Hadramout -- A new Honey Export Development Center has officially opened in Yemen’s eastern Hadramout governorate, aiming to boost the country’s renowned honey industry and expand its access to international markets. 

The initiative is funded by the European Union, in partnership with local authorities and development organizations.

The center, inaugurated this week in the city of Mukalla, will serve as a hub for quality control, packaging, training, and export facilitation for honey producers across Hadramout and neighboring regions. 

Yemen’s Sidr honey is globally recognized for its purity and medicinal properties, but producers have long faced challenges in meeting export standards and accessing foreign buyers.

EU representatives attending the launch emphasized the importance of supporting sustainable livelihoods and rural economies in Yemen, especially amid ongoing conflict and economic hardship. 

“This center reflects our commitment to empowering local producers and enhancing Yemen’s agricultural potential,” said one official.

Local honey producers welcomed the move, noting that the center will help improve product quality, branding, and compliance with international regulations. 

It will also provide training in modern beekeeping techniques, marketing, and logistics, helping small-scale farmers scale up their operations.

Hadramout’s governorate is one of Yemen’s leading honey-producing regions, with thousands of families relying on beekeeping as a primary source of income. The new center is expected to play a key role in revitalizing the sector and promoting Yemeni honey on the global stage.