Beekeepers Association UAE – the place to bee for professional and hobby beekeepers
Beekeeping is becoming increasingly popular in the UAE. There are countless reasons to take up beekeeping as a hobby. The Beekeepers Association UAE is a non-profit organisation committed to beekeeping education and honeybee conservation in the region. Read on to learn more about this fantastic organisation, the classes they offer and how you can get involved.
BEEKEEPING IN THE UAE
Beekeeping is not only a lucrative business for professional honey producers, it’s also a fun, soothing and gratifying pastime. Here are some of the advantages of beekeeping:
- The joy of harvesting your own honey is unparalleled. Although yields are lower in the UAE, 5 kg of honey per year is still a reasonable expectation.
- A handful of beehives in your garden will help pollinate your garden and the surrounding neighbourhood.
- Beekeeping can be a great way to meet people who share the same passion as yourself.
In the UAE, there are two types of honeybees: Native wild honeybees (Apis Florea) and imported honeybees (Apis Mallifera). One of the reasons why native honeybees are losing their natural habitat is a lack of knowledge of their importance.
In collaboration with government agencies and environmental organisations, the Beekeepers Association UAE aims to elevate Apis Florea’s status to that of a protected species. In addition, the group is dedicated to providing the best possible care for these fascinating insects and helping them thrive in the harsh UAE climate.
ABOUT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION UAE
Beekeepers Association is a platform for professional and amateur beekeepers to promote public awareness about the value of bees in our daily lives and to develop a flourishing beekeeping community in the UAE.
Run by a volunteer board of directors and overseen by the Community Development Authority (CDA), the organisation educates people on how hives grow in the region and how to keep bee populations healthy. The Association provides special workshops, beginners courses and many other services to bee enthusiasts.
SERVICES AT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION UAE
BEEKEEPING COURSES
In Dubai, the Beekeepers Association holds educational programmes in primary schools. Students discover everything there is to know about these intriguing insects. Children get to observe honey bees closely and hone their artistic skills with honey or wax products.
The Beekeepers Association levies a nominal fee for each student for supplies and time.
No fee will be charged for special needs schools.
BEEKEEPING WORKSHOPS
Weekend beekeeping workshops are held in The Sustainable City‘s Bee Garden. You can participate in a hands-on activity and create something to take home with you. Make candles or lip balms to ensure an more memorable experience.
Adults and children over the age of four are welcome, though adults must accompany kids. There are a limited number of spots available and they must be reserved in advance.
Workshop
- Fee: AED 50
- Duration: 40 minutes
Workshop + Activity
- Fee: AED 100
- Duration: 60 minutes
The Beekeepers Association UAE will use the revenue generated from the fees to fund their future educational programmes.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
Fill any of the online forms accessible on the official website of the Beekeepers Association to join the network of beekeepers — at the UAE’s only recognised beekeepers association. We have listed the ways you can get involved in this fantastic initiative below.
BECOME A FRIEND (NON-BEEKEEPER)
These individuals are not beekeepers but are interested in the association’s objectives. Participation comes with invitations to field trips, volunteer opportunities, an AED 100 discount on beekeeping courses, access to the association’s library, a “Friend of the Beekeepers Association” sticker and more. If friends complete the association’s Beekeeping Course or present a course certificate from another registered association abroad, they can upgrade to members.
- Annual Fee: AED 100 | AED 25 for kids under 18
BECOME A MEMBER (BEEKEEPER)
Membership of The Beekeepers Association is for experienced beekeepers and novice beekeepers who have completed a beekeeping course from a recognised organisation.
Members can attend the regular beekeepers meeting and will also receive all of the Friends perks. They have access to the beekeepers’ Whatsapp group and can mentor the new beekeepers. Members are eligible to rent hive space at the association’s apiary and use the online hive tracker. They can also register as Local Honey Providers on the Association’s website under specific restrictions and pay a fee to use its shared beekeeping equipment.
- Annual Fee: AED 150
SPONSOR THE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
The Association will offer school activities targeted at improving children’s knowledge of the value of honeybees. You can help the Association grow its educational programme and build a vibrant beekeeping community in the UAE by becoming a sponsor. The price of yearly sponsorship packages are as follows.
- Bronze: AED 5,000
- Silver: AED 15,000
- Gold: AED 30,000
- Diamond: AED 150,000
Check out the official website to learn about the benefits of becoming a sponsor.
JOIN AS A VOLUNTEER
There are various ways to volunteer. You can be a part of the Association whether you are a professional, a student who wants to get involved in community services, or simply a bee lover. These are some of the ways you can work as a volunteer.
- Assist in the maintenance of the Association’s beehives.
- Assist with beekeeping workshops and educational school activities.
- Support Association-sponsored events.
- Provide assistance in accountancy, legal, graphic arts, web technology, photography, video production and social media.
ADOPT A HIVE
Adapting a beehive is the best way to help alleviate the bee issue and improve crop pollination. It is also a brilliantly viable option for company’s looking to establish an “environmentally friendly” image. A team of specialists will deliver and maintain the hive in a secure location of your choice.
- Cost: AED 24,000 per year
Special discounts will be offered to those who keep multiple hives at the same location.
OTHER INFORMATION
Want to get in touch? Check out the Beekeepers Association Dubai contact number and other details about the organisation.
- Location: Office 103 – Diamond Square E, The Sustainable City, Dubai
- Contact: +971-58-539-7074
- Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
FAQS
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BECOME A BEEKEEPER?
You can easily become a beekeeper with the proper guidance. To learn more about beekeeping, contact the Beekeepers Association UAE. Before investing in equipment and supplies, the Beekeepers Association recommends attending numerous practical bee demonstrations hosted by the organisation. You can also participate in their beginner’s course to ensure that beekeeping is right for you.
WHAT IS THE COST OF GETTING STARTED?
Two hives/colonies, a coverall suit, a pair of beekeeping gloves, a smoker, and beekeeping tools make up a basic beginner set. The cost of such a starter kit varies between AED 1,000 and AED 3,000, depending on the type of hive and overall quality.
WHERE CAN I GET MY BEES AND BEEKEEPING SUPPLIES?
In the UAE, the majority of the suppliers are based in Al Dhaid Sharjah. You can check out the suppliers’ list on Beekeepers Association UAE’s official website. The Beekeepers Association provides beginners set for an additional AED 500. It can assist you with your initial setup.
And that’s a wrap! The Beekeepers Association is an excellent platform for learning about beekeeping, locating the best equipment and exchanging knowledge.
If you like to be in the company of butterflies, the lovely Butterfly Garden in Dubai is a must-visit. The park is the largest of its kind, with climate-controlled domes for the butterflies. Get up close and learn more about the beautiful winged insects.
