Hatta – The 9th edition of the Hatta Honey Festival is offering residents and visitors a chance to explore a unique selection of honey, including rare varieties like salty honey and white honey.
Salty Honey from Mangroves
One of the highlights of the festival is a honey variety with a “salty” flavor, produced by bees collecting nectar from Al Garm trees in coastal mangroves of Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.
Abdel Azeem, an Egyptian beekeeper and founder of Hatta Honey, discovered this unique flavor while experimenting with his bees in the mangroves. “The proximity to the sea influences the nectar, giving the honey its distinct salty taste,” he explained.
Every May, Azeem transports honeybees to the mangroves during the bloom of Al Garm trees. The bees work for two to three weeks before the honey is extracted and brought back to his farm. The result is “Mangroove Honey,” a tangy and rare treat that has become a favorite among customers.
Rare White Arabian Honey
Another standout is the rare white honey sourced from Salalah, Oman. This delicacy is made by bees collecting nectar from Majra and Zarkeen flowers, which bloom for just a few days after the Khareef season.
According to beekeeper Nasser Al Humaidi, only 30 kilograms of this honey are produced each season, making it incredibly exclusive. “Its purity and natural origin make it highly prized,” Al Humaidi said.
Innovative Honey Products
The festival also showcases honey-based innovations, such as a blend of Arabic gum (acacia) with honey. Created by medical student Muna El Siddig, the product combines Samr honey with powdered Arabic gum for health benefits. “Arabic gum supports the cardiovascular and digestive systems,” Muna explained, adding that her customers have reported noticeable improvements in their health.
Celebration of Beekeeping
The Hatta Honey Festival is not just about tasting honey—it’s a celebration of sustainable beekeeping practices and the rich diversity of honey products in the UAE and the region.
