What’s all the buzz about Saudi Arabia’s bees?

Al-Baha, one of the Kingdom’s prime tourist destinations situated on the Sarawat Mountain ranges, is also famous as a major center for beekeeping and honey production. The region boasts of producing around 800 ton of honey from 125,000 beehives annually. (SPA)
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Updated 11 April 2023
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What’s all the buzz about Saudi Arabia’s bees?

  • Over 16,000 registered Saudi beekeepers produce more than 5,000 tons of honey each year
  • Some honey varieties from the Kingdom’s southeast can sell for over $300 per kilogram

JEDDAH: With talk of climate change, devastating droughts and growing concerns about the state of food systems due to continuing conflicts, it’s easy to forget the buzz surrounding one of nature’s simplest creatures and their profound role in our food chain — the bee.

Humans most often associate bees with honey. In addition to being a delicious ingredient for sweet and savory dishes, honey is used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions such as asthma, eye infections, and more. In modern medicine, researchers have noted honey’s antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Honey, however, is far from the most important reason to protect bees. This is because bees play a crucial role in pollination: Nearly 75 percent of the world’s leading crops depend on animal pollination. Bees remain the most dominant pollinators of wild and crop plants. 

In 2019, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, or FAO, released a statement highlighting the threat that the declining number of bees and other pollinators posed to global food security and nutrition. 

It is challenging to calculate the number of bees in the world; some experts believe there are at least two trillion bees worldwide, divided into seven families and about 20,000 species. Other experts believe there are between 80 million to 100 million beehives worldwide, with a single bee colony containing 10,000 to 60,000 bees.

Bees are irreplaceable as pollinators of many plants that simply would not survive without them. While the insects are reared primarily for their honey, not all of them produce it, and their decline could have a major impact on the planet’s biodiversity. The FAO also noted how declining bee populations could affect nutritious crops such as fruits, nuts and vegetables, which would then be substituted by staple crops such as rice, corn and potatoes, resulting in an imbalanced diet.

Researchers believe that the headlines of honey bee colony losses have given an impression of the large-scale global decline of the bee population that endangers beekeeping. However, the stories are usually based on research reports limited to a few countries with observations over a relatively short period, such as the US and Europe, where colony losses have been particularly evident during several harsh winters.

Though bees have stood the test of time for hundreds of millions of years as their populations varied, over the past few decades, the fluctuating decline in numbers may also be attributed to poor farming practices, global warming and disease.

Realizing the possible harsh impact the decline of bees can have on crop yields, the beekeeping industry is steadily growing around the world, and the Kingdom is no exception. Though Saudi Arabia’s arid landscape may seem an inhospitable location for beekeeping and honey-making, the practice has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries.

The bee species most prevalent in the Kingdom is the indigenous honey bee, Apis mellifera dementia, which is found mainly in the southern and southwestern regions of the Kingdom, an ideal environment for nature’s cultivators.




Beekeepers in Asir embark on seasonal honey journey. (SPA)

The southwestern region of Asir and Albaha in particular is famous for producing the highest quality honey. Beekeepers there benefit greatly from its climate and diverse flora, which helps honey bees extract nectar to create honey of high nutritional value. Both regions are also known to have some of the most fertile soil in the Kingdom. The existence of bees and the preservation of the species is essential for the region’s flourishing agriculture market — a win-win for farmers, bees and beekeepers alike.

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, or MEWA, has several plans to develop the beekeeping and honey production sector through initiatives to preserve and protect local bee species, develop the productive efficiency of queens, honey production and other bee products, develop and safeguard bee pastures, and regulate their exploitation and improve quality to achieve economic and social returns.




A historical apiary with traditional hives of Saudi Apis mellifera jemenitica maintained over 500 years by the same family in Taif. (Photo credit: Abdulaziz S. Alqarni, Mohammed A. Hannan, Ayman A. Owayss, Michael S. Engel)

Beekeeping has found support from the Kingdom’s program for developing human capabilities, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, an economic diversification and social reform plan announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016. The industry is also attracting much attention due to local support of homegrown small and medium-sized enterprises.

There are about 16,000 registered beekeepers in the Kingdom, a number which is projected to reach 30,000 by 2030, with the number of beehives exceeding 1 million. 

According to MEWA, the Kingdom produces nearly 5,000 tons of honey and imports 24,000 tons annually. More than 20 types of honey are sold locally from hundreds of apiaries spread across the country,most of which extend from Taif to Jazan and mainly centered in Albaha. The southern region produces some of the highest grades of honey and the rarest types such as Al-Majra, which sells for $266 to $320 a kilogram.

However, beekeepers are facing several challenges.

Speaking to Arab News, Prof. Ahmad Al-Khazim Al-Ghamdi, head of the Bee Research Chair at King Saud University and president of both the Arab Beekeeping Association and Beekeepers Association in Albaha, said that preservation projects and initiatives are more critical today than ever before due to climate change and the resulting loss of bees’ natural habitats.

“International reports on climate change indicate that the temperatures in Saudi Arabia will rise dramatically in the next 20 years due to the dryness of the air, and when this happens, the local bees will not be able to bear these conditions, so losing the bees will result in economic and environmental damage,” he said.

“Importing bees in large quantities will result in the replacement of local bees. The mating of local bees with the imported bees, due to mixing the genetics between the local and the imported ones, will lead to the loss of local adaptations.”

Dr. Al-Ghamdi explained that imported bees also have the potential to bring in pests and diseases, “especially the Varroa destructor (mite), and viral diseases, of which nine viruses have been recorded so far, and fungal diseases, the most dangerous of which is Nosema ceranae.”




Al-Baha region boasts of producing around 800 ton of honey from 125,000 beehives annually. (SPA)

Through the Beekeepers Association in Albaha, Dr. Al-Ghamdi said that so far, 3,000 have received training in the best practices of beekeeping, including how to withstand harsh environmental conditions to preserve the Kingdom’s indigenous bees. 

To further support the protection and preservation of bees, Dr. Al-Ghamdi said that planting suitable trees can help to increase numbers significantly as well as help the region flourish agriculturally and economically.

“We sent a proposal to MEWA to allocate 10 percent of the Saudi Green Initiative’s planned 10 billion trees as flowering trees to provide good nectar and . . . sources of pollen for bees; this is essential to help with the stress resulting from global warming,” Dr. Al-Ghamdi said.

Over time, local honey bees have adapted to regional environmental factors such as climate, vegetation cover, prevailing diseases, lack of rainfall, pests and predators, coexisting with them over the years. Dr. Al-Ghamdi said, however, that more needs to be done to preserve Saudi Arabia’s bees.

This year’s Asian Apicultural Association Conference, to be held in Albaha from Aug. 3 to Aug. 6 under the theme “Breeding the indigenous bees toward sustainable beekeeping to cope with global climate change,” will tackle beekeepers’ most pressing concerns head-on. Guests from more than 40 countries will attend, present their work and participate in the event.




Honeybees in the higher reaches of Saudi Arabia are drawing crowds and making the native juniper-covered Soudah mountains one of the most interesting models for sustainable tourism in the Middle East. (Supplied) 

“We initiated a project, which has been in the works for three years now with MEWA, to conserve the native honeybee in the Kingdom. We took bee samples from different regions of the Kingdom, analyzed them, and documented their genetic sequence . . .(we) discovered three genotypes prevalent in the Kingdom, all of which were registered in the US National Biotechnology Information Bank,” Dr. Al-Ghamdi said.

“We’re helping produce 5,000 selected queens at queen breeding and rehabilitation stations in Jazan, Asir, Albaha and Taif, developing a selection and breeding program for the native honeybee using AI and natural mating, and establishing an electronic database in Arabic and English to benefit future beekeepers and researchers.”

He said that some of the initiative’s findings are aimed at preserving the local bees and working with local beekeepers and MEWA, who have allocated land for apiaries to ensure that bee colonies and the industry thrive and grow in parallel. 

“This will help capacity building of beekeepers in the Kingdom, offer technical support and data and improve production,” Dr. Al-Ghamdi said.

 


How wildflowers bring color and ecological balance to Saudi Arabia’s deserts

Updated 24 May 2025
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How wildflowers bring color and ecological balance to Saudi Arabia’s deserts

  • Conservation efforts and nature reserves are helping the Kingdom’s native desert flora make a strong comeback
  • Desert wildflowers like Zahrah and Zamlouq symbolize resilience, blooming in some of the world’s harshest environments

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s landscapes are brightened each year by a dazzling array of wildflowers that bring bursts of color and life to its deserts and valleys.

Among the most iconic are Bassia eriophora, Senecio glaucus (locally known as Zamlouq), and Tribulus omanense (commonly called Zahrah). These species are celebrated not only for their natural beauty but also for their ecological, historical, and cultural significance.

In the Northern Borders Province, the desert is seasonally transformed into a living canvas by the arrival of Zamlouq, one of the region’s most striking wildflowers. Once near extinction, this annual herbaceous plant is now enjoying a revival.

Also known as Nowair or Yellow Arabian, Zamlouq germinates rapidly after rainfall and can grow up to 20 centimeters tall. It is easily recognized by its elongated, strap-like leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that enrich the desert with vibrant color.

Zamlouq emits a distinctive, aromatic fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies, playing a vital role in pollination and supporting ecological balance.

Zamlouq, also known as Nowair or Yellow Arabian, not only provides valuable forage for livestock and wildlife but also helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. (SPA)

It typically blooms from late winter into spring, carpeting the desert floor with natural ground cover that boosts soil fertility and provides valuable forage for livestock and wildlife. It also helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion — especially in open desert areas.

“This annual herb thrives in sandy plains and open rangelands, blooming in spring,” Ghalia Aljeddani, associate professor of plant ecology at the University of Jeddah’s Department of Environmental Sciences, told Arab News.

“It serves as valuable forage for livestock and contributes to soil stabilization and ecological beautification.”

Another native species creating a breathtaking spectacle during the blooming season is the Ramth shrub (Haloxylon salicornicum), particularly in the valleys of the Northern Borders, such as Wadi Arar and its tributaries. Recent thunderstorms and rainfall have triggered renewed floral activity in these regions.

Ramth is a perennial, evergreen shrub known for both its ecological and pastoral value. Conservation efforts, including the establishment of nature reserves, have helped restore this once-declining species and expand Saudi Arabia’s green cover.

Ramth (Haloxylon salicornicum), a perennial desert shrub, thrives across the Arabian Peninsula under harsh desert conditions. (SPA photo)

Highly valued by herders as a key “Hamad” (palatable pasture shrub), Ramth typically grows to around 1 meter tall and can spread across several square meters. Its scale-like, tubular leaves retain moisture, allowing it to thrive in extreme desert conditions.

When protected from grazing, Ramth demonstrates a remarkable capacity to regenerate. In mid-summer, its foliage produces tiny granules of pure white sugar — a unique feature in its ecological profile.

Ramth is “commonly used as camel forage and firewood,” said Aljeddani.

“It is also a natural source of salt for camels and has uses in cleaning products and some medicinal applications. Its ability to thrive in saline and arid environments makes it a promising solution for combating desertification.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• More than 800 types of wildflowers have been recorded across the Arabian Peninsula.

• After rainfall, the deserts, rocky mountains and gravel plains burst into life with greenery.

• Despite their relatively small sizes, wildflowers in Saudi Arabia are remarkably resilient.

• Bedouin have long used wild plants to treat infections and for health-boosting properties.

Among the diverse Tribulus species found across the Arabian Peninsula, Tribulus omanense — locally known as Zahrah — stands out with its large, vivid yellow flowers and soft, feathery foliage.

This trailing plant thrives in loose sands and high desert dunes and can grow up to 80 centimeters tall, adding a dramatic splash of color to otherwise barren terrain. Belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family, Zahrah is distinguished by its star-shaped flowers with five delicate petals and its spiny seed capsules.

Tribulus omanense — locally known as Zahrah — is a creeping annual plant from the (Zygophyllaceae) family, distinguished by clover-like compound leaves and bright yellow flowers. (SPA photo)
Tribulus omanense stands out with its large, vivid yellow flowers and soft, feathery foliage. (SPA photo)

Its deep green, pinnate leaves and sprawling stems enhance its ornamental appeal, while its winter bloom transforms the desert into a radiant sea of yellow. Zahrah serves as an important food source for desert ungulates like gazelles and oryx, as well as for domesticated animals.

Native to the Arabian Peninsula, Zahrah is exceptionally adapted to harsh conditions, tolerating extreme heat, drought, and sandy soils. Its water-saving mechanisms make it indispensable to desert ecosystems.

Beyond its ecological value, Tribulus omanense is revered as a symbol of endurance and vitality — mirroring the resilience of the desert and the spirit of the people who call it home.

The Arnebia decumbens plant, a seasonal wildflower that flourishes in the Kingdom's Northern Borders region during spring, serves as a vital food source for wildlife and livestock and contributes to ecological balance and soil stabilization in sandy areas. (SPA)

Yet environmental pressures such as climate change, overgrazing, and urban expansion threaten the resurgence of these plants. Authorities are working to raise public awareness about the importance of conserving native vegetation to preserve biodiversity and protect the Kingdom’s natural heritage.

These measures will help maintain ecological balance without excessive strain on water resources, enhance natural resistance to drought and desertification, and support the development of resilient and sustainable ecosystems.

“These wildflowers are not merely natural adornments of the land,” said Aljeddani. “They play vital environmental, cultural, and economic roles and significantly contribute to national initiatives aimed at achieving sustainability.”
 

 


Sudanese culture in spotlight at Jeddah event

Updated 23 May 2025
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Sudanese culture in spotlight at Jeddah event

  • Passport to the World runs until May 24
  • The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures

JEDDAH: Passport to the World, which is taking place in Jeddah until May 24, is offering visitors an immersive look at Sudan’s cultural heritage through live folk performances, traditional dances, and interactive workshops that highlight customs, celebrations, and community rituals.

The event also features a food corner serving authentic Sudanese dishes, desserts, and traditional drinks that reflect the country’s hospitality.

Guests are also given an opportunity to wear traditional Sudanese clothing and explore the meanings behind its regional colors and patterns.

Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the event supports efforts to showcase the cultural diversity of expatriate communities in the Kingdom while promoting values of coexistence through interactive cultural programming.

The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures.

The Sudanese showcase is its conclusion and has attracted strong public interest. A previous edition in Alkhobar was also well received.
 


Saudi minister of municipalities and housing concludes official visit to Kuwait

Updated 23 May 2025
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Saudi minister of municipalities and housing concludes official visit to Kuwait

  • Guidelines adopted at meeting of GCC’s ministers

KUWAIT CITY: Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail has concluded his official visit to Kuwait, during which he headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the 23rd meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s housing ministers, which included participation from the relevant ministers of member states and was attended by the secretary-general of the GCC.

Several technical guidelines were adopted at the meeting, most notably the Value Engineering Guide for GCC Housing Projects, which was prepared by Riyadh as a step to enhance spending efficiency while improving the quality of outcomes in Gulf housing schemes.


Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee holds talks on Gaza with French foreign minister in Paris

Updated 23 May 2025
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Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee holds talks on Gaza with French foreign minister in Paris

  • Delegation includes Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Jordanian and Egyptian counterparts Ayman Safadi and Badr Abdelatty
  • Discussions focus on coordinated international efforts to end war in Gaza, ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid and halt ongoing Israeli violations

PARIS: Senior members of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee held talks with French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris on Friday about the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip and efforts to advance peace in the region.

The delegation that visited the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs was led by the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and included his Jordanian and Egyptian counterparts Ayman Safadi and Badr Abdelatty.

Their discussions with Barrot focused on coordinated international efforts to end the war in Gaza, ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid, and halt ongoing violations by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people and the occupied territories, breaches that have been described as contraventions of international law and humanitarian norms, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They also talked about ways in which joint diplomatic action might be intensified to promote a just and lasting peace, with an emphasis on the implementation of a two-state solution in line with international resolutions.

Other topics included the preparations for a high-level international conference on the two-state solution, which is scheduled to take place at the UN headquarters in New York in June and will be jointly chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.


Saudi fund unveils handicraft investment accelerators

Updated 23 May 2025
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Saudi fund unveils handicraft investment accelerators

  • Nama’ initiative launched in partnership with Ministry of Culture and Quality of Life Program

RIYADH: Nama’ Accelerators, a pioneering initiative to foster the growth of cultural enterprises, has been launched by the Saudi Cultural Development Fund in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Quality of Life Program.

The project, featuring a comprehensive training and development program, will include several sector-specific tracks. The first of these is the flagship handicrafts track, with the aim of amplifying the economic, social and creative impact of the 2025 — Year of Handicrafts initiative.

It targets micro, small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to expand across 11 diverse fields within the sector, including pottery, textiles and woodworking.

Benefits on offer include specialized training in modern craft techniques, intensive workshops on marketing and business management, and improved market access both locally and internationally. It also provides financial incentives to support sustainable growth and expansion.

Through this inaugural track, Nama’ Accelerators intends to transform the Kingdom’s rich artisanal heritage into sustainable economic ventures that foster community development, encourage innovation within the handicraft industries and enrich the national identity.

The Cultural Development Fund seeks to advance the handicrafts sector by maximizing its economic and social impact, fostering innovation across its diverse fields, and cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that nurtures creativity and growth.

The Cultural Development Fund (CDF), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Quality of Life Program — a key component of Saudi Vision 2030—has unveiled “Nama’ Accelerators.” (Supplied)

Nama’ Accelerators represents a strategic milestone in the fund’s ambition to position itself as the financial center of excellence for the cultural sector. As a key financial enabler for entrepreneurs and enterprises, it fuels the sustainable and profitable growth of their ventures. 

The initiative also strengthens the fund’s collaboration with key players across the cultural ecosystem, supporting its continued progress toward fulfilling the objectives of the National Culture Strategy within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework.

Khalid Al-Baker, CEO of the Quality of Life Program, told Arab News: “Promoting and sustaining national culture hinges on transforming the cultural sector into an economically productive industry. This transformation involves expanding cultural offerings — including cultural days, events, and activities — and streamlining the permit issuance process for cultural projects.”

He added that, as part of the Quality of Life Program’s efforts to fulfill Vision 2030’s objectives: “We have implemented programs targeting these key pathways, including the launch of Nama’ Accelerators.” 

Nama’ Accelerators will actively elevate the role of handicrafts in society, transforming them from museum artifacts into a vibrant, economically sustainable sector. The initiative promotes creativity and innovation while safeguarding a living cultural heritage for current and future generations, Al-Baker said.