Queen bees in the kingdom: Saudi Arabian keeper creates a buzz - in pictures

Saudi beekeeper Fatima Saleh Almelad holds a queen bee in her hands at an apiary in Qatif, Saudi Arabia. Reuters
Saudi beekeeper Fatima Saleh Almelad holds a queen bee in her hands at an apiary in Qatif, Saudi Arabia. Reuters
Ms Almelad, 19, tends to the bees. Reuters
Ms Almelad, 19, tends to the bees. Reuters
A bee stings Ms Almelad's finger – one of the downsides to beekeeping. Reuters
A bee stings Ms Almelad's finger – one of the downsides to beekeeping. Reuters
On the upside, the honeycomb produced is exceptional. Reuters
On the upside, the honeycomb produced is exceptional. Reuters
Ms Almelad examines the fruit of the bees' labour. Reuters
Ms Almelad examines the fruit of the bees' labour. Reuters
Honeycomb comprises a series of hexagonal cells constructed from beeswax which generally contain raw honey. Reuters
Honeycomb comprises a series of hexagonal cells constructed from beeswax which generally contain raw honey. Reuters
Ms Almelad burns a piece of burlap to keep the bees at bay. Reuters
Ms Almelad burns a piece of burlap to keep the bees at bay. Reuters
Being responsible for an entire colony of bees can be hard work. Reuters
Being responsible for an entire colony of bees can be hard work. Reuters
Ms Almelad puts the queen bee in a hive. Reuters
Ms Almelad puts the queen bee in a hive. Reuters