Meet the Emirati beekeeper whose hives produce UAE's most prized honey varieties
20 May 2025 00:40
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)What began as a deeply personal quest for pure, high-quality honey has blossomed into a 24-year beekeeping legacy for Ahmed Al Mazroui, an Emirati beekeeper from Abu Dhabi.Today, Al Mazroui manages over 400 beehives producing some of the UAE's most prized honey varieties, including Sidr, Samar, Al Ghaf, mangrove, Al Athel, Al Ashkar, fruit honey, and the rare white Emirati honey.His journey into the world of beekeeping was sparked in 2000 by a twist of fate.After facing challenges starting a family, Al Mazroui turned to natural remedies. Friends advised him to try honey and royal jelly – ingredients believed in traditional medicine to support fertility. This search for pure, authentic honey marked the start of his beekeeping adventure at 20 years old.
"I began by buying honey from different tradesmen, searching for the purest and highest quality I could find," he told Aletihad . "Later on, my wife became pregnant, and that moment forever tied me to the world of bees."
How It StartedInitially, Al Mazroui worked for seven years selling imported honey. His turning point came when he met a local beekeeper who introduced him to Emirati Sidr honey, known for its potent flavour and health benefits. With an initial investment of Dh3,000, Al Mazroui purchased his first three boxes of beehives."I started with just six beehives, learning through observation, asking questions, experimenting, and even watching YouTube videos," he explained."Within two years, I grew to 50 beehives, and it became clear I couldn't manage them alone."Today, Al Mazroui has 14 children who play a key role in his beekeeping business, helping him at exhibitions and sales events.In 2025, the Emirati beekeeper took his business to new heights, launching four major beekeeping projects.These include producing fruit honey, founding a queen bee production station, opening a bee garden in Al Ain for public education, and producing locally sourced royal jelly instead of importing it.
The Value of Hard Work Reflecting on his 24-year journey, Al Mazroui said beekeeping has taught him invaluable life lessons."Bees teach you patience, endurance, and generosity. The more you care for them, the more they care for you; the more you give them, the more they give you," he said."These beautiful creatures are tireless workers, teaching us the value of dedication and hard work."On the occasion of World Bee Day, celebrated on May 20, Al Mazroui shared a piece of advice for aspiring beekeepers.
"Anyone entering the beekeeping profession must be honest, trustworthy, and appreciative of the work these creatures do, providing us with both medicine and nourishing food," he said. "It's a blessed profession."
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