Once fearful of animals, the UAE’s Bee Fairy Lady transformed her life, embracing beekeeping, mastering the craft, and becoming a respected trainer inspiring others to connect with nature sustainably today.
From Animal Shy to Beekeeping Expert: The Rise of the UAE’s ‘Bee Fairy Lady’
A moment of unexpected connection with bees transformed an unmotivated veterinary student into the woman now fondly known as the UAE’s “Bee Fairy Lady.”
Dr Meriem Hammal never imagined a future working closely with animals. In fact, veterinary medicine was not her own choice at all. Encouraged by her parents to follow a medical path, she enrolled in a veterinary degree more out of obligation than passion. At the same time, she was also pursuing a master’s degree in marketing, unsure of where her true interests lay and feeling largely uninspired by her studies.
Halfway through her veterinary programme, Meriem was required to complete practical animal training. Students were allowed to choose which animals they would work with, and the options ranged from common domestic pets like cats and dogs to larger animals such as horses and camels. The third option—bees—seemed the least demanding. Bees, she was told, required minimal daily supervision, which meant fewer mandatory visits. Seeing it as the easiest route, Meriem selected beekeeping without much thought.
Her first assignment took her to a small farm in Algeria, where she was paired with an experienced mentor. She arrived with low expectations, viewing the task as just another requirement to tick off before graduation. That mindset changed the moment she stepped inside the enclosure housing the beehives.
Entering the hive area for the first time was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Surrounded by the steady hum of thousands of bees, Meriem felt an unexpected sense of calm wash over her. The noise, instead of being intimidating, felt soothing. She later described the moment as deeply grounding, saying it was the first time she felt completely detached from stress and external pressures.
Despite the serenity she felt once inside, fear had preceded that first encounter. She wore full protective gear, determined to avoid even the slightest chance of being stung. Her mentor, however, demonstrated a striking level of comfort and trust with the bees, entering the enclosure wearing only a protective veil, dressed casually in shorts and a shirt. The contrast left a strong impression on Meriem, planting the first seeds of curiosity.
What began as a compulsory weekly visit soon became something she genuinely looked forward to. Her initial indifference turned into fascination as she started asking questions about bee behaviour, communication, and defence mechanisms. Why do bees sting? How do they function as a colony? What role does each bee play? The more she learned, the more captivated she became.
The original training programme was meant to last just three months. Instead, Meriem chose to stay on the farm for three years, fully immersing herself in beekeeping. During this time, she learned through trial and error, including painful lessons. One of her earliest hives failed after she accidentally lost the queen bee, effectively collapsing the colony. Rather than discouraging her, the experience deepened her respect for the delicate balance within a hive.
After graduating, Meriem moved to France to specialise in small animal surgery and complete her master’s degree. Even there, beekeeping seemed to follow her. One of her professors happened to be a beekeeper, reinforcing her sense that this path was no coincidence. What had started as a convenient academic choice now felt like a calling she could no longer ignore.
Over time, Meriem embraced her identity as a beekeeper, eventually earning the affectionate nickname “Bee Fairy Lady.” Her approach blends scientific knowledge with genuine reverence for nature, making her an engaging advocate for bees and biodiversity.
Today, she is passing on that passion through education. Meriem is launching a new beekeeping course at Expo, designed for both adults and children as young as nine. The programme will take place over five Sundays, beginning on January 18, and aims to introduce participants to the fundamentals of caring for bees while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Unlike her own long and winding journey, Meriem emphasises that no prior experience or academic background is required to join the course. Participants do not need to be veterinarians or scientists. According to her, the only real requirements are curiosity, a love for nature, and an open mind.
From a student who once avoided animals to a mentor inspiring future beekeepers, Dr Meriem Hammal’s story is a testament to how unexpected experiences can redefine purpose—and how even the quiet hum of bees can change a life forever.
