Image: The Shard under construction last month

HRH Prince Andrew will be among the dignitaries in attendance at the launch of The Shard - one of Europe's tallest mixed-use skyscrapers - in central London, UK, on 5 July.

Qatari Prime Minister His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani will be inaugurating the 310m (1,016 ft)-high development – designed by Renzo Piano – along with the Duke of York.

The Shard is to incorporate the city's highest public viewing gallery and a Shangri-La Hotel between floors 34 and 52, as well as residential apartments, offices and signature restaurants.

Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London, is expected to open in early 2013 and will comprise the group's signature Chi spa brand on the 52nd floor, covering 6,030sq ft (560sq m).

An indoor swimming pool; fitness centre; and a whirlpool will also be among the new hotel's amenities, together with a speciality restaurant; a lobby lounge; and a "food theatre" café.

Ali Shareef Al Emadi, QNB Group CEO and board member of the Shard Funding Limited, was part of a recent delegation to London led by the Qatari Prime Minister.

He said: "This towering endeavour embodies our vision to create an alternative investment to oil. I'm proud to say that we are at the final stages of inaugurating London's newest iconic landmark."

Details: www.the-shard.com (The Shard)

Details: www.shangri-la.com (Shangri-La)

Image: Tomasz Sikorski