Emirati Beekeeper Preserves Ancient Honey Harvesting Traditions

Emirati beekeeper Ali Salem Al Dhanhani has spent over 40 years tracking wild bees in the UAE's mountains, viewing beekeeping as more than a job but a cultural heritage and livelihood. Since 1985, he has specialized in collecting wild honey and managing hives, mastering bee behavior and navigating difficult terrain.

Al Dhanhani locates wild bee colonies by observing bee flight patterns and annually prepares mountain shelters to attract swarms, harvesting 100-200 kg of wild honey plus about 1,000 kg from his apiaries each year. He notes that wild honey collection and commercial beekeeping require different skills, with the former demanding knowledge of wild bee locations and access.