Dec. 16: Christmas came in extravagant fashion to the Muslim desert emirate of Abu Dhabi as a glitzy hotel unveiled a bejewelled Christmas tree valued at more than 11 million dollars on Wednesday.
The 13-metre (40-foot) faux evergreen, is decorated with silver and gold bows, ball-shaped ornaments and small white lights. It holds a total of 181 diamonds, pearls, emeralds, sapphires and other precious stones, said Khalifa Khouri, owner of Style Gallery, which provided the jewellery.
“It is the “most expensive Christmas tree ever, the jewellery has a value of over 11 million dollars. This will probably be an entry into the Guinness book of world records, Mr Hans Olbertz, general manager of the Emirates Palace hotel said at its inauguration.