In the rugged mountains of Fujairah, 12-year-old Saeed Rashid Al Hifaiti has become the youngest Emirati to take on the demanding task of honey hunting, continuing a family tradition that dates back generations.
From dawn until midday, Saeed joins his father and five brothers in their search for honey, facing the challenges of dangerous terrain, bee stings, and other hidden perils in the wild.
Saeed’s journey into honey hunting began at the tender age of seven when he first accompanied his father and older brothers on their expeditions into the mountains.
Initially fearful of the bee stings that come with harvesting honey, Saeed quickly gained confidence, learning the delicate art of the craft through patience and determination.
“My first experience was scary because of the bee stings, but after watching how my father and brothers handled it, I became more comfortable,” said Saeed, reflecting on his early days in the mountains. “A week ago, I harvested honey on my own too.”
The Al Hifaiti family hails from Fujairah, where honey hunting has been an integral part of their heritage for centuries. The practice, once a means of earning a living, has now become a way for the Al Hifaiti brothers to honor their ancestors and preserve their traditions.
“We’ve lived off honey for as long as I can remember,” says Ahmed Rashid Al Hifaiti, Saeed’s older brother. “Our ancestors used to barter honey in the mountains and sell it in Dubai to buy things that they needed. Now, we continue that tradition.”
The family’s honey hunting expeditions are more than just a business venture—they are deeply rooted in respect for the land and the natural resources it provides. According to Ahmed, an unspoken code of respect guides their practices.
“When we find a hive that’s not too large, we mark it so others won’t harvest it,” he explained. “The idea was that if someone else saw the mark, they would know it was ours and wait until we returned.”
The Al Hifaiti brothers work together in the mountains, some venturing out alone or in pairs to gather the sweet treasure from the hives. Each hunt requires endurance, skill, and a deep understanding of the bees’ behavior.
Despite their challenges, the brothers remain committed to the tradition of honey hunting, ensuring that Saeed and the younger generation are well-versed in this vital family practice.
As physically demanding as honey hunting can be, the family is determined to pass on their knowledge to Saeed, who, despite his young age, has already faced the dangers that come with climbing steep cliffs and dealing with snakes and bees.
“Some honey spots can only be reached by someone smaller in stature, so we teach Saeed to reach these hives and cut them down by himself,” said Ahmed.
Honey hunting in the UAE is not without its risks, with the family often trekking through remote areas with steep climbs and narrow paths.
“This work is dangerous,” Ahmed admitted. “We’ve encountered snakes and cliffs, but the reward of finding honey makes it worth it.”
Saeed and his brothers harvest two types of honey—Sidr and Samar. Sidr honey is known for its medicinal properties and is harvested during the cooler months, while Samar honey, which is gathered in the summer, brings in higher prices due to its difficulty in obtaining.
“The best harvest I had was last year, when I gathered 40 kilograms,” Ahmed recalls. “The rains and extra vegetation in the mountains helped boost honey production.”
For Saeed, honey hunting is not only about preserving tradition but also about staying connected to his roots and continuing his family’s legacy. His journey serves as a reminder of the power of family traditions and how they are passed down through the generations.