Abu Dhabi launches comprehensive honey programme to establish global brand for premium local products

A sweeping initiative unveiled at Global Food Week integrates regulatory, scientific and commercial frameworks to transform Abu Dhabi's beekeeping sector and position its honey as a distinctive competitor in international markets.

Abu Dhabi has unveiled an ambitious and multifaceted programme designed to elevate its honey sector into a globally competitive industry, underpinned by scientific excellence, rigorous quality standards and strategic marketing. The Abu Dhabi Honey Programme, launched on the final day of Global Food Week, represents a comprehensive ecosystem spanning the entire value chain from honeybee cultivation through to export and brand development.

The initiative comprises seventeen interconnected strategic ventures addressing regulatory governance, scientific advancement, economic opportunity and international marketing. These encompass the establishment of an Abu Dhabi Beekeepers Association, a formal licensing framework for beekeeping operations, identification and management of dedicated bee forage areas, and development of a distinctive Emirati honeybee strain adapted to desert conditions. The programme also mandates specialised training for beekeepers, disease and pest monitoring systems, and collaborative research partnerships with universities and scientific institutions.

Scientific Foundation and Quality Assurance

A cornerstone of the programme involves conducting comprehensive scientific studies to identify and document the unique characteristics of Abu Dhabi honey varieties. This research will establish an authoritative foundation for product development, international certification and market positioning. The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council has been designated to develop an integrated quality monitoring and certification system, strengthening laboratory capabilities to ensure honey authenticity, purity and compliance with internationally recognised standards.

His Excellency Dr Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, emphasised the transformative ambition: “We aspire for Abu Dhabi Honey to become synonymous with quality, authenticity and excellence, reflecting the emirate’s unique environment, advanced research and regulatory capabilities.”

Building a Distinctive Brand Identity

The programme extends beyond production to establish Abu Dhabi Honey as a trusted international brand. Key commercial initiatives include development of a comprehensive export strategy, targeted marketing plans for priority markets, and establishment of the Abu Dhabi Honey Awards to foster excellence and innovation within the sector. These measures aim to attract both local and international investment whilst supporting producers and related enterprises seeking to scale operations.

His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, described the initiative as reflecting Abu Dhabi’s broader economic diversification strategy: “This represents a long-term investment in building a distinctive Emirati food identity founded on science, research and innovation, in line with the vision of the UAE leadership to advance the agricultural and food sectors.”

Proven Track Record and Recent Achievements

The programme builds upon considerable existing expertise. Between 2015 and 2025, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority successfully developed ten successive generations of the Emirati honeybee strain, producing approximately 25,000 queen bees of which around 19,000 were distributed to 613 beekeepers across the UAE. This selective breeding programme has strengthened the strain’s adaptation to desert climate conditions whilst reducing national reliance on imported honeybees.

Recent international recognition underscores the quality of local production. At the Paris International Honey Awards 2026, the Authority received two gold awards for Sidr and Samar honey, along with a silver award for crystallised Ghaf honey. UAE beekeepers collectively won 29 awards at the competition, establishing a robust foundation for international brand development.

Eng Ali Juma Al Kaabi, Project Director of the Abu Dhabi Honey Programme, outlined the vision: “Our ambition extends beyond developing honey production. We aim to establish a distinctive identity for Abu Dhabi Honey based on its unique characteristics, quality and authenticity, while creating broader opportunities for local products to grow and reach global markets.”

Coordinated Government Approach

The programme exemplifies integrated governance, coordinating contributions from multiple entities. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment supports environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. The Department of Municipalities and Transport identifies and allocates suitable land for bee forage. The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council oversees quality systems and laboratory standards. This collaborative approach ensures development is grounded in scientific rigour, environmental sustainability and commercial viability.

Through this multifaceted framework, Abu Dhabi seeks to transform its honey sector into a globally recognised industry whilst honouring the emirate’s unique environmental heritage and agricultural traditions.

Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office