Qatar Foundation (QF) has established a dedicated apiary in Education City, a new initiative designed to nurture honeybee colonies and bolster regional food security. The project, which has been developing over the past year, underscores the critical role bees play in pollination and sustainable agriculture, already producing 135kg of honey from just 18 colonies last year.
Bees and Regional Food Security
The initiative highlights the essential connection between bees and the global food supply. Pollination by bees is directly responsible for the production of a significant portion of the world’s fruits, vegetables, and nuts. In an era of climate change and growing concerns over food systems, protecting bee populations has become a priority.
“Globally, bees are very important for crop production,” explained Abdulrahman al-Eryani, an adviser to the QF Vice Chairperson’s Office who leads the project. “Around 30% of the world’s food production depends on bee pollination. Without them, we would lose essential produce.”
Focus on Native Arabian Bees
A primary goal for the beekeeping team is to compare the resilience and productivity of native Arabian bees with imported species. The long-term objective is to cultivate a self-sufficient population of local bees that are better suited to the region’s challenging climate.
“Our aim is to eventually replace the bees we currently import with Arabian bees,” al-Eryani noted. He added that Arabian bees, found in areas like Southern Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman, are believed to be better adapted to the local environment. This focus on regional species aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable local ecosystems, similar to how Pakistan and Saudi Arabia recently launched an economic cooperation framework to strengthen regional ties.
A Self-Sustaining and Cultural Initiative
The project operates as a self-sustaining business, with profits from honey sales reinvested to maintain and expand the beekeeping operations. The harvest is particularly significant during the “Sidra season,” which begins in September when bees feed on the flowering Sidra trees.
Beyond its environmental and economic benefits, the initiative also honours the deep cultural significance of bees and honey in the Arab world. Honey has been a staple for centuries, valued as both a source of nourishment and a natural medicine. Its importance is also highlighted in Islam, with an entire chapter of the Qur’an, An-Nahl (The Bee), dedicated to the insect. The use of natural products for well-being is a concept also promoted by local health initiatives, such as when Diabetes Qatar launched its World Diabetes Day campaign to raise awareness.
Educational Programmes and Community Interest
The apiary serves as an important educational resource. Earlier this year, students from Academyati, a QF school, visited the site for a hands-on lesson about the vital role bees play in the ecosystem.
“The children got hands-on experience in the apiary: wearing the gear, using the smoker, opening a hive, and holding a frame,” said Simon Jones, business development and activations manager at QF. “It’s great for them to understand how important bees are for the environment.”
Interest in the project has grown significantly, with numerous requests from schools and other organisations. The team plans to offer limited tours during Qatar Sustainability Week and hopes to develop a curriculum that teachers can use in the classroom, followed by a guided visit to the apiary.
