19,000 queen bees: Abu Dhabi to turn 10 years of quiet science into honey exporting

The UAE is not typically known for its honey industry. With scorching summers, limited water resources and scarce vegetation, the country presents challenging conditions for beekeeping. However, Abu Dhabi is working to change this perception through scientific research, local bee breeding and a new initiative to develop its honey sector.

Since 2015, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (Adafsa) has been developing a local honeybee strain designed to survive the Emirates’ harsh climate. Over the past decade, the programme has completed ten generations of breeding and distributed nearly 19,000 queen bees to 613 beekeepers across the emirate.

Researchers at a facility in Al Kuwaitat, Al Ain, have also confirmed that the Emirati bee can survive throughout the year, including during the challenging summer months.

UAE Honey Wins International Recognition

Abu Dhabi's efforts to develop a sustainable honey industry have already received international recognition. Earlier in 2026, Adafsa won two gold medals at the Paris International Honey Awards for Sidr and Samar honey. It also secured a silver medal for crystallised Ghaf honey.

UAE beekeepers collectively received 29 awards at the competition, highlighting the quality and potential of locally produced honey.

These achievements came before the official launch of Abu Dhabi's dedicated honey development programme, demonstrating the progress made through research and local beekeeping initiatives.

Abu Dhabi Launches Honey Programme with 17 Initiatives

In October 2026, Adafsa announced the Abu Dhabi Honey Programme on the final day of Global Food Week 2026. The initiative includes 17 measures designed to transform the emirate's beekeeping sector into a structured, sustainable and export-oriented industry.

The programme covers the entire honey production value chain, from bee breeding and hive management to quality certification and international exports.

Key initiatives include:

Licensing and regulation: Introducing licensing systems for beekeepers and beehives.

Beekeepers Association: Establishing an organisation to support local beekeepers.

Bee forage areas: Identifying designated areas to provide bees with suitable food sources.

Quality certification: Developing a system to verify honey quality and authenticity.

Research and development: Strengthening research partnerships with universities.

Honey variety studies: Studying the distinctive characteristics of Abu Dhabi's local honey.

Export strategy: Creating opportunities to introduce Emirati honey to international markets.

Annual honey awards: Organising an event to recognise quality and excellence in honey production.

Scientific Research Supports Climate-Resilient Beekeeping

Scientific research is central to Abu Dhabi's efforts to develop a honey industry suited to its climate. The local bee-breeding programme aims to produce colonies that can withstand high temperatures and survive in arid environments.

Speaking at a sustainable beekeeping symposium held alongside Global Food Week, Irfan Kandemir of Ankara University highlighted the importance of genetic diversity in protecting bee populations from climate stress. Kandemir has spent more than 25 years studying and conserving bee species adapted to arid climates.

He emphasised that protecting bee populations is essential for maintaining floral diversity and food security. Developing resilient bee populations can therefore support both environmental sustainability and agricultural production.

UAE Government Entities Support Honey Industry Growth

The Abu Dhabi Honey Programme brings together several government entities to support the sector's development. These include the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council.

Their collaboration is intended to strengthen industry standards, improve product authenticity and create a more reliable framework for local honey production.

Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of Adafsa, said the authority aims to make Abu Dhabi honey synonymous with quality, authenticity and excellence.

Adafsa has also begun producing an eleventh generation of Emirati queen bees, continuing its long-term research and breeding efforts.

Abu Dhabi Aims to Build a Global Honey Brand

The launch of the Abu Dhabi Honey Programme marks a new phase in the emirate's efforts to develop its honey industry. By combining scientific research, government support, quality standards and export planning, Abu Dhabi aims to create a sustainable sector capable of competing in international markets.

The initiative also highlights the potential for climate-adapted beekeeping to support biodiversity and food security in challenging environments.

With international awards already recognising the quality of Emirati honey, the programme aims to turn a decade of research into long-term economic opportunities for local beekeepers and establish Abu Dhabi as a recognised name in the global honey market.