guests are invited to indulge in a lavish buffet featuring traditional
festive roasts
and a selection of seasonal favourites, thoughtfully curated to capture the warmth and flavours of the holiday . The celebration is elevated with live entertainment, creating a joyful and welcoming atmosphere for all ages .
Families can look forward to a memorable experience, with little ones especially delighted by a special visit from Santa Claus, while adults relax and soak in the festive cheer . Set against the elegant backdrop of Shangri - La hospitality, Sofra bld offers the perfect setting to gather, celebrate, and create cherished Christmas memories.
Rewards And Appreciation
Colleague of the Month
Majd Tariq Lobby Lounge
Prerana Waiba Culinary December 2025
Jhoana Katherine Tibon Spa Receptionist November 2025
October 2025
Front of the House
Colleague of the Month
Rathnamma Bukke All Day Dining
Khin Khin Htun Culinary
Soukaina Kadiri Spa Hammam Therapist
October 2025
December 2025
November 2025
Front of the House
Colleague of the Month
Erickson Lasheras Stewarding
Vergelyn Cosep Sales Coordinator
Labiz Thapa December 2025 Engineering
October 2025
November 2025
Heart of the House
Colleague of the Month
Ameen Aneez Stewarding
Shahid Ali Engineering December 2025
Mary Carmen Agbulos Front Office
November 2025
October 2025
Heart of the House
Q4 2025 Manager of the Quarter
Mido has been managing Sofra independently since September this year and he has demonstrated strong control of the operation while maintaining business continuity, guest satisfaction, and team stability. He has successfully overseen daily operations, ensured service consistency during high volume periods, and upheld Sofra’s positioning as a key dining outlet within Abu Dhabi. His ability to manage the restaurant end to end, covering service delivery, guest feedback, team development, and operational discipline has been evident, particularly given the scale and complexity of Sofra’s. Performance during peak services has remained stable, reflecting effective planning, supervision, and decision making on the floor. Mido has also shown strong compliance and accountability in supporting internal audits and company standards. He ensures SOPs are followed, documentation is in place, and corrective actions are implemented promptly. His structured approach has contributed to a well controlled operation despite the demands of a high volume outlet. Taking full ownership of Sofra since September, Mido has proven himself capable of managing the restaurant independently. He leads his team with confidence, maintains discipline and consistency, and demonstrates a calm, solutions focused approach to daily challenges. His growing leadership maturity has been a key factor in maintaining operational stability and guest satisfaction.
Mohammed Shaaban
Service Manager
- Food and Beverage
Q4 2025 Manager of the Quarter
Nabil has played a critical leadership role in driving Traders Hotel Abu Dhabi to exceptional commercial and guest engagement results. Under his direction and close operational follow up, THAD achieved the highest SLC enrolment numbers in the company, successfully closing the year ranked #1 group wide. This result reflects not only strong execution on the floor, but also consistent coaching, colleague engagement, and a clear focus on guest conversion at every touchpoint.
At the same time, BITE performance is significantly ahead of target, demonstrating Nabil’s ability to translate guest engagement strategies into tangible outcomes.
Beyond the results and achieving his KPI’s, Nabil leads by example. He is hands on, solution oriented, and deeply invested in developing his team. His leadership style drives consistency, accountability, and performance, which is clearly reflected in both guest engagement metrics and financial outcomes. The staff turnover rate at THAD is also very low and this is a testament of his leadership. Nabil’s ability to deliver top ranking SLC results, outperform BITE targets, and maintain strong operational leadership makes him a highly deserving candidate for Manager of the Quarter. His impact on THAD’s success this quarter has been both measurable and meaningful.
Nabil Al Nabulsi
Service Manager
- Food and Beverage
Fact Dining Award
We are delighted to announce that Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard at Shangri
-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, has been named Favourite French Restaurant in
Abu Dhabi at the recently held FACT Dining Awards 2025 .
This recognition is a testament to the passion and creativity of our talented team, whose commitment to excellence defines every dining experience . We extend our sincere gratitude to all our guests and partners for their continued support and who inspire us to celebrate French fine dining .
Sustainability Initiatives
Growing a Sustainable Future :Mangrove Planting Activity
As part of our ongoing ESG initiatives,
the team made a second visit to Jubail Mangrove Park today to deepen our understanding of the vital role
mangroves play in combating climate change . Guided by park rangers,
colleagues explored the boardwalk trail and learned about the park’s diverse
ecosystems,
including mangrove habitats,
intertidal
mudflats,
salt marshes,
and lagoon channels .
Mangroves are among the world’s most important ecosystems, amounts of carbon . With global mangrove restoration efforts expanding particularly in Abu Dhabi, the team once again contributed by planting 25 new mangrove trees, supporting the UAE’s goal of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030 . supporting biodiversity, protecting coastlines, and absorbing significant
This annual initiative reinforces our commitment protect the planet for future generations .
to environmental
conservation and serves as a meaningful
reminder of our shared responsibility to
Achieving the target
EEG’s popular One Root, One Communi
-Tree
(OROC) Phase 2!
Learning and Development & Service Excellence updates
Colleague Orientation October
The October batch kicked off their journey with a warm and insightful orientation session. New joiners were introduced to our culture, values, and workplace expectations, setting a strong foundation for growth and collaboration .
Colleague Orientation November
We were delighted to welcome our November batch through an engaging orientation program . The session highlighted our team culture, operational standards, and opportunities for development, helping new colleagues feel connected from day one.
Colleague Orientation December orientation session, offering new joiners valuable insights into the organization’s culture, values, and workplace expectations . The session fostered early connections and set a strong foundation for teamwork, engagement, and professional growth . The onboarding journey for the December batch commenced with a thoughtful
We hosted our first Empowering Emirati Talents "Lamma - To Bring Together” dialogue with our General Manager
First Aid Training
Learning Specialist Programme Certification
Al Midhyaf Code of Conduct for Service Excellence
Performance Development Review - PDR
Guest Engagement Score
Overall Experience = Score
– 95.0 | Target – 94.0 (Merit Points)
Problem Free = Score
– 80.0 | Target – 79.0
Problem Handling = Score
– 82.0 | Target – 81.8
Service Attentiveness = Score
– 95.0 | Target – 94.0
Arrival Experience = Score
– 94.0 | Target – 93.5
Working Order (Hotel Weakness) = Score
– 94.0 | Target – 93.4
Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi (Data reported up to 30 November 2025 YTD)
Guest Engagement Score
Overall Experience = Score
– 93.0 | Target - 91.0
Problem Free = Score
– 74.0 | Target – 77.2
Problem Handling = Score
– 89.0 | Target – 86.2
Service Attentiveness = Score
– 93.3 | Target – 93.4
Arrival Experience Target = Score
– 92.0 | Target – 93.1
Breakfast Experience (Hotel Weakness) = Score
– 89.0 | Target – 87.4
Traders, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi (Data reported up to 30 November 2025 YTD)
Q4 Newsletter - 2025
Shangri -La and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
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