Abu Dhabi Hotel Regrets $11M Christmas ‘Overload’
- Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:28am by
Scott Baker
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AP
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Abu Dhabi luxury hotel that boasted an $11 million Christmas tree decorated with gold and gems admitted Sunday it may have taken the holiday spirit a bit too far.
A statement from the Emirates Palace hotel said it regretted “attempts to overload” the Christmas tree tradition by adorning it with premium bling including gold, rubies, diamonds and other precious stones from a hotel jeweler.
The statement was a rare bit of reflection on the Gulf’s ethos of excess. The tree was unveiled last week with full fanfare in a hotel that features its own gold bar vending machine and a one-week $1 million package that includes private jet jaunts around the Middle East.
But the hotel management apparently had second thoughts after questions arose about whether the opulent tree was innocent good cheer or unfortunate bad taste.
The hotel regrets “attempts to overload the tradition followed by most hotels in the country with meanings and connotations that do not fall in line with the (hotel’s) professional standards,” said a statement carried on the state-run news agency WAM.
The hotel even tried to distance itself from the 43-foot (13-meter) faux fir in one of its rotundas, saying a hotel-based jeweler was solely responsible for creating and decorating the tree.
“The hotel is just a venue for exhibiting the tree,” the statement said.
The hotel also claimed the tree was not a stunt, but rather an effort to boost the holiday mood for its guests based on the United Arab Emirates’ “values of openness and tolerance.”
Although officially Muslim, the UAE features many signs of Christmas for its huge foreign population. Lights, carolers and Santas are fixtures in nearly every mall.
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Comments (103)
Max jones
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 11:52amIn an upside down world, with an upside down moral sense, and an upside down view of spirituality, this is par for the course. It is mockery and an affront to Christians everywhere. It would be more honest if it was decorated with firearms and ammo! There is not a bit of charity in ALL of Dubai. The Christian ethic is lost where wealth is worshipped like this. Makes me think of Tim Geitner for some reason.
Report Post »freespeech4all
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 11:51amDhabi overdoes everything. I find them creating islands in shape of palm trees, etc over the top. But, this is the theme of the country -flaunt the wealth- so why would this tree come as a surprise to anyone. I will repeat a common phrase -it is just a Christmas tree. It is not the symbol or the soul of Christianity. So if a jeweler wants to drip it with jewels and the silly atheist protest it in their confusion- so be it. I agree that it is very refreshing to see a Middle East country acknowledging the Christmas season as compared to those here who want Christians to hide their beliefs due to the intolerance of the opponents.
Report Post »JCoolman
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 11:47amMaterialism run rampant. Even if it was a PR move. This is what happens when you dont know the meaning of Christmas. And you over compensate, excessively stuffing more mortar between the bricks. Even the so called “homer simpsons” out there can see this. I will say this, though. It does take a lot of balls to put up a tree in the heart of islam.
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 11:47amObserve the Muslim lie, they’ll do the deed, tasting the fun of the spirit of Christmas, then regret it. Guilt.
Much more cheerful than the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, then walking seven times around the Kaaba and fear of being trampled to death by 11 million Islams.
Report Post »hdiller3
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 11:26amAll I see is a Christmas tree In country where Islam is the rule. Where as here in the USA they are trying to make us take our trees down in the name of tolerance.
Report Post »dinadp
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 2:23pmWhere’s the Menorah?
Report Post »Americanius
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 11:02amWhat’s all the fuss? A jeweler hung his products on the tree and after the season he will take it all back to the safe. It was a PR stunt. Isn’t this what free market capitalism is all about?
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 11:27amAlthough it’s an attempt to break the worlds record for most expensive tree, it’s gradual steps such as this for the people of Islam to questioning Christian values. When they open themselves up for what is it that makes us happy, they begin to consider the goodness if life and question their own values. $11m tree isn’t the way, that was their idea.
Most of Islam is illiterate. They don’t even sing to their Allah. As with most people groups, spirit of Christmas is contagious.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 12:41pmPoverty.Sucks: They don’t even sing to their Allah
If they were allowed to sing or play musical insrtruments, they might get happy and not want to blow themselves up/kill others.
Report Post »MBA
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:58amIt crossed my mind this week that America gives to every country in the world for every disaster, even to the countries who degrade America for being the “oppressor” (which is ridiculous) but other wealthy countries like Dubai rarely give and if they do it is a token. Americans had to and still do work hard to earn a living, money doesn‘t just fall into Americans’ laps (except to the trust fund babies). However, countries like Dubai got rich just from landing on top of oil which American companies helped retrieve. How ironic that Dubai is not known for their limitless giving to other countries that are in need of help however they can squander millions of dollars on waste like diamond encrusted iPod cases, diamond encrusted Mercedes, and an $11 million Christmas tree which is obscene when you think of what Christmas truly celebrates–baby Jesus born in a stable.
Instead of running around the world desparaging America and apologizing on our behalf, obama and his cronies should take the opportunity they have been given to encourage other countries to share in the humane responsibility when disasters happen and people are in need. Let’s start with Haiti.
Report Post »nephewofdboone
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:53amAdd your comments
Report Post »bigdaddybernie
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:53amThe BLAZE comment line is having a hemorrhage !
Report Post »nephewofdboone
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:52amAbu Dhabi is a grotesque, obscene display of wealth, capitalism and avariss, in the middle of a desert filled with serfs, untouchables and poverty. It is the single most vile display of wealth on earth. It is a symbol of a race and a cult that learns nothing but spite, loves nothing but revenge, and leaves nothing undefiled. Abu Dhabi should be destroyed, and it will be, in our lifetimes, once the islamic jihadists finally figure out who’s really fcckkng up their lives. I live for the day that Abu Dhabi becomes a tiny star, then a smoking hole.
Report Post »westy98530
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 12:17pmUm, have you ever actually been to the UAE? Or the more important question: have you ever pointed that critical lens of yours on your own country? The “obscene displays of wealth” are strikingly similar to Vegas’s mega resorts. And when is Capitalism a problem? They successfully made a buttload of money and (unlike the rest of the middle east) they actually invest it in their infrastructure to attract more businesses. As for the serfs and the poverty, are you speaking of the neighboring countries? If so, are we responsible for poverty in Mexico and Central America? I think not. Or are you referring to the migrant population of Pakistani workers? If so, do you feel the same way about America’s wealth in spite of our illegal Mexican immigrant population? The two are morally one and the same. If anything, the UAE has the moral HIGH ground, since at least they’re open about it. Don‘t judge what you don’t know. The UAE is not the problem over there. Not even close.
Report Post »Moment of Clarity
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:51am“If you’ve got it, flaunt it!” – Albert J. Wirick
Report Post »seeker9
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:51amAre there redistributionists there?
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 12:52pmI think that is where our Politicians hide their money..
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:50amWhat’s the big deal???? It’s not like they are going to set it out at the curb in January! The way gold prices are going they will make a nice profit when the take it apart and sell it.
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 12:49pmIt’s like building a mosque at ground zero
Report Post »Nvrforget
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 3:54pmThey can always store it in the attic (which is probably big enough to hold half my street)
Report Post »bigdaddybernie
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:49amIt will be a green Christmas for the Jews……so now it’s the Arabs. My father always said.
Report Post »tothestars2
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:48amUp is down, black is white….
Report Post »Hmschlmom
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:47amThe tree IS incredibly beautiful…and I am quite surprised and pleased to see it in an Arabic country…but someone really should introduce them to the concept of glitter and faux jewels…that price tag is just silly.
Report Post »:-)
Merry Christmas all!
bigdaddybernie
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:45amAdd your comments
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 2:34pmMerry Christmas 1
Report Post »bigdaddybernie
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:44amMy father always said,”it’ll be a green Christmas…………for the JEWS “………so now it’s the ARABS !
Report Post »parmajohn
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:42amProbably cheaper than The 4 day 100 person tree at our White House Merry Christmas
Report Post »PatriotsCause
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:41am“Although officially Muslim, the UAE features many signs of Christmas for its huge foreign population. Lights, carolers and Santas are fixtures in nearly every mall.”
And yet, here in the US, we have to play nice (all year long) as to not to offend anyone…
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:40amWouldn’t be something I would want but there is a jeweler and staff that worked hard, and hopefully got paid well, to create this tree. Victoria’s Secret, with its diamond bras, isn’t much different. It would be nice if the ornaments were auctioned off and the proceeds used to help families in need (do they have needy families?) there or elsewhere.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 5:26pmOceans 11 heist coming down the line?
Good afternoon Grandmaof5; hope Florida warms up for you soon.
Report Post »psst
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:39amA Christmas tree in Moslem Country.
Report Post »Wow.The World is upside-down.
Here in ameriKa, the left have been working hard (overtime also)to kill CHRIST-mas.
Don‘t these Moslem know it’s supposed to be a Holiday tree. Or maybe a Knowledge tree.
So they went overboard w/ the blings. I can excuse that.. What da hey.. Money is no object for them.
At least they were thinking of the Christians who visits or lives in their country.
That’s more than I can say for leftists/communists here in ameriKa.
addie
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 11:11amTotally agree! It’s the thought that counts and the fact a mostly Muslim country puts in a Christmas tree is a big step in the right direction. (be it, we need many many more step…but you have to start somewhere) Then you add the fact that they didn’t just put up a skimpy little charlie brown tree and hide it in a back room, they went ALL OUT on this tree. Kudoos to UAE, at least they are trying.
Report Post »mossbrain
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 2:02pmIdiots, the only thing they were thinking of is how they could make more money off of Christian tourists. Those rich asswipes love to recount details of their wonderful vacation where they stood next to a 11 million dollar Christmas tree. It helped reinforce the image in their minds that they are superior to the common man. These rich people are nothing but squirrels gathering nuts, they are as shallow and hollow as a plastic dog doo doo.
Report Post »Wilma
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:04pmDitto
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:36amAmen, give thanks and gifts to our lord and savior. Thank you UAE.
Report Post »Grasshopper42
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:34amWhat? That’s not what Christmas is all about?!?!?
Report Post »PA PATRIOT
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:38amMakes me think of “Tiny Tim”
Report Post »Sheepdog911
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:34amYa think?
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:42amIt would be a huge sacrifice on my part, but if they want to move the $11m, jewel encrusted tree to my house, I would allow this…….really….Im serious!!!
Report Post »Sinista Mace
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:42amThis type of conspicuous opulence in the face of so much despair and sorrow and need, is utterly disgusting.
Report Post »Cobra Blue
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:44amBit of a stretch from a manger in a horse stable….ya think? Its not about the stuff.
Report Post »Sinista Mace
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 10:45amLook at this blonde- Zsa Zsa Gabor didn’t die, she took a bath in botox and drank a gallon of resveratrol. Voila!
Report Post »addie
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 11:03amI personally think it was done innocently and well intentioned. Remember, it’s the thought that counts and in a mostly muslim country this was a nice gesture. You also have to understand their culture. Everything is more grand in Abu Dhabi.
Report Post »chazman
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 11:27amDon’t forget, it’s OK for muslims to lie to anyone who is not a muslim.
Report Post »I think this tree was an attempt to humiliate Christianity. All ISLAM is a lie, first and foremost.
Polwatcher
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 12:27pmThis is the Christmas spirit…Abu Dhabi style.
Report Post »TruthTalker
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 12:28pmSo…the Muslims regret….hum.
Report Post »BibleBrain
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 1:07pmI’m thinking there could be a connection here to gas prices being over $3 a gallon.
Report Post »GeauxAlready
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 1:35pmA statement from the Emirates Palace hotel said it regretted “attempts to overload” the Christmas tree…..
This is just rubbing it in our faces. We can’t say Merry Christmas cause we might offend them. Well I’m offically Offended. Now send me a branch off that tree to ease my pain and suffering.
Report Post »NoDaDAZone
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 1:35pmSince the Infidels bring in so much money (jizya), the UAE is willing to overlook the slight to Mohammed. Why, even Ms. ABRAHAMS is the hotel director. This just shows how Islam is a retrograde “religion”. Like Mecca was a Jewish city for Moho before his band of rapists, murderers and thieves conquered it, the UAE is not indigenously Arab.
Listen. Israel National Radio Interview, “Revising the Conquerors and Revisionists of Ancient History”
Report Post »http://www.marcrubin.com/judean-eve.ivnu
dau1776
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 1:35pmMeanwhile, we are ordered to remove Christian and Christmas symbols so we don’t offend Muslims. Can’t win…actually, we’re SURRENDERING to Sharia Law.
Report Post »Border Fox
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 2:08pmIronic isn’t it. This Muslim country is doing stuff like Christmas trees to make foreigners feel a little more cheerful and over here, we ban Christmas related stuff that “may offend” anyone, anywhere, anyhow…
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 5:12pmI’m thinking an Indian Oceans 11 heist is in the works…
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 5:24pmUh, this seems to me to be another example of ‘going overboard’ on the decorations. Just in my own oppinion, yet it is their tree. Hope no one tried to make it ‘disappear’ into their treasury.
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 6:26pmIt must have been Obama’s idea. He spends money like that too…
Report Post »NoRoomForSocialismHere
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 7:35pmWhat game are they playing now? They hate Christ as the Jews have for centuries but they both like what we do for them.
Report Post »nhall729
Posted on December 19, 2010 at 9:19pmI don’t even know where to begin with this.
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on December 20, 2010 at 9:12amIt must have been Obama’s idea. He spends money like that too…
Report Post »———————-
Impossible. If it’s Christmas related, regardless of how extravagant, it could not be from Obama.