ApiArab Expo, the largest regional event dedicated to honey production, beekeeping and apiculture returns to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 1-3 April 2019, during the 6th Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA, 1-2 April 2019). The second edition of the exhibition and conference is organized as part of a strategic effort by the Abu Dhabi government to support the development of beekeeping in the UAE and MENA region, and its associated contribution to crop pollination for domestic and regional food production.
ApiArab Expo is organized in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority; endorsed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; and held in strategic sponsorship with the Abu Dhabi Farmer’s Service Centre to drive the adoption of new technologies in the UAE agricultural sector for future food security.
Thamer Rashed Al Qasemi, Chairman of GFIA Organizing Committee, said, “We are proud that the 15th Annual Asian Apicultural Association (AAA) Conference will be part of the ApiArab Expo program, which brings together experts, academics and scientists from all over Asia and worldwide to provide their insights and present current trends in the beekeeping industry. This conference is in line with the strategic efforts of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority to increase UAE honey production and to encourage MENA beekeepers to generate significant revenues and develop their operation quality, through development of bee breeds specific to the UAE environment and capable of adapting to its climatic conditions. They are also encouraged to conduct studies and research on the latest international methods and practices in beekeeping, with the aim of sharing this knowledge with UAE beekeepers to maximize production and enhance beekeeping efficiency and sustainability. We may also share these experiences and knowledge with the rest of countries in our region.”
“Honey bees are the world’s most important pollinator of food crops and are of significant importance to regional and global food security. With 1,200,000 hives in the UAE and 1,800,000 hives in Saudi Arabia, 1.5 million of bee hives are imported to the UAE and KSA each year, and tens of thousands tons of honey are produced by Gulf countries, the opportunities for growth and development within the sector is vast. ApiArab Expo will bring together leading apiculture solution suppliers and honey producers for three days of networking and knowledge sharing to give regional beekeepers the tools to expand on additional revenue streams and extend their operations sustainably.” said Professor Ahmad Al Khazam Al Ghamdi, Chairman of Arab Beekeeping Organization, and Vice Chairman of Middle East and Arab World Chapter of the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations.
“The conference is distinguished by gathering global beekeeping industry leaders, including the APIMONDIA President and Secretary General, along with the heads of its scientific committees and continental representatives, as well as AAA President and Secretary General and the heads of its scientific committees. Also, the entire staff of Arab Beekeeping Society, with the Secretary General and members of the Apicultural Science Association of China, and other relevant global and Arab bodies”, Al Ghamdi added.
The event will announce Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi awards for the development of bee industry in the Arab world. The award categories include: Best innovation in bee breeding and honey production; Best practices award in beekeeping; Best scientific research in the science of bees. Additional honey competitions supported by the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority will also be held which include: best honeycomb, best liquid honey, invention and innovation, best practice of beekeeping, and best-applied research. The Arab Beekeeping Association Honey Awards sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council will also recognize the diversity and development of expertise across all beekeepers in the UAE. UAE honey producers will also sample their products in a dedicated Honey Market for visitors to try the variety of honeys and honey related products produced across the UAE.
The conference programme will include sessions on bee biology, genetics and breeding hosted by Dr Peter Kozmus, Vice President and Acting President of the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations (Apimondia); and Dr Shona Blair, Head of Research Strategy at Imperial College London, on the quality and diversity of bee products. Professor Siriwat Wongsiri, President of Asian Apicultural Association (AAA), will present sessions on pollination and beekeeping; and Dr Cristiana Maatescu, APIMONDIA President of Scientific Commission, will present a session on apitherapy. Also, there will be six industry workshops and sessions at the three-day conference.
ApiArab Expo will deliver a world-class showcase of 70+ technology manufacturers and suppliers of equipment essential to beekeeping and apiculture related hardware, systems and solutions together with a broad spread of market-ready produce from across the MENA region, as well as conducting workshops with more than 40 expert speakers, and international laboratories to share honey testing knowledge and experience, which will provide live testing services to visitors. Visitors will also have the chance to buy directly from exhibitors. ApiArab Expo will be attended by over 2000 producers and attendees from across the Middle East & North Africa region.
For further information on GFIA visit www.innovationsinagriculture.com . For ApiArab Expo, visit www.apiarabexpo.com.
