SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
At just 12 years old, Mahra Al Naqbi has already made her mark as the youngest Emirati beekeeper, capturing national attention and earning the prestigious Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award for her role as the leading local influencer in animal wealth for 2024.
Al Naqbi's beekeeping adventure started two years ago, sparked by the encouragement of her aunt, who she credits as the driving force behind her passion for beekeeping.
"In 2022, I drew a picture of a beehive and shared it with my family. My aunt saw it and said that I should start raising bees. I found that idea appealing, and started training soon after," she told Aletihad.
"Initially, my family had doubts and viewed my beekeeping as risky. However, I persisted and proved my passion, and now they are my biggest cheerleaders," she added.
Al Naqbi trained at the UAE Beekeeping Foundation, managing two hives and discovering that the bee stings she once feared actually had surprising benefits.
Her first harvest produced not only a batch of flower honey, but also valuable lessons about nature's tiniest artisans.
"Bees, with their meticulously organised hive and specific goals, taught me valuable lessons in responsibility and order," Al Naqbi admitted.
These lessons in structure and routine extend into her personal life as well, helping her balance beekeeping with school.
"I manage both by visiting the bees every two weeks. Frequent visits could disrupt their routine, so I adhere to a biweekly schedule," she shared.
Al Naqbi's growing appreciation for the art of beekeeping, which contributes to over 70% of the pollination needed for plant growth, motivated her to share her passion and knowledge with others.
"I began giving workshops on beekeeping and its importance for sustainability to help people understand that this small insect plays a significant role in the environment," she said.
She also shared some lesser-known aspects of beekeeping: "In extreme weather, bees need extra nourishment to survive. We use sugar or protein feeds, but this creates honey that we do not sell due to its unnatural composition."
Her dedication was recognised when she was awarded first place as the Best Local Influencer in Animal Wealth at the 2024 Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award ceremony.
In her pursuit of beekeeping excellence, Al Naqbi also attended several conferences, including the Fujairah International Conference on Bee Research and the 16th International Honey Festival in Al-Baha, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Looking ahead, Al Naqbi aims to promote eco-friendly practices, establish a successful honey farm, and pursue scientific research to learn more about the mysteries of bees and the natural world. She encourages others to start their own beekeeping journey without delay.
"My advice to those starting beekeeping is to begin today or as soon as possible. You will not regret this experience. Despite any difficulties, you should never give up because success is within reach," she said.