Abu Dhabi:The inaugural Abu Dhabi Honey Symposium and Exhibition commenced today, organized by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) in partnership with Apimondia, the International Federation of Beekeepers' Associations, as part of Global Food Week 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event is the largest scientific gathering focused on beekeeping and honey production in the Middle East and North Africa. It gathers experts, researchers, policymakers, beekeepers, and industry leaders to discuss sustainable beekeeping and honey production in arid environments.
The opening ceremony featured a keynote address by Prof. Dr. Peter Kozmus, Acting President of Apimondia, who emphasized the need for cooperation among beekeeping organizations, researchers, and industry stakeholders to foster sustainable sector development globally. He acknowledged the critical role of bees in pollination, biodiversity, and sustainable food production and highlighted the importance of collaboration in overcoming challenges such as climate change, habitat loss, and disease.
The symposium aims to enhance sustainable beekeeping in the UAE through measures such as improving water and food resources, breeding resilient bee populations, and utilizing advanced genomic tools and AI-based monitoring systems. It also focuses on protecting pollinators and biodiversity, enhancing beekeeper education, and developing a coordinated national beekeeping program.
Among the technical sessions was a presentation by Prof. Irfan Kandemir from Ankara University, who shared insights on conserving the Anatolian honeybee. He emphasized the importance of genetic diversity for resilience against climate change and stressed the need for partnerships to ensure bee populations' health and global food security.
Visitors to the symposium can enjoy interactive activities, including honey tasting and competitions for Best Photography and Best Scientific Poster. Exhibitors are showcasing products like premium Emirati honey, beekeeping equipment, and innovative technologies.
The symposium continues throughout Global Food Week 2026, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental stewardship.