Our energetic and dedicated Training Department team ensured every arriving colleague was properly trained and comfortable with their responsibility, as well as having a very good understanding of Dubai, the UAE, how they were to fit into the bigger picture at SLDB, and that they were ready for the hotel opening.
The pre-opening period passed quickly, and we were soon a ‘soft -opening hotel’, which we launched with 2 completed floors of hotel rooms, Dunes Café, Lobby Lounge, Shang Palace, Hoi An, Balcony Bar, the Business Centre, the Meeting Rooms, Ballrooms, Health Club and Pool Deck. The official opening was on 3 July 2003.
The remainder of the hotel rooms, the Horizon Club, Presidential Suites, Serviced Apartments, Residences, and the remaining F&B outlets of Marrakesh and Amwaj were completed and added to the inventory over time thereafter. iKandy was a later addition.
It was not easy having the builders and various sub-contractors on site daily, whilst we were operating the hotel, as the inevitable noise impacted the guest experience. Nevertheless, we worked as closely as possible with the main contractor and limited the inconvenience to guests as best possible, knowing that the quicker the contractors were finished with their work, the better it was for everyone. Delays clearly would not help the intent. The hotel was completed six months later, and our undivided attention could be focused on the guest experience and ensuring customer loyalty. Winning the Business Traveler Magazine ‘Best New Business Hotel in the World’ in both 2003 and 2004 was very special. It makes me very happy to see there are still nine opening colleagues working at SLDB. Your commitment to SLDB is admirable and I thank you all very much for your tremendous dedication. These individuals include Shaaban Oraby referred to earlier; Yan Naing; Ruel Lopez; Putri Suastini; Sunil Krishnan; Melwyn Coutinho; Saw Sar Balu; Larry Castro and Antonio Dalapo. Congratulations on your 20 years of dedicated service to SLDB.
It was always a pleasure to also see how many of the opening colleagues have progressed to more senior positions at other Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, within the area as well as all over the world, and I am sure this has continued since. Well done, you all deserve your just rewards. SLDB has always managed to contribute many individuals to the recruitment needs of the company.
I spent a very enjoyable 11 years at SLDB, the longest I ever been at any one hotel in my career. It was a challenging, yet rewarding experience, particularly with the added VP responsibilities, and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead the SLDB and regional teams.
I wish you all continued success and I know you will keep the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai flag flying high. SLDB is a very special hotel, the result of the very special colleagues committed to its success.
SLDB and Dubai will always have a very special place in my heart. Although my wife and I have relocated from Cape Town to Brisbane, our periodic travels will still take us through Dubai, and I look forward to catching up on our next visit.
Kindest regards, Bernhard Haechler
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