With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Dubai residents are feeling the pinch as flower prices surge by 30 per cent this month. As anticipation for the day of love builds, beginning with Rose Day on February 7 and culminating in Kiss Day on February 13, the demand for floral arrangements skyrockets.
Dubai relies on imports from flower-producing countries like Kenya, Ecuador, and Colombia to meet this surge in demand. These regions are renowned for their high-quality blooms, including roses, lilies, and orchids, which are popular choices for Valentine’s Day bouquets.
Notably, the Miracle Garden, boasting over 150 million flowers and 250 million plants, was inaugurated on Valentine’s Day in 2013, adding a touch of floral magic to the celebration.
Red roses remain a perennial favorite due to their association with love and passion, but customers also seek variety, including avalanche, purple, and pink roses, along with white lilies, tulips, orchids, and carnations.
Amarendra Pratap Srivastava, Co-Founder & Head of Marketing & Finance at Buyanyflowers.com, explains that as Valentine’s Day approaches, prices soar in response to heightened demand. Flower retailers strategically schedule imports and offer curated catalogues to meet diverse preferences.
Vijay Ghadge, Business Head of FNP.ae in the UAE, emphasizes the importance of direct imports to ensure quality and variety. Pricing factors include flower selection, arrangement style, customization, and delivery specifications.
In the flower industry, timing is critical. Freshness is maintained through temperature-controlled storage, ensuring flowers reach consumers within a 72-hour window for optimal longevity.
Shankar Anand, Manager at Perumal Flowers, Bur Dubai, underscores the role of specialized facilities and vigilant florists in preserving the freshness of flowers through proper storage and hydration practices.