Despite harsh conditions such as scorching summers, water scarcity, and limited vegetation, which make the Emirates one of the world's most dynamic economies, they present a hostile environment for bees. However, since 2015, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (Adafsa) has been quietly undertaking an outstanding task: breeding a local strain of honeybees capable of surviving in such conditions.
Over ten years, ten generations have been developed, and approximately 19,000 queen bees have been distributed among 613 beekeepers across the emirate. The research center in Al Quwaitat, Al Ain, confirmed that the Emirati bee can survive year-round, including the summer period. Thus, the desert turned out not to be the obstacle many had assumed.
Before the Golden Awards
The results reached a level before the official announcement. Earlier this year, Adafsa won two gold medals at the Paris International Honey Awards for Cider and Samar honey, as well as a silver medal for Ghaf crystallized honey. Overall, UAE beekeepers received 29 awards at this competition. Before launching the national honey production program in Abu Dhabi, they simply produced honey of sufficient quality to compete on a global level.
From Science to Industry
The situation changed in October when Adafsa used the last day of Global Food Week 2026 to announce the Abu Dhabi Honey Program. This program includes 17 initiatives designed to transform a decade of quiet scientific work into a full-fledged export industry.
The program covers the entire value chain: licensing beekeepers and hives, establishing the Abu Dhabi Beekeepers Association, defining forage zones for bees, implementing a quality certification system, conducting research in partnership with universities, detailed study of unique Abu Dhabi honey varieties, developing an export strategy, and annual Abu Dhabi Honey Awards.
The scientific basis of this program has global significance. Irfan Kandemir from Ankara University, who has spent over 25 years preserving bee species adapted to arid climates, speaking at a symposium on sustainable beekeeping held concurrently with Global Food Week, stated that genetic diversity is the primary defense for bee populations against climate change stress. He emphasized: 'Without bees, there is no floral diversity, nor food security.' He added: 'If we want sustainable food systems, we must first keep our bees diverse, adapted, and alive.'
Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director General of Adafsa, noted a clear goal: 'Abu Dhabi honey must become synonymous with quality, authenticity, and excellence.' This program unites the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council. Adafsa has already begun producing the eleventh generation of Emirati queen bees.