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Observer
17-07-2025
- Science
- Observer
The Tradition of Beekeeping in Oman
Across Oman's rugged landscapes, a skilled yet vital tradition continues to thrive — one that hums gently through oases, mountain terraces, and acacia-dotted wadis: beekeeping. As the worldmarked World Bee Day earlier this year, Oman's story was one of heritage and the close relationship between people and nature. Long before honey filled shelves in shops, Omanis tended to bees using practices handed down through generations. Two native species — the small but hardy Apis florea, known locally as Abu Tuwaiq (Father of the Little Collar), and the larger Apis mellifera jemenitica — have been part of Oman's ecosystem and livelihoods for centuries. While the Little Bee is known for foraging in high temperatures and building its single wax comb in trees — and absconding when disturbed — the Big Bee prefers the security of a hive and forages for nectar and pollen in the cooler early mornings and late afternoons. The Big Bee is naturally found in Dhofar and, since the 1600s, has been kept in log hives within the shelter of deep wadis (Sahtan; Bani 'Awf; Bani Kharus) that drain the northern mountains near Rustaq. They were probably introduced, from Yemen, by Imam Saif bin Sultan. Behind these bees are the people who have quietly nurtured them — Omani beekeepers whose skills have produced not only honey but also preserved a profound relationship between land and life. One of the earliest foreign researchers to recognise this was Robert Whitcombe, a young British ecologist who arrived in Oman in 1977. Initially part of a rural development project involving Durham University in the UK, Petroleum Development Oman, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Robert became captivated by the bees — and the people who kept them. C:fakepathIMG_4018 'Oman was little-known back then,' he recalls, 'but I was made welcome and worked closely with farmers. They shared their intimate knowledge of bees and the Omani flora — the source of several delicious honeys despite a harsh climate.' Robert and his colleagues introduced modern hives in the 1970s and 80s, but while his connection to Omani beekeeping persisted, his ecological research expanded into environmental and national planning roles. 'Omani beekeepers are guardians of nature,' he states. 'I've witnessed the close relationship between people and the landscape that sustains them. While Oman has made enormous strides in urban development, the importance of planning that cherishes rural areas should not be overlooked. These areas conserve vital elements of Oman's cultural and natural heritage and offer opportunities for sustainable livelihoods linked to tourism.' One such guardian was the late Nasr Ahmed Al Ghaythi, a dedicated beekeeper from Zahib near Al Mudhaybi, who managed over 30 colonies of Little Bees — probably more than anyone else in the world. His eldest son, Ahmad, reflects: 'My father didn't just keep bees. He trekked into the mountains to find wild colonies, carefully relocated them to our farm, and nurtured them like children. Beekeeping wasn't just a craft for him; honey was not merely food but how he supported our family.' Today, tradition and innovation live on in Misfat Al Abriyeen, where beekeeper Ahmed Mohammed Saif Al Abri has turned a hobby into a thriving business. Starting with just four hives in 1997, Ahmed now tends over 200, exports honey, and offers guided tours. 'We explain our methods to visitors and let them taste Sidr and Samr honey. It's become a way to support the village and share our culture,' he says. These efforts are part of a broader movement to promote eco-tourism and rural livelihoods, supported by local community figures like Abdulrahman Al Abri, founder of Canyon Adventures and Tours. His work connects communities to responsible mountain tourism and environmental education in Al Hamra, Misfah, and further afield in Wukan and Suwgrah. In May, the British Omani Society celebrated the publication of Honeybees in Oman, a book that tells the story of the Little and Big Bees and their guardians. Through a charitable initiative, the Society showcased illustrations by artist Jenny Ryrie. Proceeds from the sale of the original artwork will support conservation efforts led by the Environmental Society of Oman (ESO). Paintings are still available for those wishing to support this cause. As Oman modernises, conservationists emphasise that rural heritage must not be left behind. 'Honeybees are a barometer of environmental health,' says Robert. 'When we protect them, we protect much more — landscape, biodiversity, cultural identity, and sustainable livelihoods.' In a world under increasing environmental pressure, Oman's bees — and their quiet guardians — offer more than just honey. They remind us that some of the most vital treasures are also the smallest, humming softly amidst wildflowers and palms.
Hamilton Spectator
07-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton man sentenced in near-fatal stabbing over spare change
Eric Wilson was once a happy, outgoing guy who loved taking part in the Special Olympics and thought of everyone as his friend. The 20-year-old Hamilton man would venture out on his own, with no fear or wariness of those around him. A near-fatal stabbing outside of a Big Bee variety store on Main Street East last fall changed all of that, a Hamilton courtroom heard Thursday after David McGregor pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault in the November 2024 attack. Justice Vincenzo (Enzo) Rondinelli sentenced the Hamilton man to five years of prison time for the stabbing, however, with credit for time served, he'll remain behind bars for four years. Assistant Crown attorney Ryan Dorsman told the court that Wilson, who was 19 at the time of the attack, was walking westbound near Main Street East and Ashford Boulevard on his way to the corner store around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 8, 2024. Dorsman said Wilson had just turned to walk toward the variety store when he was stopped by an unknown man, later identified as McGregor, who asked him if he had any spare change or a cigarette. Wilson told McGregor he didn't have either and kept walking toward the entrance of the store, said Dorsman. Moments later, Dorsman said McGregor attacked Wilson from behind. The two struggled for a moment, but Wilson quickly fell to the ground. McGregor then stabbed Wilson between 15 and 20 times, leaving him with puncture wounds to his back, neck and head. McGregor then fled the scene, while Wilson was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. McGregor was later arrested by police, added Dorsman. While Dorsman did not read Wilson's victim impact statement in court, he noted that it's 'hard to overstate the impact' the stabbing had on him. 'I appreciate that essentially his entire life has changed,' said Dorsman. 'He can't go out in public and see strangers the same way, and that's going to stay with him for the rest of his life.' Dorsman had asked Rondinelli to sentence McGregor to seven years, pointing to not only the impact of the incident but his existing criminal record, which included other assault charges. Meanwhile, defence lawyer Kristian Ferreira asked Rondinelli for four years' prison time, noting that while McGregor has an existing record, none of his prior convictions were 'as substantial' as the 2024 attack. Ferreira added that McGregor pleaded guilty early, which 'doesn't excuse' his actions, but 'pays some respects to his immediate remorse.' Ferreira went on to share some background on McGregor, noting that the 37-year-old grew up around Mississauga and Brampton, surrounded by gang activity and violence. He did not finish high school due to a learning disability and has been homeless at times. McGregor himself was also the victim of a stabbing in February 2015 and was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), added Ferreira, who suggested that McGregor was 'reacting to an element of fear' when he attacked Wilson. Before sentencing McGregor, Rondinelli offered him the chance to speak in court. 'I just want to say I'm sorry,' said McGregor, standing in the prisoner's box, wearing a light grey sweater and black glasses. 'It's something that should have never happened.' Rondinelli expressed his hope that McGregor can understand the challenges Wilson now faces as a result of the stabbing, given that he was the victim of a similar attack and continues to live with the trauma. 'You can see how this is something that (Wilson) is not going to just wake up from one morning and forget about,' said Rondinelli, noting that the victim's life 'went from a happy place to living a nightmare.' Outside the courthouse, the victim's mother, Bobbi-Jo Wilson, told The Spectator that her son's life has been turned upside down as a result of the attack. He now struggles with nightmares and depression. He was also diagnosed with PTSD. Wilson said her son, who lives with multiple disabilities, was previously a 'happy kid' who took part in multiple sports in the Special Olympics and had no issues being out in public on his own. 'Now, he's isolated,' said Wilson. 'He doesn't want to do anything, he doesn't want to go anywhere.' Bobbie-Jo Wilson Wilson said her son was on his way to the variety store to pick up some pain medication when he was attacked by McGregor. He'd just had his wisdom teeth removed two days prior and had been hanging out with his girlfriend, who lived nearby. At the hospital, Wilson said her son was taken into emergency surgery as both of his lungs had collapsed. He also suffered a cracked skull and was nearly paralyzed by one of the stab wounds to his back, she added. McGregor was originally charged with attempted murder, but that charge was withdrawn with his guilty plea. While Wilson described the sentence handed down to McGregor as 'very disappointing,' she is hopeful that it will provide 'some peace' to her son. 'Eric will still be looking over his shoulder,' said Wilson. 'But at least he'll know that (McGregor) will be in jail for the next couple of years.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
