UAE breeds ‘heat-tolerant’ bees

The United Arab Emirates has created a new breed of heat-tolerant bees that can withstand severe climatic conditions, including temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius. This is how the UAE is adapting local farming to the weather conditions.

Back in the days of the pandemic, UAE residents started taking over beehives in order to support beekeepers and provide themselves with locally produced food. Each hive brings its “adoptive parents” about 10 kg of honey a year.

During the harvest season, in May-June and November, the bees produce tons of honey of three varieties: the tastiest Sidr, the healthiest Samar and the red Ghaf. Approximately 1.5 tonnes of the total honey is sent to “adoptive parents”.

Back in 2017, Emirati entrepreneur Mana Al Kaabi set up the first apiary in the Gulf region, where she grows shoulder bees of different breeds from around the world.

The United Arab Emirates currently imports more than 95 per cent of the beehives it needs for honey production, but has great potential to develop this segment on its own. The Hatta Honey apiary employs bees from Canada, Italy, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

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