Comment: Thank you for the memories and farewell

At Hotelier Middle East, we were recently moved by a wonderful email to industry colleagues by Arbind K Shrestha, general manager of Shangri-La Hotel and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, who is leaving his role to take a sabbatical. With his kind permission, we have reproduced it in full below.

Dear Friends,

After three and a half years with Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, and Traders Hotel, Abu Dhabi, as well as the Shangri-La Residences, all housed within the Qaryat Al Beri complex and 20 wonderful years with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, I decided to take some time off, to take a sabbatical. My last day of work in Abu Dhabi will be September 18, 2014 and my successor will be announced shortly.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support during my tenure in Abu Dhabi, it has been a pleasure and true privilege working with you. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and have had the opportunity to meet many fascinating people, professionally and socially.

I am proud to reflect on the achievements we have accomplished since I came to Abu Dhabi over three years ago. Just recently, we have been conferred two most prestigious accolades by the Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd. for being the most outstanding in Year 2013 Customer Experience Performance - in terms of Quality services and facilities - rated by affluent Customers. Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi won in the category of Non-China Hotels, while Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi simultaneously seized on number 1 amongst other Traders Hotels category at the global level Performance Monitor throughout the year.

Both properties were recognized as the crème de la crème within the Shangri-La group, whilst regarded as most exceptional amongst other Shangri-La brand properties, by both business and leisure clients in the local and international market for 2013.

Please allow me to thank the Al Jaber family, the Owners of the hotel complex. His Excellency Obaid Al Jaber, Mohamed Al Jaber and Madam Fatima Al Jaber in particular, for their vision, confidence, guidance and support during my time in Abu Dhabi.

My last 20 year journey with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has been exceptional and memorable. As I take my leave with this 20 year milestone, I must highlight that Shangri-La has been a great company to work with, with a great group of people, and has provided me with wonderful memories and rich experiences, which I will always cherish.

I take my leave with a tinge of sadness as I leave behind the Shangri-La group and the city of Abu Dhabi, where I have made many friends. I look back at what we have achieved and I can say that we made a difference not only at Qaryat Al Beri complex, but also created ripples of positive impact that extended to the city of Abu Dhabi as a destination and so I leave with immense pride.

I wish you all best for the future and I hope our paths will cross again. My personal email address is arbindkshrestha@gmail.com.

Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your friendship, support and fellowship.

With best regards,

Arbind K Shrestha, General Manager
Shangri-La Hotel and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi