How honeybees drive biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems in Saudi Arabia and beyond

Special How honeybees drive biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems in Saudi Arabia and beyond
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Honeybees help to maintain plant diversity by pollinating a wide range of species, preventing any single plant from dominating. (SPA file)
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Updated 12 January 2025
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How honeybees drive biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems in Saudi Arabia and beyond

How honeybees drive biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems in Saudi Arabia and beyond
  • By protecting honeybees, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve provides a boost for the sustainable honey industry
  • This keystone species, essential for sustaining life on Earth, faces threats from climate change, habitat loss, pesticides, and disease

RIYADH: Beyond the manufacture of honey, honeybees are also guardians of biodiversity and strong ecosystems. As a keystone species, they support plant diversity by pollinating wildflowers and provide a welcome boost to agricultural productivity.

Although small in size, without these precious insects, cascading effects could destabilize entire food chains and habitats for countless organisms.

Recognizing their importance, Saudi Arabia has undertaken active conservation efforts, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable beekeeping and the protection of these industrious insects.

Together with other pollinators such as birds and bats, bees are vital to global agriculture, contributing to 35 percent of the world’s crop production by pollinating 87 of 115 leading food crops, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. 

Honeybees help to maintain plant diversity by pollinating a wide range of species, preventing any single plant from dominating. This balance is crucial for ecosystem resilience, enabling them to better withstand environmental challenges such as climate change and invasive species.

Wildflowers, which rely heavily on honeybees for reproduction, play a key role in this balance. These flowers provide food and shelter for birds, insects and small mammals, creating a ripple effect that supports a diverse array of species throughout the ecosystem.




Honeybees help to maintain plant diversity by pollinating a wide range of species, preventing any single plant from dominating. (SPA file)

In Saudi Arabia, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve hosts 25,737 beehives across 256 sites, fostering honeybee populations in a thriving and protected environment.

“The reserve provides a naturally protected environment rich in flowering plants, which serve as a primary source of nectar and pollen,” Abdulmajeed Al-Dhaban, a spokesperson for the reserve’s development authority, told Arab News.

“This ideal ecosystem enables bees to produce large quantities of high-quality honey, as well as other hive products like beeswax and royal jelly, which hold significant nutritional and economic value.”

Thanks in part to the bees’ services, the reserve plays a vital role in enhancing the Kingdom’s food security.

“In addition to honey production, the reserve’s diverse ecosystem sustains natural pollination cycles,” Al-Dhaban said.

“This contributes to the productivity and quality of nearby cultivated crops and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national efforts to achieve food security and self-sufficiency.”

Noting that pollination has a critical impact on the global food system, Al-Dhaban said bees are among the most efficient agents for transferring pollen between plants.

“This process not only enhances seed quality and density but also boosts agricultural crop production in terms of both quantity and quality,” he said. “Bee activity contributes directly to the production of honey, a valuable food product with significant health and economic benefits.”

Al-Dhaban also emphasized that honeybees are crucial for supporting food security and ensuring the long-term sustainability of natural resources.

This is particularly important as the reserve’s biodiversity creates an ideal environment for key Saudi crops, including acacia, Sidr trees and caper shrubs.




Almond crops are almost entirely dependent on honeybee pollination. (SPA photo)

These plants benefit directly from bee pollination, which also increases the production of high-quality nectar for honey and other hive products. This natural cycle, Al-Dhaban said, supports local food supplies and strengthens the regional economy. 

“By reducing reliance on imports and promoting local honey production, the reserve positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable honey sector development,” he said.

However, honeybee populations face serious threats, including climate change, habitat loss, pesticide use and disease.

To tackle this challenge, Mefleh Al-Jabreen, a beekeeper and owner of mobile apiaries at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, highlights the importance of selecting bee breeds that balance honey production and reproduction.




At Saudi Arabia's Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, there are more than 25,730 beehives spread across 256 sites in the reserve, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. (SPA)

He told Arab News that his bees are transported to pastures rich in wild flowering trees, providing them with abundant nectar and pollen.

“We extract a specific amount of honey during gathering periods, leaving enough for the bees to sustain their hives,” he said.

Al-Jabreen explained that these sustainable practices help to maintain healthy honeybee populations while ensuring high-quality production.




The botanical diversity at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve fosters over seven varieties of wild honey. (SPA)

The reserve’s botanical diversity also supports the production of more than seven varieties of wild honey, many of which have earned international recognition for their quality.

Al-Jabreen also noted that the health of a hive largely depends on the queen bee. “A young, active queen laying eggs abundantly forms the foundation of a stable hive,” he said.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Crops, such as almonds and vanilla, are almost entirely dependent on honeybee pollination.

• Honeybee pollination prevents any single plant species from dominating, maintaining ecosystem balance.

• A young, active queen laying eggs abundantly forms the foundation of a stable hive.

He added that it is also crucial to monitor the number of worker bees and ensure the hive remains free of diseases and parasites, which can threaten colony stability and productivity. 

Environmental challenges, such as extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather, pose significant threats to honeybee health, disrupting key hive processes such as honey production and reproduction.




Monitoring the number of worker bees is necessary to ensure the hive remains free of diseases and parasites. (SPA photo)

Al-Jabreen said that several factors must be considered when addressing these challenges: “These strategies include hive insulation, which helps reduce heat stress in extreme temperatures.”

Meanwhile, tree cover and shaded areas protect hives from direct sunlight during hot weather, while relocating hives to coastal regions in winter helps to keep bees active and productive.

“Windbreakers and hive relocation shield honeybees from strong winds and cold climates,” he added.

Al-Jabreen emphasized that plant diversity is essential for the survival of honeybees. “Bees are a vital part of the interconnected ecosystem, and their well-being depends on an abundance of floral and crop resources,” he said.




The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has said the current target is to raise the Kingdom's honey production to 7,500 tonnes annually. (SPA) 

Recent innovations in beekeeping are helping to protect honeybee populations and enhance hive productivity. Al-Jabreen highlighted several key advances, such as special pollen-collecting boxes and bee breeds adapted to local climates.

He also hailed the growing collaboration between beekeepers and farmers. Organic farming practices, which avoid harmful chemicals, create safer environments for bees to thrive.

“We work with farmers to coordinate pesticide spraying schedules and relocate hives to safer areas,” Al-Jabreen said.

With growing threats to honeybee populations, governments, researchers and communities must prioritize their protection. Safeguarding these vital pollinators is key to ensuring a sustainable future for ecosystems, agriculture, and global food security.
 

 


Jeddah roadshow promotes Malaysia’s tourism, seeks more Saudi visitors

Jeddah roadshow promotes Malaysia’s tourism, seeks more Saudi visitors
Updated 4 sec ago
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Jeddah roadshow promotes Malaysia’s tourism, seeks more Saudi visitors

Jeddah roadshow promotes Malaysia’s tourism, seeks more Saudi visitors
  • Group included representatives from private sector companies, travel agents and hoteliers
  • Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing discussed preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign

JEDDAH: Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysia’s minister of tourism, arts and culture, led a delegation to Jeddah for a roadshow and business-to-business networking event aimed at exploring tourism opportunities between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.

Accompanied by Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, director general of Tourism Malaysia, the group included representatives from private sector companies, travel agents and hoteliers to network and form strategic alliances with buyers, travel agents and airlines from the Kingdom.

In his remarks, the minister discussed preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which aims to attract 35.6 million tourists, focusing on increasing Malaysia’s visibility, improving accessibility, and enhancing the appeal of its tourism.

Speaking to Arab News, the minister said: “We are here to discuss further collaborations and launch the Visit Malaysia 2026 roadshow in Jeddah. Our annual roadshow allows us to showcase new offerings and strengthen partnerships with Saudi tour operators.”

Regarding Saudi tourist arrivals, he said: “We expect a rise in visitors from the Arab world, especially from Saudi Arabia, which has the largest percentage of visitors from the Middle East.”

He added: “Saudi Arabia has been a key market for Malaysia for years, and with Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, we are targeting more visitors than last year, which reached 68,000.”

He asked everyone to work more vigorously and closely with Tourism Malaysia to send more Saudis to Malaysia, to observe its beauty and experience the sights and sounds of “Malaysia Truly Asia.”


Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience

Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience
Updated 22 min 47 sec ago
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Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience

Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience
  • Second version of AI-powered robot Manarah 2 launched
  • Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais reveals Hajj plan Thursday 

MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched several digital tools to enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims during the Hajj season. 

The initiative aims to convey the universal message of Hajj and highlight its Shariah objectives in multiple languages. 

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, inaugurated the second version of the artificial intelligence-powered robot Manarah 2. 

The launch included several smart interactive screens, a global electronic recitation platform, and a multilingual Surah Al-Fatiha app. 

During the Hajj season, the presidency is focused on enhancing the digital experience through integrated services, AI, smart apps, and media, in line with its broader transformation goals.

The initiative also supports Vision 2030 by utilizing advanced digital tools and content developed by local experts to promote the values of moderation and guidance rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. 

The presidency’s Hajj operational plan, to be announced on Thursday, will prioritize enriching the pilgrim experience and will include scientific, educational, and guidance-based initiatives that reflect its core mission.


Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety

Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety
Updated 05 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety

Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety
  • Vice environment minister highlights Kingdom’s focus on human capital, sustainability at Riyadh conference

Riyadh: Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Al-Mushaiti has highlighted Saudi Arabia’s significant progress toward Vision 2030, with 93 percent of annual indicators met and 85 percent of initiatives either completed or on track.

Speaking at the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Riyadh, he emphasized the environment sector’s commitment to sustainability and the prioritization of worker safety across all development projects.

Al-Mushaiti underscored the Kingdom’s focus on human capital, demonstrated by the establishment of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health and the adoption of international best practices.

He noted the water sector’s achievement of more than 190 million safe work hours and a sub-45-second emergency response time with zero serious incidents during large-scale project implementation, which he attributed to robust safety management systems.

The conference, held from May 4-6 under the theme “The Future of Occupational Safety and Health,” brings together senior officials, experts, and specialists from Saudi Arabia and around the world to explore future directions and challenges in global labor markets.

Al-Mushaiti also outlined environmental protection efforts, including a noise and light pollution monitoring program in major cities, citing potential productivity gains of more than 11 percent, according to the World Green Building Council.

He highlighted the success of the Saudi Green Initiative, which has led to the planting of more than 141 million trees, the rehabilitation of more than 313,000 hectares of degraded land, and the protection of more than 4 million hectares.

These environmental advances enhance worker safety and contribute to safer, more sustainable work environments, Al-Mushaiti said.

In agriculture, Al-Mushaiti affirmed the ministry’s adoption of Saudi Good Agricultural Practices standards, with 142 facilities accredited for safe practices, advanced pesticide control systems, and smart awareness platforms that have reduced pesticide residues to below 2 percent.

The three-day conference features scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, showcasing 30 innovative projects.


Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
Updated 05 May 2025
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Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
  • On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief completed medical programs in Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Tanzania, in line with the organization’s aim to support injured people worldwide.

The Saudi Noor Campaign, which will conclude on May 6, is tackling blindness in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The medical team examined 1,731 cases, assigned 198 prescription glasses, performed 60 operations and provided medication to 857 patients.

In Reyhanli district, Türkiye, KSrelief carried out a prosthetics and rehabilitation program.

With a team of 13 specialists, they fitted 36 individuals with prosthetics and 40 orthopedic splints.

On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The team performed 133 open-heart catheterizations and 15 open-heart operations.

 


KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria
Updated 05 May 2025
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KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to launch volunteer programs throughout the Arab world to address humanitarian crises and improve the health of Yemeni and Syrian people.

In Damascus, the team completed three volunteer initiatives that supported hundreds with disaster response, administrative training, and psychosocial support for women and children. The program ran from April 26 to May 3.

In Yemen, meanwhile, KSrelief completed the first phase of an outreach vaccination campaign in the Aden governorate in collaboration with Yemen’s Minister of Public Health and Population Qasem Buhaibeh.

On Friday, the organization launched vocational training courses in Wadi Hadhramaut, Yemen, to improve the livelihood of locals and boost economic development.

The project targeted 1,500 people and focused on home appliance maintenance, carpentry, vehicle repair, men’s tailoring, beekeeping, plumbing, photography, and electricity and energy.