In an inspiring tale of youthful entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship, 13-year-old Mahra Hamad Al Naqbi from Ras Al Khaimah has become the youngest Emirati to achieve international acclaim in beekeeping. Her journey began at age 10 when she installed her first two beehives in her family’s backyard, embarking on a path that would lead to multiple global awards and the establishment of her own honey brand, Asal Al Mahra.
Mahra’s methodical approach to apiculture started with formal training courses where she mastered hive structures, bee behavior patterns, and honey production techniques. What began as a cautious family experiment—with parents initially concerned about bee stings—evolved into a fully-supported enterprise as her expertise grew. From those initial two hives, her operation expanded to 35 colonies by 2025, requiring innovative solutions for seasonal honey production across multiple emirates.
The young apiarist demonstrates remarkable business acumen, strategically planning her operations years in advance. She transports her hives to specialized locations depending on the honey variety—utilizing sidr tree farms in Abu Dhabi for premium winter honey and managing logistical arrangements with local beekeepers. Each hive contains eight frames capable of producing 10-12 kilograms of honey under optimal conditions.
Mahra’s achievements include prestigious awards from the Paris Honey Awards and London Honey Awards, where she made history as both the first Emirati and youngest-ever winner. She has also earned the Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Cultural Excellence Award’s top honor. Beyond commercial success, she serves as a ‘Bee Ambassador’ conducting educational sessions in schools and institutions to promote sustainable beekeeping practices and pollinator conservation.
Despite international recognition, Mahra maintains her academic commitments while continuing to expand her expertise. Her future ambitions include conducting scientific research on bee behavior and honey production, demonstrating that her passion extends far beyond commercial success. Her story represents a new generation of Emirati youth blending traditional practices with modern environmental consciousness.