The $11 million Arab Christmas tree: By the numbers

New York – The world's most expensive Christmas tree is up... in the United Arab Emirates. And there are (at least) 181 reasons why it cost so much
The Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is already known for its over-the-top luxury: Its lobby is decorated in gold leaf, it has a vending machine for gold bullion, and it offers one seven-day package for $1 million. And now, even though it is in a majority-Muslim country, the hotel is going for a Guinness record for Christian-themed glitz by adorning its lobby with what general manager Hans Olbertz says is the "most expensive Christmas tree ever." What exactly does $11 million get you in the Christmas tree market? (Watch a discussion about the tree)
43Height of the artificial evergreen tree, in feet
$10,000
Cost of the tree alone
181Number of diamonds, pearls, emeralds, sapphires, and other precious stones used to decorate the tree
$11.5 millionEstimated cost of the jewels
$1 million (3.5 million dirhams)
Value of the tree's most expensive ornament, a diamond set
4Number of security guards monitoring the tree
$10.8 millionValue of rival most-expensive Christmas tree contender, in Japan
394Rooms and suites in the seven-star Emirates Palace
$3 billionCost of building the hotel
$2,000Price of a glass of Hardy Perfection cognac at the hotel, a Guinness record
11 lbs.Amount of edible pure gold the hotel uses each year for desserts and decor
8 percentAbu Dhabi's share of the world's crude oil supply
Sources: AFP/Yahoo News, Bloomberg, Wall St. Journal, LearnVest, Emirates Palace