Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The Arab Beekeeping Organization, the first independent entity dedicated to look after the affairs of beekeepers and honey-production workers in the Arab world, is set to be introduced in Abu Dhabi on 5 February, 2018 on the sidelines of the Global Forum for Innovation in Agriculture (GFIA), which will run from 5 to 6 February 2018 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA). The association will operate under the umbrella of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) which will organize its first international conference during GFIA.

Professor Ahmad Al Khazam Al Ghamdi, Chairman of Arab Beekeeping Organization Founding Committee and Vice Chairman of Middle East and Arab World Chapter of International Federation of Beekeepers' Associations, said: "The establishment of this entity has achieved the aspirations of those working in honey production sector in the Arab world to have an effective body to look after their affairs and step up the efforts to develop this vital economic sector. The establishment of this entity will further contribute to the development of the sector and support our endeavor to find viable solutions to the multitude of issues facing both beekeepers and the honey production industry at large."

Thamer Rashed Al Qasemi, Chairman of GFIA Organising Committee, said: "ADFCA welcomes the move to set up the Arab Beekeeping Organization which will serve as a platform to look after the affairs of those working in the honey production sector in the Arab world. The organization will allow beekeepers to exchange their expertise and skills and to promote the industry given its anticipated role in organizing beekeeping profession in collaboration with the governmental entities and other relevant bodies. The organization will seek to bring international expertise and guide beekeepers in the production and marketing of honey products. In addition to supporting scientific research in this sector, it will establish an electronic knowledge hub for Arab beekeepers that will conduct and support relevant scientific researches and establish a database that contain statistical information on beekeeping in the Arab world. This database will be made available to everyone involved in the production and development of honey products."

Al Qasemi added: "Abu Dhabi has made significant achievements and conducted ground-breaking research and studies in the development of the beekeeping sector - an important segment of the agricultural sector where the Emirate seeks to achieve sustainable development. ADFCA has recently succeeded in the development of a UAE-specific bee breed capable of adapting to its unique climatic conditions. GFIA will also mark the launch of first international award for beekeepers in the Arab World named Arab Beekeeping Organization Award for best natural honey under the sponsorships of ADFCA and Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC). The award will be presented annually on the sidelines of the International Conference of Arab Beekeeping Organization."

Al Ghamdi thanked AOAD and its Director General Dr. Ibrahim Al Dakhiri for endorsing the Arab Beekeeping Organization to function under their supervision and count on their support to the organization in achieving its objectives in developing the honey production sector. Furthermore, the organization will function in coordination with the Arab Beekeepers Network, set up by the Arab Beekeeping Organization which will include members from all Arab entities related to beekeeping and honey production.

Al Ghamdi also thanked ADFCA, the strategic partner of GFIA, for its support for the Arab Beekeeping Organization's founding committee to host the first international conference of beekeepers, which will be collocated with GFIA. ADFCA support included the scientist hosting program, which is hosting 25 beekeeper experts from around the globe to share their knowledge during the conference.

The inaugural conference will convene leading scientists and experts from all over the world to develop the beekeeping industry in Arab world. It will draw the participation of President and Vice President of International Federation of Beekeepers' Associations, President of Asian Apicultural Association, along with several Arab and foreign scientists.

For more information about Arab Beekeeping Organization and its conference agenda, please visit www.apiarab.org 

Registration is now open for those interested in attending the forum via www.innovationsinagriculture.com .