Christmas tree exports sprout in U.A.E.

Christmas tree exports sprout in U.A.E.    With the European and American expatriate population growing in the United Arab Emirates, the number of live Christmas tree sales in the Persian Gulf country is expected to continue to increase.
   'Many people use artificial trees given the high cost of cut trees. However, florists and garden centers import small volumes of cut trees based on previous sales or specific pre-orders from clients,' said the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service in a report.
   The agency said most trees come from Europe via the Netherlands and may include Scandinavian or Scottish trees. Some trees also come from China, Egypt, Lebanon and Thailand, along with small quantities from the United States. So-called premium buyers prefer the imported Nordman and Fraser firs.
   The USDA said prices of Christmas trees may vary considerably throughout the U.A.E. For example, in Dubai a three-meter tree costs about $190 in supermarkets, whereas the same size tree can be bought for 30 percent to 40 percent less in flower shops.
   Live Christmas trees are typically shipped in refrigerated containers and stored at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Sailing time from Europe is three weeks, and longer from the United States.
   'Local garden centers (in the U.A.E.) have expressed an interest in exploring the possibility of importing more trees from the United States,' the USDA said.
   The USDA said tree shipments to the U.A.E. should carry a phytosanitary certificate to comply with the country's Ministry of Environment and Water regulations.