The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, (ADAFSA) achieved a major milestone during its participation in the Apimondia Congress 2025 in Copenhagen, securing second place (the Silver Medal) in the Best Book on Beekeeping competition with Bees and Beekeeping in the United Arab Emirates. This landmark publication is the first comprehensive reference of its kind to document the UAE’s history of beekeeping, native bee species, husbandry practices, and the environmental challenges shaping this vital sector.
ADAFSA also secured 4th place in the Decorative Wax Sculpture and National Landmark Wax Display competitions, further showcasing the creative and technical excellence of the UAE’s apiculture sector.
These achievements come as part of the Authority's participation in the 49th Session of the International Federation of Beekeepers' Associations (Apimondia) Congress, held in Copenhagen, from 23 to 27 September 2025, with the participation of more than 120 countries.
The accompanying exhibition featured 216 pavilions and 177 exhibitors from around the world, while the scientific programme included 300 presentations and 600 scientific posters illustrating research results across multiple fields.
A highlight of the event was the international honey tasting, with 250 varieties from 42 countries and over 111,000 tasting sessions. Emirati honey including Samar, Sidr, Ghaf, and Qurm (Mangrove), received widespread acclaim from global participants.
An official delegation represented ADAFSA, participating in the scientific lectures within the academic programme. The delegation presented research findings from three key studies: Establishment and Evaluation of Cooling Shelters to Protect Honeybee Colonies During Summer under Abu Dhabi Emirate Conditions, Parasites and Pathogens Affecting Honeybees in the UAE, and Enhancing Flowering Plant Resources Beneficial to Honeybees in the UAE.
The delegation also participated in multiple workshops, including one on pollen grain examination and classification, and specialised workshops on beekeeping practices.
In preparation for promoting the 50th Apimondia International Apicultural Congress in Dubai 2027, the delegation held numerous meetings with exhibitors and participants, organised an Emirati honey tasting showcase, and distributed honey samples to attendees.
ADAFSA is plays a key role in shaping the scientific and technical programme of Apimondia Dubai 2027. With its pioneering research on desert beekeeping, pollinator health, and food security, ADAFSA brings invaluable expertise to the congress. The Authority’s commitment to advancing agricultural sustainability and safeguarding local ecosystems will ensure that the UAE’s experience in adapting apiculture to arid environments is showcased to the world, while strengthening global knowledge exchange and cooperation.
Eng. Ali Al Kaabi, Head of Research Stations and Head of ADAFSA’s Delegation to Apimondia, said: “Participation in Apimondia offers a strategic opportunity to showcase the UAE’s pioneering achievements in advancing apiculture and honey production, while reinforcing its global standing in this vital field. “We are proud of the global recognition received for the UAE's Beekeeping Encyclopaedia, which documents our journey by highlighting wild bees as natural plant pollinators, and showcasing sustainable hive management methods in a desert environment.”
He added: “Beekeeping is far more than an agricultural activity; it is a cornerstone of food security and environmental sustainability. “Through pollination, bees contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem health. At ADAFSA, we continue to develop the Emirati honeybee strain, now in its tenth generation, as part of a strategic plan to ensure sector sustainability and enhance national honey production.”
Apimondia is one of the world’s most prominent events in the field of beekeeping. The latest edition welcomed many experts and industry representatives from over 120 countries. The scientific programme featured lectures, workshops, and presentations covering diverse aspects of beekeeping, honeybee health, and sustainable pollination. The congress also showcased the latest innovations in beekeeping equipment, packaging technologies, and value-added products.
Founded in 1895 and headquartered in Rome, the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations (Apimondia) aims to advance scientific, technical, environmental, and economic development in beekeeping worldwide. It facilitates knowledge exchange through congresses and seminars and comprises five regional commissions and seven scientific committees, including those focused on apitherapy, bee biology, apicultural economics, rural development, technology and quality, bee health, and pollination.
