For this Emirati beekeeper, honey symbolises healing, hospitality in UAE culture

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 homeland.

It 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 benefits.

She 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 said.

She 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 public.

Her 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 & Auction.

On 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."