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| Emergency? Dial 999. Dubai police helicopter will take only 8 minutes to reach you. |
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| Avoid taking photos of Muslim women and sensitive buildings and installations. Ask permission first. |
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| Time here is four hours ahead of GMT. And it does not change during the summer. |
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‘Real’ Xmas trees in great demand
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By
Daniel P. George
daniel@eveningpost.ae
Natural trees imported from the Netherlands are doing brisk business in Dubai
Natural Christmas trees imported from the Netherlands are doing brisk business in Dubai despite the increase in prices compared to last year. The fact that these trees have a shelf life of only 45 days has not deterred buyers.
Flower shops in Satwa and supermarkets across Dubai are selling small trees at prices ranging between Dh 150 and Dh 200. These have been a sell-out, say shop-keepers.
Bigger trees cost between Dh 280 to Dh 450 and are mostly picked up by companies to adorn their reception areas. The rates of these trees have seen a increase of Dh 50 to Dh 60 when compared to last year.
The biggest of these trees is around 250 cm tall and costs around Dh 800.
Small trees are bought by flat residents while the big ones by people living in villas. Hotels and shopping malls have also been buying these trees as they do not gather dust like the artificial ones and can be used and discarded after the festival season.
Most people prefer to keep these natural trees in their homes and offices, which is the reason why they are expensive when compared to artificial trees available in packed boxes.
“The price of the tree depends on the size and the kind of branches it has. These trees are real and original and thus there is a demand for them, especially from British and some Asian expatriates here,’’ says Mansoor of Zaheer Flower Shop located in Satwa, the most sought-after area for these natural trees.
“The shelf life of these Christmas trees is only 45 days since they are rootless and have to be watered twice a day. Nevertheless, corporates and others are picking them up by the dozen,’’ he adds.
However, Rafiq, another shop-keeper, has a different story to tell. He says demand is down because Lebanese expatriates, who were his biggest customers last year, are observing a quiet Christmas due to the war in Lebanon, this year.
Putting up a traditionally decorated Christmas tree continues to be one of those things that brings the whole family together. There is nothing like a tastefully decorated Christmas trees with illuminated lights to add to the excitement of the festive season. |
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SOME MORE NEWS 
