A year ago the Emirates Palace hotel Christmas tree entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive of all time as it dripped with Dh42 million worth of gold and gemstones. This year, organisers decided to take a more traditional approach. Adorned with gold and silver foil ornaments encased in cloth ribbons, the tree symbolised the harmony of both western and Middle Eastern cultures. Ornate Christmas balls custom-ordered from the Netherlands represented the country's pearl trade. It took 48 hours and a team of 30 workers to set up the tree. Carol singers and a band played Christmas tunes as the tree lit up for the first time this year. Reem Makri, from Tunisia, said the tree reminded her of her years spent in France. After hearing about last year's display, she was pleasantly surprised to find a traditionally decorated Christmas tree. "Having such a fancy display might make those who are not as privileged feel left out," she said. The event made Thomas and Evelin Sonntag, tourists from Germany, feel a little home sick. "It's wonderful to see people from all countries gathering to sing Christmas songs," he said. "Back home it's a lot colder, and it's easy to feel the Christmas spirit. Here you've got the sunshine and the beach, but you still see people coming together to celebrate the holidays."
GMT 07:56 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
Heavy snowfall delays Davos arrivalsGMT 08:34 2018 Sunday ,21 January
Attack under way on Kabul luxury hotel: officialsGMT 13:58 2018 Monday ,15 January
'Shithole' projected on Trump's hotel in WashingtonGMT 08:29 2018 Tuesday ,02 January
High-end hotels retain Omani staff longerGMT 08:27 2018 Tuesday ,02 January
New Rotana hotel to set precedent of OmanisationGMT 13:38 2017 Wednesday ,13 December
Revenue per available room of Jeddah hotels in November lowest in a decadeGMT 19:34 2017 Monday ,11 December
Movenpick to manage Golden Group's Muscat hotelGMT 09:24 2017 Wednesday ,06 December
Catalan crisis weighs on 2018 Barcelona hotel bookingsMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor