Dubai: Fresh Christmas trees continue to be a big hit among shoppers this holiday season and supplies are dwindling in shops all over Dubai — everywhere, that is, except in Satwa.
While artificial Christmas trees can be bought anywhere in the city in November and December, it’s the real trees that are selling like pancakes, shop-owners said.
Chris Green of Christmastreesdubai.com imported 200 Fraser Fir trees from Canada this year. The 2.1-2.4 metre trees, which cost between Dh650 and Dh950, sold out in no time.
“All the trees were bought even before the trees arrived before the end of November,” Green told Gulf News.
Dubai Garden Centre had 100 Nordmann Fir trees on hand on December 6. Eight days later, they had around a few more than 10 left.
“We’ve reduced the price from Dh800 per tree to Dh595 now, plus the stand which costs Dh95. It’s really in demand; most of our stocks were sold in just over a week,” Celine, who works at Dubai Garden Centre, said.
Ace Hardware, which sells a 2.4-metre tree from the US for Dh699, said last week they had 13 trees left while Rose Studio and Stores had four.
For residents who want to choose their own tree, Hudaiba Street in Satwa is the best place to go. The shops selling Christmas trees are easy to spot — just look for the trees on the pavements.
Gulf News spotted Iranian-American resident Farzad loading his tree onto his pickup truck. He bought the 1.2-metre tree for Dh300. “This is a good alternative when you’re in the desert. It’s similar to what we used to have back home plus there are more varieties, and they are a little cheaper,” Farzad told Gulf News.
Satwa vendor Venky, who imports Christmas trees from Canada, said he orders 450 trees every year including the Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir and Noble Fir types. He has sold around 320 this year and has 100 trees left in stock. The trees cost between Dh350 and Dh2,000 depending on size. Other fresh Christmas decorations are also available at his shop including potted poinsettia, Christmas berry, and small rooted Christmas trees.
“People start buying trees by the end of November and they buy even until the 25th,” Venky said. “Some clients, including Russians, buy until December 31st because their Christmas comes late.”
Abdul Latheef, another salesman in Satwa, said that out of the 500 trees he had in stock this year, 400 trees have been sold. They cost between Dh700 and Dh1,200 for 1.5 metres to 2.4 metre trees. He said to ensure the tree’s freshness, residents must spray tap water on the leaves and ensure that the stand holds enough water for the tree.
