Never far from the limelight, Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi has unveiled what it is calling the world’s most expensive Christmas tree.

With over £7 million worth of jewels strewn across its branches, hotel managers are hoping the attraction will separate the hotel from its competitors in the region.

Hotel manager Hans Olbertz has now asked the Guinness Book of Records to certify the tree.

“We had to do something different,” he explained to reporters at the official unveiling.

The tree – which stands 13 metres tall – was also unlikely to offend sensibilities in the largely Muslim country, he added.

“It is a very liberal place,” Olbertz explained.

Christmas Tree

The tree sits in the sumptuous lobby of the 302-room hotel adorned with bracelets, necklaces and watches.

In total there are 181 diamonds, pearls, emeralds, sapphires and other precious stones sparkling among the more traditional decorations.

Security is on hand 24-hours a day to ensure nobody helps themselves to an early present.

World Travel Awards

The festive seasons marks the culmination of a successful year for the property.

In November Emirates Palace was recognised by the industry leading World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel – cementing the property’s already glowing reputation in the region.