Thursday 20 / March / 2025
Honey bees are called Nahlat, which literally translates into gift of God. The people of Oman realise this, and beekeepers, along with help from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, are working to spread news about its importance throughout Muscat. Honey is known to have therapeutic properties, as a result of which Oman also has its own Apitherapy Clinic run by Dr Hassan, who uses products from hives, such as honey, pollen, bees’ wax, honey combs, and also bee stings to heal various ailments.
Many traditional Omani beekeepers live in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, where they maintain traditional Omani methods of beekeeping. Omani honey has a very unique taste that makes it distinct from honey that is bought elsewhere, as domestic honey is produced by two dominant types of bees living in Oman, the domesticated bee and the wild and dwarf bee.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has also begun programmes to support and promote beekeepers, such as honey markets in which farmers from different parts of Oman sell, market, promote, and spread information about their products.
Some of the main functions of bee products that make it an important therapeutic resource are: Propolis helps fight cancer and tumours; pollen, with 11 essential minerals, keeps the body healthy and nourished; royal jelly increases sperm count in men; bee bread improves oxygen intake and promotes high energy levels; and bee venom from the stinger affects the nervous system, blood circulation, and immune system.
With so many qualities and, not to forget, the brilliant taste, Omani honey is something that the Sultanate of Oman can be proud of, and needs to preserve as one of the nation’s important resources.
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