UAE ideal for bees and honey production, experts say

The country is leading the way for others, says honey company chief

A bee hive at an apiary in Hatta. Courtesy Sustainable City Hives

The UAE’s natural pastures during the seasons means it has the potential to become one of the world’s leading destinations for beekeeping.

That is according to Mana Al Kaabi, general manager of honey producers Agriculture Natural Health and Beauty, who was speaking at the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture in Abu Dhabi this week.

Mr Al Kaabi also pointed to plans for the development of the Middle East's first bee garden, in Hatta, as an example of the country's prowess in the sector.

"Each season has a certain type of honey as the country produces more than three main types: The evergreen Sidr honey starts from early September to November of each year and is considered one of the most expensive kinds and most tasteful,” he said.

“Acacia tortilis honey is produced during April and June while Ghaf honey, which is sweet, is only available in the UAE."

At the two-day event, that ended on Tuesday, experts discussed how technology and innovation can be used to create sustainable practices to feed nine billion people by 2050.

Mr Al Kaabi said the ANHB group exports beehives, up to 5,000 hives per shipment, to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait and Sudan.

The group is also an exclusive dealer for 15 European and American brands, specialising in beekeeping supplies, he said.

"Our group launched the region’s first station for the production of pure commercial queen bee breeds,” he said.

“There are also two stations for the cross breeding of bees to create colonies that are adaptable to our country’s climatic conditions.”