Beekeeping in Oman dates back several centuries, with records indicating that the practice was well-established in the ancient communities of the Arabian Peninsula.
In Oman, the craft of beekeeping has been passed down through generations, particularly in the country’s mountainous regions, where the rugged terrain and diverse flora provide the perfect conditions for bees to flourish. Traditional beekeepers, known locally as "nahl", have used centuries-old methods to cultivate honey, relying on natural hives built from materials such as clay, wood, and palm fronds.
Beyond honey production, bees play a crucial role in Omani agriculture, particularly in the pollination of crops. As natural pollinators, bees support the growth of essential food sources such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes, contributing to the country’s food security.
The importance of bees extends to Oman’s broader environmental conservation efforts. As the global bee population faces challenges due to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticides, Oman has taken proactive steps to safeguard its bee populations.
Oman’s deep-rooted relationship with bees has recently attracted the attention of international players, most notably Rolls-Royce, which has established a new apiary in collaboration with Alila Jabal Akhdar. This project, which builds on the success of Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood Apiary in the UK, aims to support local bee populations and highlight the importance of bees in sustaining ecosystems.
"This is an initiative that sits very close to the hearts of everyone at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and we are very proud to be a part of this project. With this project, we aim to contribute to Oman’s bee population while creating awareness about the global challenges these vital pollinators face," Rachid Zamani, Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Muscat, said.
The second apiary after the UK
The Rolls-Royce Apiary at Goodwood, which was established in 2017, has been a significant and cherished project. Home to around 250,000 English honeybees, the Apiary consists of six beautifully crafted traditional beehives, five of which are named after current Rolls-Royce models—'Phantom’, ‘Wraith’, ‘Ghost’, ‘Dawn’ and ‘Cullinan'—while the sixth, ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’, celebrates the marque’s illustrious mascot.
These bees are vital to the Goodwood ecosystem and contribute to the wider biodiversity of the South Downs National Park. They forage across a 42-acre site, rich in trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and sedum plants on the living roof, as well as the 12,000-acre Goodwood Estate. Their pollination supports local wildlife and produces the marque’s hand-processed ‘Rolls-Royce of Honey,’ which is shared with guests.
"The success of the Goodwood Apiary has been instrumental in our decision to extend this initiative beyond the UK. It has shown us how impactful such a project can be, not just in terms of supporting local biodiversity, but also in raising awareness about the importance of these fascinating creatures globally. Oman presents a unique opportunity in this regard, with its distinctive flora and ecosystem that can benefit from sustainable practices like beekeeping. Establishing an Apiary here allows us to contribute to local conservation efforts and highlight the global need for bee protection," shared Zamani.
In Oman, the Apiary comprises four beehives, which were also named after a current Rolls-Royce model. Made from cedar and painted white to withstand the country’s high temperatures, each honey-producing hive is headed by an ‘Omani Queen’ bee.
"Our experience at Goodwood demonstrated that, with the right conditions and care, such projects can flourish and have a meaningful, positive impact. This has motivated us to replicate that success in Oman, creating another haven for bees and furthering our commitment to environmental sustainability," Zamani said.
Jabal Akhdhar as home for the apiary
The planning began in 2023, with the first discussions around how best to bring this initiative to the region. The project came to life in January 2024, following about four months of preparation. During this time, the team meticulously crafted the beehives to meet company standards, shipped them to Oman, and sourced four original Omani bee colonies. Each step was carefully executed to ensure the project aligned with Rolls-Royce's commitment to quality and sustainability.
Situated at over 2,000 meters above sea level, the unique climate of Jabal Akhdhar provides excellent conditions for bee populations. The cooler temperatures and clean mountain air, combined with the abundance of diverse flora, create an ideal environment for bees to thrive and produce high-quality honey. The location also allows for easier and more efficient honey harvesting, ensuring that the bees can forage in an untouched, plastic-free environment, supporting both local biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
Alila Jabal Akhdar was chosen as the location for the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Muscat Apiary because of its deep commitment to sustainability and its natural alignment with the company's conservation goals. The hotel is renowned for its eco-friendly initiatives, from cultivating its organic produce to maintaining existing beehives on-site, which made it a natural fit for this initiative.
The daily operations of the apiary are expertly managed by the team at Alila Jabal Akhdar with their extensive experience in running two existing bee farms as part of their sustainability efforts,
"The honey produced at the Rolls-Royce Apiary in Oman will not be sold. Instead, in true Rolls-Royce Motor Cars fashion, it will be gifted to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars clients as a token of appreciation," Zamani said.
Educational Outreach and Awareness
Beyond producing honey, Rolls-Royce plans to use the apiary to raise public awareness about the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. An educational program is in development to engage students, media, and clients, offering interactive experiences such as guided tours and Q&A sessions. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in beekeeping activities, fostering a deeper understanding of bees’ contributions to both the environment and agriculture.
By actively involving the community, Rolls-Royce aims to highlight the importance of these crucial pollinators and inspire broader conservation efforts. The initiative stands as a testament to the brand’s evolving commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
With its expansion into Oman, Rolls-Royce is reinforcing its position as a leader in environmental stewardship within the luxury sector. The apiary is not just a symbol of the marque's elegance, but a demonstration of its dedication to the global need for bee protection and biodiversity. As the project grows, it will continue to serve as a model for how luxury brands can contribute meaningfully to the preservation of the planet.
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