Run by a Saudi couple, Bee Ways travels all over the Kingdom in search of greenest pastures

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Bee Ways is run by Saudi couple Ahmed Badghaish and Nada Khaled Malaika. (Instagram/beewaysaudi)
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Updated 18 July 2023
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Run by a Saudi couple, Bee Ways travels all over the Kingdom in search of greenest pastures

  • Bee Ways won the gold and silver awards at the London International Honey Quality Competition for two different honeys in 2022, and the Great Taste Global Gold prize for their Talh honey at the London Honey Awards in 2021

JEDDAH: Saudi couple Ahmed Badghaish and Nada Khaled Malaika have been working hand-in-hand together as beekeepers for two decades.

Over the years, they have transformed a modest business into a thriving apiary named Bee Ways that houses 1,200 beehives and is registered under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and licensed by the Ministry of Commerce for beekeeping and honey production. They have gained international recognition for the exceptional quality of their honey and honeycomb-based products.

Bee Ways won the gold and silver awards at the London International Honey Quality Competition for two different honeys in 2022, and the Great Taste Global Gold prize for their Talh honey at the London Honey Awards in 2021.




Bee Ways is run by Saudi couple Ahmed Badghaish and Nada Khaled Malaika. (Instagram/beewaysaudi)

Commenting on their roles within Bee Ways, Malaika said: “My husband (Badghaish) oversees the beehive in terms of administration and operation, while I work on the transformational products.”

To work as beekeepers as a couple is to embark on a voyage of shared passion and purpose. “We complement each other,” she said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Bee Ways follows the nomadic beekeeping method that takes the bees all over the Kingdom in search of the best nectar sources.

• Their honey has won awards at the London International Honey Quality Competition in 2022 and at the London Honey Awards in 2021.

Hailing from Jeddah, Badghaish and Malaika began their beekeeping journey with nothing more than a passion for nature and an innate curiosity about the world of bees.




Badghaish and Malaika bring an unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and bee welfare to the local apiary industry. (Supplied)

“Beekeeping started as a hobby and grew into a full-time profession,” Malaika said. “We acquired more knowledge by engaging in regular practice, interacting with seasoned individuals, and extensively reading about this field.

“We had the opportunity to learn from experts both within the Kingdom and globally. Thanks to electronic channels and specialized beekeeping accounts, we are continually exposed to the finest practices and experiences available.”

To pass on their knowledge, they conduct training workshops in Jeddah and around the Kingdom.




Bee Ways follows the nomadic beekeeping method that takes the bees all over the country’s greenest pastures. (Supplied)

“We have conducted several workshops, including an introduction to beekeeping and honey production. We have also held a practical workshop on beeswax manufacturing and soap making as well.”

They have held workshops at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, such as the “This is Edible Gold: Advanced Beekeeping” workshop last year that taught participants how to construct beehives and included step-by-step instructions on urban beekeeping.

Many people believe that beekeeping is only about producing honey, but there are many other products that can be derived from the beehive.

Nada Khaled Malaika, Bee Ways cofounder

Badghaish and Malaika bring an unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and bee welfare to the local apiary industry.




Bee Ways skin care range is made with bee by-products and other natural ingredients like olive and almond oil, oats, pollen, and pumpkin.

Together, they tend to the hives, ensuring their inhabitants’ well-being, health, and happiness. “My husband filtrates the honey and extracts the wax, and I take care of dealing with great quantities of honey,” Malaika added.

They craft sanctuaries of safety and sustenance, providing the bees with an abundant array of blossoms and encouraging nature’s collaboration.

They take pride in their meticulous operation, ensuring that every step of the honey production process is executed with utmost care and precision by strategically placing their beehives amidst fertile landscapes with floral diversity.




Producing 1 kg of honey requires the bees to visit approximately 4 million flowers. (Supplied)

Speaking on the importance of providing this aid to bees, Malaika added: “Given the immense expanse of our cherished Kingdom and the abundance of flower varieties gracing its pristine landscapes, it poses a considerable challenge for bees to journey thousands of kilometers unaccompanied in their quest for nectar. Therefore, we follow the seasons by traveling with our beehives around the Kingdom in search of a better environment.”

Bee Ways follows the nomadic beekeeping method that takes the bees all over the country’s greenest pastures. From the enchanting fields of lavender in Al-Jouf in the north and the jasmine flowers of Jazan to the humble date palm groves in Madinah, Qassim, and Al-Ahsa, their bees have access to a wide array of nectar sources, resulting in honey that boasts a distinctive, rich flavor.

The name of their apiary brand, Bee Ways, is a nod to their travels around the Kingdom with their bees, passing through deserts, mountainous regions, and valley roads.




Ahmed Badgahish while instructing a group of beekeeping inthusiasts during a workshop in Jeddah. (Instagram @beewaysaudi)

“These ways and routes were meant to help bees reach the sources of nectar through us. Producing 1 kg of honey requires the bees to visit approximately 4 million flowers. Therefore, forests and farms are necessary to produce commercial quantities of monofloral honey. However, we cultivate clover and pumpkin on our farm in Al-Jouf,” Malaika explained. “We produce approximately three tons of honey every year.”

They have registered their Asiri Sidr honey and Samra Al-Hijaz honey through the Ministry of Culture in the Slow Food International Organization category as a distinctive local product from Saudi Arabia.

Explaining the true potential of beekeeping, Malaika added: “Many people believe that beekeeping is only about producing honey, but there are many other products that can be derived from the beehive. These products can create high-value-added items.

“In addition to producing natural honey from different parts of the Kingdom, we utilize all the bee by-products.”

Sustainability is at the core of Bee Ways, which also offers eco-friendly beeswax products including food packaging wax which can be used as an alternative to aluminum and plastic, which may degrade and release toxic compounds once mixed with food.

With over 20 years of experience, the Bee Ways duo have built a deep understanding of the healing properties of honey, and have tapped into the burgeoning market of skin care products with their own diverse range that utilizes leftover honey and honeycomb.

“We offer more than fifty different products. These include local honey in various types, soaps, creams made from bee products, and candles,” Malaika said.

Other natural ingredients to their skincare products and soaps include olive and almond oil, goat milk, outs, shea, pollen, and pumpkin. They also meticulously infuse their concoctions with organic plant extracts, essential oils, and exotic herbs sourced from the diverse nature of the Kingdom.

“Bee products are considered therapeutic and (are) natural remedies for those who know how to benefit from them. Beeswax is used to make creams, moisturizers, and scented candles as well. Pollen grains are also beneficial for the skin and body in general,” Malaika added.

 


Saudi Arabia extends condolences to Sudan after 11 die in mine collapse

A general view shows the Ariab company gold mine in the Sudanese desert, 800 kilometers northeast of the capital Khartoum. (AFP)
Updated 29 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia extends condolences to Sudan after 11 die in mine collapse

  • The collapse of the gold mine in the remote desert area of Howeid, northeast Sudan killed 11 miners and wounded seven others

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia extended its condolences and sympathy on Sunday after a traditional gold mine in Sudan partially collapsed and killed 11 miners.

The collapse of the gold mine in the remote desert area of Howeid, northeast Sudan also wounded seven others, the country’s mining company said on Sunday.

The Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom stands with Sudan during this tragedy and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. 


Jeddah panel explores declining marriage rates among youth

Dr. Khalid Sind speaks to attendees during the panel discussion. (Supplied)
Updated 29 June 2025
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Jeddah panel explores declining marriage rates among youth

  • Discussion highlights changing views on commitment, societal pressures, search for meaningful connection

JEDDAH: Amid changing values, shifting priorities and growing alternatives to traditional partnerships, a panel titled “Why is there a decline in marriage today?” has explored evolving views on love, commitment and marriage.

Organized by Ta3mq, a platform focused on honest dialogue, the event at Hayy Jameel’s Rukn Space in Jeddah featured panelists from psychology, community leadership and youth engagement.

It was moderated by Tasneem Alshanqiti, Ta3mq founder, and Motaz Al-Safh, a Saudi engineer and entrepreneur. The session addressed generational concerns, fears and new definitions of partnership.

Panel members (L-R): Tasneem Al-Shanqiti, Dr. Rozana Al-Banawi, Motaz Al-Safh and Dr. Khalid Sindi. (Supplied)

Reflecting on her role, Alshanqiti said: “I wasn’t just moderating — I was carrying the voice of younger women,” adding that she aimed to create a safe space that encouraged openness and reflection.

Panelist Rozana Albanawi, founder of Qeema and Jeddah_CM, said that the discussion explored marriage from societal, religious and psychological perspectives, focusing on self-understanding, compatibility over idealism, and the evolution of love.

Al-Safh said that he focused on creating a safe, judgment-free space for men to express vulnerability.

He described the conversation as “more like a talk between brothers than a formal panel,” aiming to help participants understand their fears and feelings about love and commitment.

The discussion highlighted recurring themes among Saudi youth. Al-Safh said that a few key issues kept emerging: Fear of failure, feeling unready, and pressure from expectations. Many question whether marriage today feels like love or a liability.

He added: “But beneath it all, there’s a real craving for connection, just done right, in a way that feels safe and meaningful.”

Dr. Khalid Sindi, a relationship and marriage psychotherapist, offered a broader national perspective by linking personal challenges to policy and social change.

Speaking to Arab News, he noted the ongoing transition in Saudi marriage values — from traditional to more modern — while emphasizing the preservation of core Islamic principles.

He highlighted government efforts under Vision 2030, such as the Saudi Marriage Fund and Sakani housing program, aimed at easing economic barriers for youth.

Sindi added: “Younger generations are seeking marriages that blend our cherished traditions with contemporary expectations of emotional connection and mutual growth. This represents not a rejection of our values but their natural adaptation to modern life.”

The panelists said that changing views on love and commitment reflected maturity rather than uncertainty.

Albanawi said: “There is high awareness among the generation now on marital topics, and many are seeking marriage with the right tools.”

She explained that conversation and dialogue help young people to commit while accepting uncertainty in relationships.

“The younger generation is looking for new ways to shape their marriage, such as avoiding unnecessary rules like high financial burdens or societal expectations that don’t match their reality.”

On the event’s outcome, Albanawi added: “A common theme was that marriages work best when couples marry early, are ready, and have family support.”

She noted that many believe delaying marriage increases fears and makes adaptation harder.

Sindi expressed a similar view on marriage’s evolving nature, saying that the changing views reflected progress and natural generational dynamics rather than fear or uncertainty.

“Rather than seeing shifting perspectives as problematic, the older generation should guide younger Saudis with wisdom and empathy.”

Highlighting the national context, Sindi noted the vital role of government initiatives in supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision for marriage and family life, demonstrating a commitment to making families society’s cornerstone.

Reflecting on the session’s emotional honesty, Al-Safh said that hearing men express concerns such as, “I don’t want to fail someone’s daughter,” revealed deep care often left unspoken.

Alshanqiti echoed the need for open, non-judgmental spaces, saying fears about failure and not being enough reminded her that many seek places where they can be truly seen and heard. She described the session as a step toward that openness.

 

 


Global sculptures at open-air museum in historic Jeddah

The new sculpture installations at Al-Arbaeen Lake reimagine public spaces as platforms for cultural engagement. (SPA)
Updated 29 June 2025
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Global sculptures at open-air museum in historic Jeddah

  • The sculptures form a dynamic dialogue between the past and present, blending the site’s heritage with the language of contemporary art

JEDDAH: As part of a broader effort to revive the region’s visual identity through art, Al-Arbaeen Lake in historic Jeddah has been transformed into an open-air gallery featuring a curated collection of sculptures by international artists.

Led by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with Jeddah Municipality, the initiative features 14 world-class artworks integrated into the city’s visual landscape, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Historic Jeddah's Visual Identity Reimagined Through Art Installations at Lake Al-Arbaeen. (SPA)

The sculptures form a dynamic dialogue between the past and present, blending the site’s heritage with the language of contemporary art.

Notable works on display include “The Illusion of the Second Cube” by Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely; “Rouge” and “Flexibility of Balance” by Alexander Calder; “Circular Mass” by Arnaldo Pomodoro; “The Bird” by Spanish sculptor Joan Miro; and “Giving and Receiving Love” by Lorenzo Quinn — a powerful piece that reflects human values through striking aluminium forms.

FASTFACTS

• Led by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with Jeddah Municipality, the urban art initiative features 14 world-class artworks integrated into the city’s visual landscape.

• Notable works on display include ‘The Illusion of the Second Cube’ by Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely and ‘Giving and Receiving Love’ by Lorenzo Quinn.

The installations are part of a wider artistic movement that reimagines public spaces as platforms for cultural engagement.

By transforming urban environments into art experiences, the project invites both residents and visitors to explore the intersection of architectural heritage and modern creativity.

It underscores the growing role of art in shaping urban identity and fostering public appreciation for visual beauty in shared spaces of the Kingdom.

 


Saudi FM receives Djiboutian counterpart

Updated 29 June 2025
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Saudi FM receives Djiboutian counterpart

  • The two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Djiboutian counterpart, Abdul Kader Hussein Omar, in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation in various fields, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.

The two ministers also chaired a meeting of the Political Consultations Committee between the two countries, during which they discussed coordination on key regional and international issues.

Saud Al-Sati, deputy minister for political affairs, was among the officials in attendance.

 

 


Saudi FM receives written message from Russian counterpart

The message was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji during a meeting with Russia’s ambassador to the Kingdom.
Updated 29 June 2025
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Saudi FM receives written message from Russian counterpart

  • Al-Khuraiji and Kozlov elaborated on relations between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a written message from his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The message, regarding Saudi-Russian relations and ways to support and strengthen them in various fields, was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji in Riyadh during a meeting with Russia’s ambassador to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov.

During the meeting, Al-Khuraiji and Kozlov elaborated on relations between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields. Topics of common interest were also discussed, SPA added.