Abu Dhabi:The Abu Dhabi Honey Programme has been launched on the concluding day of Global Food Week, aiming to enhance the emirate's beekeeping and honey production sector. This initiative seeks to improve the quality and global competitiveness of local honey products.
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme establishes an integrated ecosystem addressing the entire value chain of the honey sector. It includes the provision of healthy honeybees, improved beekeeping practices, scientific research, disease and pest monitoring, honey quality testing and certification, as well as investment and marketing support for 'Abu Dhabi Honey' in global markets.
Seventeen strategic initiatives form the core of the programme, addressing regulatory, scientific, economic, and marketing aspects. Notable initiatives involve developing a governance framework for the sector, establishing the Abu Dhabi Beekeepers Association, regulating beekeeper registration and licensing, and identifying and regulating bee forage areas. The programme also focuses on breeding Emirati honeybee strains and offers training and educational programmes to enhance beekeepers' skills.
The programme's economic goals include attracting local and international investment, supporting producers and enterprises, and developing an export strategy and comprehensive marketing plan. Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Honey Awards aim to promote excellence and innovation within the sector.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Department of Municipalities and Transport - Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council are key contributors to the programme, focusing on environmental protection, sustainable beekeeping practices, and honey quality certification.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), stated that the programme aligns with Abu Dhabi's goal to develop high-value food sectors and diversify its economy. By leveraging the local environment, the programme aims to create products capable of competing globally.
Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of ADAFSA, emphasized the programme's reliance on knowledge, innovation, and quality. He highlighted the aim to empower beekeepers, sustain local honeybees, and create an advanced research ecosystem to enhance Abu Dhabi Honey's competitiveness.
The programme continues ADAFSA's efforts to develop Emirati honeybee strains. Since 2015, the authority has bred several generations of bees, contributing significantly to increased local production and reduced reliance on imports. In 2026, the success of Emirati honey was recognized internationally, with ADAFSA receiving awards at the Paris International Honey Awards.
Overall, the Abu Dhabi Honey Programme seeks to establish a sustainable ecosystem, leveraging the emirate's unique environmental characteristics to produce high-quality local honey, thereby strengthening Abu Dhabi’s identity in global markets.