Unlike his peers who were captivated by toys or action figures, Sultan Al Dhamani found his fascination in a unique realm – the world of honey bees. For this 18-year-old Emirati, beekeeping and honey production are not merely a business venture but a deep-seated passion that has been with him since he was just five years old.
Initially, Al Dhamani was repelled by honey, influenced by tales of painful bee stings. “The mere mention of bees made me flee in fear, yet I was drawn to the process of honey making,” he recounted. His curiosity about bees, the production of honey, and the extraction methods led him to seek knowledge from his uncle, a seasoned beekeeper with numerous apiaries and honey farms.
“My uncle’s expertise in beekeeping was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. He emphasized the need for patience and hard work, which I was eager to embrace,” Al Dhamani shared. His visits to the farm in 2011 marked the beginning of his hands-on learning journey, where he was introduced to various types of honey and their specific production times.
Daily after-school visits to the farm became a routine, where Al Dhamani learned the intricacies of honey extraction. “I was thrilled to witness the manual extraction process, where honey frames were placed in machines and rotated to release the honey,” he described. His passion grew as he participated in every step of honey filtering alongside his uncle.
As he matured, his commitment to beekeeping intensified. “After gaining substantial experience, I acquired my own batch of honey bees. It was a proud moment to nurture and harvest honey from my bees,” Al Dhamani expressed. His efforts culminated in the establishment of his business, Asal Aldar, which flourished through exhibitions and festivals, earning accolades and recognition from UAE royals, including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.
For Al Dhamani, beekeeping transcends a mere job or hobby; it is a cherished tradition and a way of life. “Beekeeping has instilled in me the values of patience and hard work. It’s a challenging yet rewarding path, and I am deeply thankful to my uncle for nurturing this passion within me,” he concluded with a smile, reflecting on the beautiful legacy they have built together.
