UAE Beekeepers Win 29 Awards at Paris Honey Event

UAE beekeepers have earned international acclaim after winning a total of 29 prestigious awards at the Paris International Honey Awards (PIHA) 2026. The impressive haul includes 21 Gold medals, 6 Silver medals, and 2 Platinum awards, highlighting the country’s growing excellence in honey production.

ADAFSA Secures Key Wins

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) delivered a strong performance, securing two Gold medals and one Silver medal. Gold awards were won for Sidr and Samar honey in the liquid honey category, while crystallised Ghaf honey earned a Silver medal.

These achievements underline the superior quality of Emirati honey, the strength of locally developed bee strains, and the success of advanced production systems aligned with global best practices.

Strong Participation from Local Beekeepers

The competition saw active participation from Emirati beekeepers, including both men and women. A total of 13 participants submitted 29 honey samples, featuring a diverse range such as Sidr, Samar, Ghaf, Mangrove, wildflower honey, honeycomb, and innovative blends like Ghaf with ginger.

Leadership Highlights Sector Growth

Ahmed Khalid Othman, Acting Deputy Director General for Operational Affairs at ADAFSA, stated that the achievement reflects the UAE’s rapid progress in beekeeping and honey production.

He credited the success to strong leadership support, dedicated local beekeepers, and strategic development programmes. He also noted that winning multiple awards at a globally recognised competition reinforces the international competitiveness of UAE honey.

Focus on Sustainability and Innovation

ADAFSA continues to play a key role in developing the sector by supporting beekeepers through training, advisory services, and research initiatives. The authority has successfully developed a resilient Emirati bee strain adapted to local climate conditions and produced multiple generations of high-quality queen bees.

Thousands of these queens have been distributed to local beekeepers to enhance productivity and ensure long-term sustainability of premium honey varieties.

Building on International Success

This milestone builds on ADAFSA’s previous global recognition. Its encyclopaedia, “Bees and Beekeeping in the UAE,” won a Silver medal for Best Beekeeping Book at the Apimondia 2025 conference in Copenhagen.

Boosting UAE’s Global Position

The Paris International Honey Awards is among the world’s leading platforms for recognising excellence in honey production. Winning the PIHA label significantly boosts product visibility and credibility in global markets.

This latest achievement further strengthens the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for premium and luxury honey production, driven by innovation, sustainability, and high-quality standards.