Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has earned global recognition at the Apimondia Congress 2025 in Copenhagen, securing the Silver Medal in the Best Book on Beekeeping competition for its publication Bees and Beekeeping in the United Arab Emirates.
The encyclopaedia marks a landmark achievement as the UAE’s first comprehensive reference on beekeeping, documenting native bee species, sustainable practices, and environmental challenges affecting the apiculture sector.
ADAFSA also achieved fourth place in the Decorative Wax Sculpture and National Landmark Wax Display competitions, highlighting the UAE’s technical and artistic expertise in modern apiculture. The 49th Apimondia Congress welcomed participants from more than 120 countries.
The event featured 216 pavilions, 177 exhibitors, and over 900 scientific presentations covering various aspects of bee biology, pollination, and honey production. Among the highlights was the international honey tasting, where Emirati honey varieties , Samar, Sidr, Ghaf, and Qurm (Mangrove) , received wide acclaim from participants.
The ADAFSA delegation took part in the congress’s scientific sessions, presenting three key research studies, Establishment and Evaluation of Cooling Shelters to Protect Honeybee Colonies During Summer Under Abu Dhabi Conditions, Parasites and Pathogens Affecting Honeybees in the UAE, and Enhancing Flowering Plant Resources Beneficial to Honeybees in the UAE.
Eng. Ali Al Kaabi, Head of Research Stations and Head of ADAFSA’s Delegation, stated that, “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.”
In preparation for hosting the 50th Apimondia Congress in Dubai in 2027, ADAFSA is working closely with global experts to shape the scientific and technical agenda. Its pioneering research in desert beekeeping and pollinator health positions the UAE as a leader in sustainable apiculture and international knowledge exchange.
Through its achievements at Apimondia 2025, ADAFSA has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing agricultural innovation, protecting natural ecosystems, and promoting the UAE’s expertise on the world stage.
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