As December settles in and cooler winds sweep through the UAE, Dubai’s markets are embracing the festive season with the arrival of fresh Christmas trees. This week, the lanes of Satwa have transformed into a winter-themed hub, filled with tall green firs shipped from Denmark and Canada, their sharp pine fragrance drifting across the streets.
Shoppers have begun crowding the neighbourhood, inspecting branches, comparing heights and choosing the ideal tree to brighten their homes. For many residents, the arrival of these trees signals the unofficial start of Christmas celebrations in the UAE, and traders say the excitement has come earlier than expected this year.
“People started asking about trees at the end of November,” said Ahmed, a long-time seller in Satwa. “Usually customers come in the first week of December, but this time enquiries started much earlier. Families wanted to book their trees even before the containers arrived.”
With the arrival of December, the rush intensified as residents flocked to the market.
Some opted for towering trees for villas and spacious homes, while others picked compact versions ideal for apartments. One of the biggest highlights of the season is the arrival of 8 to 9-foot Danish firs, which have quickly become popular among buyers.
“Most of our big trees are coming from Denmark,” said Ghattas, another trader in the area.
“An 8 to 9-foot tree is around Dh750, and people love them because they look grand and fill the house with a natural festive scent.” Canadian firs have also made a strong comeback this year. Known for their deep green hues and dense structure, these trees are favoured for their durability.
“These trees are very strong and stay fresh for around 45 days if you take proper care,” Ahmed explained. “Residents who host gatherings prefer Canadian and Danish trees because they stay green throughout the season.”
Alongside the larger trees, traders have stocked smaller options for apartment dwellers and those seeking compact décor. “For people who want something small, we have little trees from the Netherlands,” Ghattas said. “They come in pots with soil, cost around Dh200, and grow up to two feet. Indoors, they can survive for two to three months.”
These smaller potted trees are especially popular among young couples, students and families who want an additional tree for children’s rooms. Behind the festive cheer is a complex global supply chain. Once cut in Europe or North America, the trees are wrapped in nets and placed in chilled containers to maintain freshness.
After travelling for nearly 25 days by sea, the trees reach the UAE, where they are transferred into cold storage before being displayed in markets.
Every morning, traders bring out 30 to 45 fresh trees, carefully unwrap them and shake off loose needles before showing them to customers. “We always show the customer the actual tree and then repack it neatly for delivery,” Ghattas noted.
Fresh Christmas trees have also reached major supermarkets across Dubai. Stores are offering smaller options starting at Dh169 for a 1-metre tree and larger 2-metre trees priced at Dh299, making the festive tradition accessible to more households.
As the festive season kicks off, the demand for real Christmas trees is expected to rise even further in the coming weeks. For many residents, the fresh scent of pine in their living rooms is more than decoration — it is a reminder of tradition, celebration and the warmth of the holidays in the heart of the UAE.