Emirates News Agency – ADAFSA launches ambitious sustainable beekeeping and honey production program in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, 20th May, 2023 (WAM) — The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, ADAFSA, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al With the support and patronage of His Highness Nahyan Court and ADAFSA Chairman of the Board launched an ambitious plan to develop and sustain beekeeping and honey production in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The program is based on scientific research and applied research to develop the best methods and practices suitable for the UAE environment.
In celebration of World Bee Day on May 20, ADAFSA has announced the start of production of the eighth generation queen bee for the UAE bee species. Part of an ongoing project to strengthen beekeeping and honey production, the initiative aligns with the theme of this year’s World Bee Day, “Bees’ participation in pollinator-friendly agriculture”.
Saeed Ali Al Yamahi, Director of Research and Development at ADAFSA, highlighted the importance of developing UAE bee breeds as a key factor in ensuring the sustainable development of the UAE’s beekeeping industry. This requires a focus on breeding and producing queen bees that can adapt to the country’s unique environment and climate.
He further highlighted the excellence of ADAFSA in this field. The Authority has successfully bred a species of UAE honeybee with distinctive features, including smaller female worker bees that display exceptional diligence in gathering nectar. With each successive generation, their honey production efficiency increased dramatically. Queens display extraordinary activity in egg laying and consistently produce high quality brood patterns. In addition, they have shown a remarkable ability to adapt to local environmental conditions. Through continuous efforts, ADAFSA has successfully raised and produced queen bees, resulting in the eighth generation of bee varieties.
Al Yamahi provided an update on progress made in 2022, saying more than 3,079 queen bees were produced that year. In addition, ADAFSA distributed more than 2,700 queen bees to 90 UAE beekeepers. The initiative aims to support beekeepers and boost honey production, while encouraging more breeders to actively contribute to the development and sustainability of this critical industry.
Al Yamahi also highlighted the importance of beekeeping and honey production as an integral part of sustainable agricultural development, playing a vital role in supporting food security systems. Honey is a nutritious food with high value. In addition, beekeeping has important environmental significance in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Bees assist in the vital pollination process necessary for plant and tree reproduction. Pollination not only protects biodiversity, but also supports the ecosystems on which agriculture depends. Bees and other pollinators play a vital role in ensuring the transfer of pollen, which enables the reproduction of numerous cultivated and wild plant species.
Al Yamahi emphasized that ADAFSA relies on state-of-the-art scientific laboratories and advanced technology to diagnose bee pests and diseases. This important research and development work is carried out at the Kuwait Research Station in Al Ain. The laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology for accurate detection of bee pathogens.

Furthermore, it plays a key role in training and accrediting Emirati experts to diagnose diseases and pests, helping beekeepers to spot problems within their apiaries. The laboratory also provides advice and technical guidance on effective control of these pests and diseases. The project’s success demonstrates that the country’s bee population can thrive year-round and adapt to challenging summer heat conditions.
The Authority is committed to developing comprehensive outreach programs and programs to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge to beekeepers in all areas of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. To achieve this, the Honey Beekeeping Unit provides extension services to beekeepers. The sector focuses on providing them with the latest beekeeping methods and principles including larval grafting for queen bee reproduction, effective strategies for controlling and diagnosing bee pests and diseases, techniques to improve the quality of production and capacity building opportunities for UAE experts in the field of queen bee artificial Insemination field.