Minister of Climate Change and Environment Discusses Challenges of Apiculture with Hatta Honey

His Excellency Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, today toured the Hatta Honeybee Garden and Discovery Center, run by Hatta Honey, a leading premium honey producer and beekeeping equipment supplier with a presence in six countries. The company owns 8,000 beehives and produces 20 tons of honey per season.

The tour is part of a series of ministerial visits aimed at exploring the challenges facing sectors under the mandate of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), particularly the food sector, and devising solutions to these challenges to boost productivity.

His Excellency Sultan Alwan, Acting Undersecretary of MOCCAE, and His Excellency Eng. Saif Al Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector and Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, accompanied the Minister on the tour.

Eng. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi briefed His Excellency Dr. Al Nuaimi on the advanced beekeeping technologies used in the garden to produce high-quality honey. Moreover, they explored the requirements and prospects of increasing the production and improving the competitiveness of locally produced honey.

As part of its mandate to support the agricultural sector and local food production, MOCCAE has issued legislation and launched initiatives that seek to enhance food diversity and security through improving productivity in terms of variety, quantity, and quality.

Given the importance of bees, the Ministry views sustaining beekeeping practice in the UAE as a priority. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), of the 100 crop varieties that provide 90 percent of the world’s food, 71 are pollinated by bees.

In this context, MOCCAE has approved a law that allows local beekeepers to import new species of bees into the country, leading to a considerable increase in the amount of honey produced locally.

Mr. Shadi Zohour presented to the guests the important role played by Hatta Honey in promoting the sustainability of the honeybee for environmental impact, food security, and economic growth.

Within a few short years, Hatta Honey will lead change within the UAE and region through sustainability initiatives and by building a strong network of governmental and corporate partnerships, allowing us to pursue the mission of saving the bees.