Deira International School has become the first in Dubai to host a permanent living beehive on its campus, joining Terra Expo City Dubai’s Hundred Hives initiative.
The hive now resides permanently among the school’s 2,500 students and staff, offering daily, hands-on exposure to pollinators and their ecological role. Eight-and-a-half-year-old Nora described her first encounter as “very nice and adventurous,” while nine-year-old Yaman shared newly learned facts about bees’ five eyes and emotional sensitivity to human calmness.
Education Through Direct Experience
For Mr Michael Taylor, primary assistant headteacher at Deira International School and a trained beekeeper, the hive’s installation marks the start of a broader environmental education shift. “Our children can’t care about something unless they see it,” he said. “We can put a bee on a PowerPoint; some will care. But when we can take them and show them a living, thriving hive, then they will feel like we need to protect these animals.”
He stressed the initiative’s purpose extends beyond honey production. “It’s not about honey,” he clarified. “For us, it’s about increasing biodiversity and contributing to the UAE’s national agendas. This 100 Hives initiative directly links to the Food Security Strategy 2051. Every one in three bites of food comes from a bee.”
A Teacher Steps Forward
Ms Aimee Thomas, a teacher at Deira International School, was the first to volunteer for beekeeping training when the school launched the programme. “I think mine was the first application in,” she said. “I just have a real interest in bees. I’m from Manchester, and…”
The Hundred Hives initiative began during Expo 2020 Dubai, when Terra relocated wild bee colonies to protect them during construction. The programme now expands into schools, embedding biodiversity awareness into daily learning. As Mr Taylor noted, bees regulate hive temperature at 34 degrees—even on days when outdoor temperatures reach 39 degrees—by collecting water and fanning their wings to cool the interior.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Hundred Hives initiative?
The Hundred Hives initiative is a programme that relocates wild bee colonies and places hives in schools and public spaces to increase biodiversity and support UAE national agendas such as the Food Security Strategy 2051.
Why did Deira International School install a beehive?
Deira International School installed a beehive as part of the Hundred Hives initiative to give students hands‑on exposure to pollinators, deepen biodiversity engagement, and contribute to the UAE’s food‑security goals.
What is the purpose of the beehive at Deira International School?
The purpose is not honey production but to boost biodiversity, teach students about pollinators, and align with national strategies like the Food Security Strategy 2051, where one in three bites of food depends on bees.
How do bees regulate hive temperature?
Bees keep the hive interior at about 34 °C by collecting water and fanning their wings, even when outside temperatures rise to 39 °C, ensuring a stable environment for the colony.
What is the significance of bees in food production?
Bees contribute to pollination for many crops, meaning roughly one in three bites of food worldwide relies on bee activity, highlighting their critical role in food security.
Who is involved in the beekeeping programme at Deira International School?
Primary assistant headteacher Michael Taylor, a trained beekeeper, and teacher Aimee Thomas, the first staff member to volunteer for beekeeping training, lead the programme.
