Latest news with #Ghaf
Al Etihad
20-05-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
ADAFSA reaffirms commitment to advancing Emirati honeybee breed
20 May 2025 14:14 ABU DHABI (WAM) The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) reiterates its unwavering support for Emirati beekeepers, in celebration of World Bee Day, observed annually on May commitment is exemplified through the continued provision of high-quality queen bees from the Emirati honeybee breed, aiming to ensure the sustainability of the beekeeping sector and enhance the production of premium local honey varieties such as Samar, Sidr, Ghaf, Mangrove, and March and April 2025, ADAFSA successfully bred and produced 2,100 tenth-generation queen bees of the Emirati honeybee breed. This initiative is part of ADAFSA's ongoing efforts to develop a resilient local bee strain, reducing reliance on imported bee colonies and ensuring the sustainability of beekeeping practices within the 2016 to 2024, ADAFSA produced nine generations of Emirati queen bees, totalling 18,692 queens, with 14,461 distributed to beekeepers across the the current year, ADAFSA has distributed 1,350 tenth-generation queens to 39 beekeepers. The breeding programme aims to produce 2,300 queens during the spring season (March–May) and an additional 3,000 queens in the autumn season (October–November), culminating in a total of 5,300 tenth-generation queens by the end of is intensifying efforts to elevate local honey to global January 31 to February 9, 2025, the authority organised the Al Wathba Honey Festival, held in conjunction with the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu festival featured participation from 50 beekeepers and honey production included eight competitions, introducing new categories for the best wax mould and best honey product packaging. A total of 272 participants competed, with 40 winners receiving prizes amounting to Dh439,000. To further promote awareness of the unique value of Emirati honey, ADAFSA produced an educational video showcasing the diverse honey varieties derived from the UAE's varied landscapes—from the mountains of Al Ain and the deserts of Abu Dhabi to the mangrove honey types include Samar, Sidr, Ghaf, Mangrove, and wildflower honeys. The video underscores the pivotal role of beekeepers and queen bees in producing this valuable nectar and emphasises ADAFSA's efforts in developing the Emirati honeybee breed. It also highlights honey's status as a natural source rich in antioxidants with numerous health video conveys the message that protecting bees is a civilised practice essential for sustaining biodiversity and food security in the the realm of guidance and education, ADAFSA has conducted various workshops and scientific seminars on beekeeping and honey covered include preparing honey samples for local and international competitions, evaluation mechanisms in honey contests, and interactive sessions with beekeepers to discuss challenges in the beekeeping sector and strategies to overcome ADAFSA has implemented two training courses on the fundamentals of beekeeping, targeting novice beekeepers, and another course on the breeding and introduction of queen courses are scheduled to be repeated in October 2025. Furthermore, a training course on honeybee pests and diseases and their control methods is planned for June 2025, aiming to maintain healthy bee colonies capable of thriving in the UAE's conditions and producing high-quality support of events focused on honey, ADAFSA, in collaboration with the Beekeepers Association, played an active role in organising and evaluating the 13th edition of the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB), held in Dubai from December 18 to 22, 2024. This marked the first time this global event was hosted outside Europe, reflecting ADAFSA's commitment to fostering a culture of beekeeping among youth both locally and event brought together over 100 young participants aged 12 to 18 from more than 40 countries. Activities included practical and theoretical competitions, educational workshops, and cultural programmes designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and raise awareness about the importance of bees in food security and environmental part of its educational initiatives, ADAFSA has published a comprehensive scientific guide titled "Bees and Beekeeping in the United Arab Emirates," the first of its kind publication highlights the biodiversity of bee species, sustainable hive management practices, and environmental challenges facing the beekeeping sector in the UAE. An accompanying children's booklet has been released to educate young readers about the significance of bees and honey production in an accessible and engaging its ongoing efforts in monitoring and prevention, ADAFSA has recently launched a national project to monitor diseases and pests affecting honeybee colonies. The project aims to establish an accurate database of health challenges threatening the Emirati honeybee breed and to develop a comprehensive national plan to manage these challenges in accordance with global best practices. The project's findings are expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2026.
Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
For this Emirati beekeeper, honey symbolises healing, hospitality in UAE culture
20 May 2025 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)In the cool, quiet hours of the morning, when the desert air still holds a trace of the night's chill, Amina Bin Kalli walks among her hives in the apiary, watching as her bees stir to life. This Emirati beekeeper's daily routine involves careful hive inspections, monitoring colony behaviour, and checking for signs of queen activity or potential threats. "Beekeeping requires precision and attention to detail," she explained in an interview with Aletihad . "The more hives you have, the more hours you need to dedicate." For Bin Kalli, beekeeping has involved a deeply personal journey, one that connects her to the landscapes and traditions of her began as curiosity stirred by a lone hive on her family farm and later matured into a full-fledged profession, blending ancient Emirati practices with modern technologies."I was inspired by our rich Emirati environment, with its desert landscapes and native flora, as well as our deep-rooted heritage in beekeeping," she said. For generations, Emiratis have kept bees near Sidr and Ghaf trees, producing honey used as both a source of nourishment and a traditional medicine. Bin Kalli sees her work as part of this ongoing legacy. "Honey has always symbolised hospitality and healing in our culture," she said. Today, she produces a wide variety of local honey, including the prized Sidr, Samar, Ghaf, Mangrove, Wildflower, and Mountain Herb varieties – each with unique flavours and health has seamlessly integrated technology into her operations, using smart cooling systems and hive sensors to monitor temperature and humidity, critical for maintaining bee health in the UAE's intense summer heat. She has also diversified her product line, developing innovative honey-based products like chocolates, with plans to expand globally. Building a Community As a woman in the field of beekeeping, Bin Kalli believes her patient and meticulous temperament have been key to her success. She is the founder of the "Emirati Women Beekeepers" group – a professional training platform with nearly 100 members. "I'm passionate about raising awareness and encouraging more women to enter this field with confidence," Bin Kalli is also committed to playing an active role in community education. Bin Kalli has supervised the UAE Junior Beekeeping Team, which won 1st place at the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in 2024. She also regularly conducts workshops and lectures, including sessions at the Dubai Ladies Club and the Farmers' Market, sharing her knowledge with aspiring beekeepers and the broader dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, Bin Kalli earned a Gold Medal at the World Honey Quality Competition in Paris, solidifying her place among the world's top beekeepers. The year before, she received the Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award in the "Outstanding Beekeeper" category. In 2023, her skill in honey production was recognized when she took first place for Best Crystallized Honey at the Liwa Ajman Festival and secured second place in the Open International Category at the Liwa Date Festival & the occasion of World Bee Day, Bin Kalli encourages aspiring beekeepers to enter the field with confidence. "Bees are not just a source of honey," she said. "They are a symbol of ecological balance. If you want to support this critical work, plant native species, support local honey, and be part of protecting this natural treasure."
Al Etihad
06-05-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat completes first phase of Regreening Our Mosques initiative
6 May 2025 20:25 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments and Zakat has completed planting 10,000 trees at the courtyards of mosques across Abu completion was accredited to an endowment by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, in support of the Plant our Mosques campaign was launched by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments and Zakat to plant trees in the vicinity of mosques to increase green spaces, contribute to enhancing the local environment and supporting biodiversity, in line with the Plant the UAE of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments and Zakat, His Excellency Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, has confirmed the completion of the first phase of the campaign, with 3,684 trees being planted in Abu Dhabi, 3,683 in Al Ain Region and 2,633 in Al Dhafra Region. These include Ghaf and Sidr trees that suit the weather of the UAE and symbolise the heritage and deep-rooted history of the Excellency Al Darei lauded the great support offered by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the wise leadership. His Excellency Al Darei also extended his thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, for the great support for this campaign and His Highness's keenness to make it a success. His Excellency Al Darei prayed to God to accept this great endowment and valued his continuous initiatives to support all endeavours of the authority has indicated that the second phase of this campaign will target planting trees at mosques across the UAE as planned and valued the great interaction of the public with the campaign, which aims to adorn mosques. The authority has encouraged the public to contribute to looking after mosques to continue to be beacons of civilisation, minarets of knowledge and sciences and good deeds, as well as a source of community member integration.
Al Etihad
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Tolerance, coexistence integral part of UAE's journey: Nahyan bin Mubarak
21 Apr 2025 15:07 ABU DHABI (WAM) Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, announced the launch of Masfout, one of the key sites within the Ministry's "Gardens of Tolerance" initiative — a project aimed at promoting harmony with nature and reinforcing the values of tolerance and coexistence across initiative, developed in collaboration with the Municipality and Planning Department – Ajman, aims to reflect the UAE's commitment to environmental harmony and social Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department – Ajman, inaugurated the site by planting a Ghaf tree, a national symbol of resilience and unity.'This garden embodies our core values and reinforces our commitment to tolerance as a way of life,' Sheikh Nahyan said, noting the garden's significance as a community space celebrating good conduct towards both people and praised the partnership with Ajman Municipality, highlighting that the inclusion of Masfout carries powerful significance in promoting tolerance and coexistence among all segments of UAE society, and in creating a welcoming destination for the country's Nahyan reiterated President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's emphasis on tolerance and human fraternity as foundational to the UAE's development—principles inherited from the country's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He added that expanding the initiative to include more sites across the UAE supports the country's soft power and promotes tolerance and peaceful coexistence among all segments of society.
Daily Tribune
15-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain and UAE Ministers Discuss Strengthening Cooperation in Municipal and Agricultural Sectors
AB His Excellency Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, affirmed the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the continuous growth of bilateral relations under the support and guidance of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. This came during His Excellency's meeting with Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, as part of his official visit to the United Arab Emirates. The two sides discussed various topics of mutual interest in the fields of municipal affairs and agriculture. During the meeting, both ministers explored ways to enhance joint cooperation in municipal work — particularly in building inspection, violation monitoring mechanisms, and the exchange of regulatory expertise. They also discussed collaboration on the development and implementation of smart city management systems, city landscaping and afforestation projects, and the sharing of knowledge on nursery establishment and agricultural development. His Excellency Al Mubarak was also briefed on the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's role in organizing and managing central and seasonal markets. He praised the ministry's efforts in promoting sustainable services and improving the local environment. On the agricultural front, discussions covered joint initiatives for planting native and Ghaf trees, as well as knowledge exchange regarding the management of plant genetic resources centers and the UAE's experience in date palm cultivation and processing. On the sidelines of the visit, Minister Al Mubarak conducted several field visits to review leading UAE projects and experiences firsthand. Among the key stops was the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai — a research institution specializing in innovative agricultural solutions for food and water security challenges in arid and semi-arid regions. The minister also visited "Bee'ah" — an environmental management company in Sharjah — along with the Plant Genetic Resources Center, "SILA" Food and Technology Company, and Dubai Municipality. Minister Al Mubarak praised the UAE's impressive achievements in environmental protection, climate change mitigation, local food production, waste reduction, and sustainable urban planning. He expressed optimism about the continued collaboration between Bahrain and the UAE, which promises to bring mutual benefits to both nations and their people. The minister was accompanied during his UAE visit by Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Municipal Affairs, and Eng. Assem Abdul Latif Abdullah, Undersecretary for Agriculture and Marine Resources.
