At the beginning of summer, an interesting tradition has begun in Ras Al Khaimah’s mountains. Honey harvesting in Ras Al Khaimah is a tradition that comes alive in the emirate, attracting many nature enthusiasts.
Beehives are often tucked away between the mountains. Local beekeepers collect honey from these using traditional honey-extraction methods.
Honey Harvesting as a Tradition
Honey harvesting is an important seasonal activity in Ras Al Khaimah’s mountainous regions. Farm owners and beekeepers prepare for this period during the honey season, which typically runs from mid-May to mid-June. At present, in the middle of May 2026, the activity is in full swing in the emirate’s hilly areas.
During the summer, bees often feed on Samar trees, which are abundant in the mountains. Samar trees produce a wide range of dark honey, highly valued in the country.
For local communities in Ras Al Khaimah, honey collection has, over the years, become a tradition that highlights a simple mountain life deeply connected to nature.
Different Honey Seasons
There are multiple honey seasons throughout the year in the UAE, which depend on the types of plants, flowers and trees available across regions for bees.
Aside from the Samar honey season, another significant one is the Sidr honey season. It mostly starts in early October and goes on till the middle of November. A few other regions, meanwhile, experience a lighter spring honey season from February to April, depending on the wildflowers and plants that bloom around that time.
Another variety, like Ghaf, is harvested soon after the Samar season. On the other hand, mangrove varieties can be found along coastal regions, such as in Umm Al Quwain, in July.
What’s Special About Samar Honey
Samar honey from the mountains is a very popular local honey in the UAE. Its colour and flavour are enhanced by the natural production process, which is often documented in videos by many enthusiastic nature lovers and tourists.
It is also considered to be excellent-quality honey. There are even times when varieties of natural honey can reach high prices in the market, depending on the amount produced and the ongoing season.
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