In the UAE’s rugged mountain terrains, 12-year-old Saeed Rashid Al Hifaiti has taken on an extraordinary role as the youngest Emirati honey hunter. Saeed, along with his father and five brothers, spends dawn to midday scaling steep paths, navigating treacherous terrain, and braving bee stings to collect honey. This practice isn’t just a job for the Al Hifaiti family; it’s a way of life and a legacy passed down for generations.
Starting Young in the Art of Honey Hunting
Saeed’s journey began at seven when he first joined his family on honey-hunting trips, a rite of passage for the Al Hifaiti men of Fujairah. Though wary of bees at first, Saeed quickly adapted and learned the delicate process of harvesting honey under the guidance of his father and older brothers.
“Our ancestors would trade honey in Dubai to earn money for essential goods,” says Saeed’s 30-year-old brother, Ahmed Rashid Al Hifaiti. “Today, we continue this tradition, passing down knowledge and skills through each generation.”
More Than a Business: A Code of Respect
For the Al Hifaiti family, honey hunting embodies a deep respect for the land and an unspoken code of ethics. In the mountains, honey hunters would mark smaller hives as their own, allowing others to recognize the claim and avoid harvesting from it.
“There was a respect among us,” explains Ahmed. “When we found a hive, we’d mark it so others would know. No one would take what wasn’t theirs.”
This respect for tradition also means each brother learns to adapt to the physical challenges of honey hunting. The steep terrain often requires rappelling down cliffs and navigating narrow paths. Saeed’s smaller stature sometimes enables him to access hives his older brothers cannot reach, a skill they value in their collaborative work.
The Challenges of Honey Hunting
The Al Hifaiti brothers face numerous challenges, including remote locations, unpredictable weather, and sometimes even wildlife encounters. Ahmed recalls a particularly risky incident where he found himself stuck on a mountain ledge after harvesting a honeycomb, with no phone signal to call for help.
“When you’re in a tough spot with no signal or supplies, you rely on your skills and instincts to get down safely,” says Ahmed.
Equipped with about four liters of water each, the brothers carefully plan each expedition to ensure they can endure the day’s challenges.
Sidr and Samar Honey: Precious Gifts of Nature
The family harvests two types of honey: Sidr and Samar. Sidr honey, collected from October to December, is known for its medicinal properties and cooler, thick consistency, fetching up to Dh1,000 per kilogram. Samar honey, harvested in summer, is more challenging to find, often reaching Dh1,500 per kilogram.
The family’s most successful harvest came last year when Ahmed gathered 40 kilograms of honey, thanks to favorable weather that encouraged abundant vegetation.
Honoring a Legacy
For Saeed and his brothers, honey hunting is a way to honor their heritage, connect with the land, and keep the legacy of their forefathers alive. Each trip to the mountains serves as a reminder of their roots and the importance of preserving their heritage through the dedication of a new generation.
