Terra in Expo City Dubai has launched its first Novice Beekeeping Course taking place every Sunday starting from 18th January 2026. This is a five-day, hands-on journey into the world of hive care, pollination, and urban biodiversity. Led by certified apiculturist and scientist Dr Meriem Hammal, affectionately known in the community as the “Bee Fairy Lady,” the course blends practical training, field trips, and immersive classroom sessions. We sent Dubai resident and mum of 2, Cosmina for the media preview.
Here’s her experience, and all you need to know about the new Beekeeper Course at Terra.
Cosmina’s Review
Today I had the pleasure of being invited to Terra to experience the launch of a brand-new course – all about bees — and honestly, it was far more fascinating than I expected.
From the moment I arrived, everything felt easy and welcoming. Parking is conveniently located right next to the entrance at Terra, Expo City Dubai, which already sets the tone for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Introduction to the course
We began with an introduction to the course : why bees matter, why we shouldn’t be afraid of them, and why protecting pollinators is essential for our food system and ecosystems. Even though I already had some knowledge about bees — probably more than the average person — I still learned so much. The way information was explained made it accessible, engaging, and meaningful for both children and adults.
What made this experience even more special is that just a few days ago, I was buying plants for my own garden specifically to attract pollinators — both for my future crops and as a learning activity with my kids. So this course felt incredibly relevant and timely.
Hive Visit : Dr Jane Goodall Pollinator Garden
One of the highlights was visiting the Dr. Jane Goodall Pollinator Garden, where we were taken right up close to the hives. We had the rare opportunity to open a hive and observe a bee family at work.
What fascinated me most is that the two bee colonies living at Terra today were actually rescued from the Expo construction site years ago. Instead of being relocated or lost, they were protected, and a dedicated garden was created for them to thrive. Now, they’ve become teachers — helping all of us learn directly from nature.
We even tried to spot the queen bee, and when we finally saw her walking across the frame, it was incredible to observe how the worker bees instinctively made space for her. It’s one of those moments you don’t forget.
We were also lucky enough to witness the famous bee dance, the way bees communicate with one another to guide their colony to food and water sources. Seeing this in real life, not just in books or videos, was truly special.
Terra’s Forest Area
After the hive visit, we walked through Terra’s forest area, learning how trees communicate with one another and support their ecosystem — another reminder that nature is far more intelligent and connected than we often realise.
Guided Honey Tasting
The final part of the experience was a guided honey tasting, where we smelled and tasted four different local honey varieties. This was eye-opening — each honey was completely different in aroma, flavour, and texture. I now genuinely understand what kind of honey I enjoy and what I’ll be choosing for home use.
Final Thoughts
I was actually attending this media presentation as a substitute for my friend Cindy, editor of Dubai Family Leisure Guide, who couldn’t make it — and I feel incredibly lucky I had this opportunity.
This course is designed for children from 9 years old all the way to adults, and I truly believe it’s one of those rare experiences in Dubai that connects people back to nature while teaching something practical, meaningful, and valuable for life.
If you’re looking for an educational experience that’s hands-on, inspiring, and rooted in real environmental impact, I highly recommend checking out this bee course at Terra in Expo City and booking your spot.
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Editor’s Notes : Details about the Course
The Beekeeper’s Course includes five core training days plus three optional field trips with expert beekeepers across the UAE. Participants will receive a certificate of completion.
The course will teach students :
- how to set up and manage their own beehive ;
- conduct hive inspections and monitor colony health ;
- identify native melliferous plants and seasonal foraging patterns ;
- prevent and treat bee diseases and pests ;
- harvest honey ethically and safely ;
- understand pollination’s role in ecosystems and food systems and
- be a part of a growing community of beekeepers and biodiversity advocates.
Sounds pretty interesting, don’t you think? Book the older kids in soon, or maybe for yourself? 🙂
- Dates : Every Sunday for 5 weeks | 19th January to 16th February 2026
- Time : 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Terra, Expo City Dubai
- Eligibility: Ages 9+ including adults
- Price : AED 2,200 per person (inclusive of VAT)
- Registration & Info on terra.expocity.dubai.com
I’m Cosmina, a mum of two, passionate about food, nature, and hands-on learning experiences that help families live more consciously. I’m grateful to be able to share moments like this with you. In between school runs – I am also a Thermomix Advisor. If you would like to learn about what dishes you can prepare, or more about Thermomix itself – follow me on @thermo.to.table
Disclosure : Cosmina was a guest of Terra in Expo City Dubai to review the preview on behalf of the Dubai Family Leisure Guide team.