Mr. Fathi Al-Sayed Buhairi
Message from the President of the Arab Beekeepers Union
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 16th International Conference of the Arab Beekeepers Union, hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, marking another milestone in the journey of the Arab Beekeepers Union, which, since its establishment, has continued its efforts to bring together beekeepers, experts, and specialists, foster cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and contribute to the advancement of beekeeping and its products across the Arab world.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Jordanian Beekeepers Union for hosting this conference and for all the efforts devoted to its preparation and organization. I also salute everyone who has contributed to the success of this scientific and professional gathering.
I invite all beekeepers and those interested in the beekeeping sector to make the most of this gathering, with its scientific lectures, workshops, accompanying exhibition, and opportunities for networking and the exchange of expertise, as well as the valuable participation of distinguished Arab and international scientists and experts.
The Arab Beekeepers Union firmly believes that the strength and advancement of the beekeeping sector are built upon science, cooperation, and the exchange of expertise. Every conference organized by the Union represents a new opportunity to build stronger bridges among beekeepers, institutions, and experts across the Arab world.
I salute every sincere effort dedicated to building a better future for beekeepers and developing a sector that is better equipped to address the challenges of the present and create opportunities for the future.
With my sincere wishes for the success of the conference and for all participants to have a fruitful and rewarding scientific and professional experience.
President
Arab Beekeepers Union
Dr. Mohamed Habib
Message from the Secretary General of the Arab Beekeepers Union
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Colleagues, Beekeepers, and Members of the Arab Beekeeping Community,
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you,
It is my great pleasure and honor, on my own behalf and on behalf of the members of the Board of Directors of the Arab Beekeepers Union, to welcome you to the opening of the 16th Conference of the Arab Beekeepers Union, hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a land of generosity and hospitality.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Jordan, its leadership, government, and people, for its warm hospitality, generous welcome, and support, which have contributed to the success of this important event, bringing together distinguished scientists, researchers, beekeepers, and investors from across the Arab world and beyond.
Distinguished Guests,
Our conference is being held at a time when the beekeeping sector is facing growing challenges, ranging from climate change and the decline of floral resources to pests, economic pressures, the quality of bee products, and the fight against honey adulteration. Beekeeping is no longer merely a traditional practice; it has become an important pillar of food security, biodiversity conservation, and environmental sustainability.
Our conference therefore serves as a trusted scientific platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise through its scientific sessions, workshops, and specialized exhibition. It provides an opportunity to discuss challenges, showcase experiences, and present practical and innovative solutions that contribute to the sustainability of the beekeeping sector, enhance its productivity, and strengthen its capacity to address the challenges of the future.
Dear Colleagues and Fellow Beekeepers,
The future of the beekeeping sector requires concerted efforts and effective partnerships among beekeepers, government institutions, universities, and research centers. We invite you to make the most of this gathering by building bridges of cooperation and translating the knowledge, expertise, and outcomes of this conference into practical steps that serve Arab beekeepers.
In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Organizing Committee, the Scientific and Administrative Committees, our supporters and sponsors, and everyone who has contributed to the success of this conference.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
Secretary General
Arab Beekeepers Union
Arab Beekeepers Union
The Arab Beekeepers Union (ABU) is a pan-Arab organization that brings together beekeepers, researchers, experts, institutions, and stakeholders working in the field of beekeeping and bee products. The Union seeks to coordinate and consolidate Arab efforts, promote cooperation and the exchange of expertise, and contribute to the advancement of the beekeeping sector and its scientific, professional, economic, and environmental dimensions.
Establishment and Institutional Background
Established in February 1994, the Union is headquartered permanently in the Arab Republic of Egypt. Its establishment was driven by the need for an Arab institution capable of bringing together expertise and professional capacities in beekeeping, supporting the development of the profession, promoting scientific research, strengthening cooperation among Arab countries, and facilitating trade and exchange in bee products.
From the outset, the Union has pursued a vision of a more integrated and collaborative Arab beekeeping sector. Its efforts have focused on advancing beekeeping technologies, promoting research and development, improving the quality of honey and other hive products, building the capacities of beekeepers and sector professionals, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise, strengthening Arab and international cooperation, and supporting the development of Arab markets and bee products.
Institutional Development
The Union has undergone important institutional development throughout its history. Its activities were initially carried out under the supervision of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development. In 2016, the Union entered a broader institutional framework through its registration among the unions operating under the Council of Arab Economic Unity of the League of Arab States. This development further reinforced the economic and trade dimensions of its work, while maintaining its commitment to scientific, technical, and professional advancement.
International Conferences
The International Conferences of the Arab Beekeepers Union are among the Union’s principal platforms for advancing its mission. Since their launch, these conferences have provided a regional and international forum bringing together beekeepers, researchers, experts, institutions, and companies to exchange knowledge and experience, address the challenges facing the beekeeping sector, and develop recommendations and initiatives aimed at its advancement.
The conferences are complemented by specialized exhibitions, training workshops, scientific and professional competitions, and activities showcasing honey and other bee products.
Evolution of the Union's Activities
Scientific and Professional Development
Over more than three decades, the Union’s activities have evolved in response to the changing needs and priorities of the beekeeping sector. Its agenda has expanded from improving fundamental beekeeping practices and production methods to encompass specialized scientific research, bee genetics and biology, honey analysis and quality, modern technologies and professional capacity building.
Sustainability and Emerging Priorities
The Union’s agenda has also expanded to emerging priorities such as climate change, sustainability, biodiversity, the responsible use of pesticides, and the development of regional and international partnerships.
Economic and Commercial Role
The Union has also played a role in strengthening the economic and commercial dimensions of the beekeeping sector. Its conferences and accompanying exhibitions have developed into platforms for professional networking, commercial exchange, showcasing technologies and production inputs, establishing partnerships, and exploring new opportunities.
In parallel, honey and hive-product competitions have helped promote quality and excellence, highlight outstanding products, and enhance their market positioning and value.
International Conference History
Over the course of its history, the Union has organized fifteen international conferences hosted across a number of Arab countries, including Beirut, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Tripoli, Abha, Najaf, Sharm El-Sheikh, Erbil, and Tunis, with the most recent editions held in Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh.
These conferences have served as successive milestones in Arab cooperation, expanding engagement among beekeepers, researchers, institutions, and other stakeholders, while contributing to the strengthening of Arab participation in the international beekeeping community.
The Union Today
Today, the Arab Beekeepers Union continues to serve as a unifying Arab framework dedicated to advancing the beekeeping sector through knowledge, innovation, quality, cooperation, and strategic partnerships. It seeks to strengthen the presence and contribution of Arab beekeeping at both regional and international levels, guided by its recognition of the essential role of bees and bee products in food security, ecological balance, biodiversity, and sustainable economic development.
