Hatta’s Grassroots Village: An Eco-Conscious Mountain Escape
For those seeking a weekend retreat that prioritizes disconnecting from digital distractions and immersing oneself in nature, Grassroots Village in Hatta presents an ideal destination. Nestled within the scenic Hajar Mountains, this regenerative eco-village is designed around core principles of community living, sustainability, and permaculture, offering both residents and visitors a unique opportunity to embrace a slower, more intentional lifestyle.
The Genesis of Grassroots Village
Grassroots Village was established in 2024 by Palestinian permaculture enthusiasts and a married couple, Marwan Ghunaim and Sima Basel. Their vision was brought to life through a collaboration with Emirati landowner Mubarak Sagr, who maintains a traditional farm in the area. Ghunaim, reflecting on the realization of a dream he harbored for over a decade, expressed his disbelief at seeing the village come to fruition.
Ghunaim’s journey towards establishing an eco-village began in 2010 when he discovered Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art. This passion led him to leave his corporate HR career and dedicate himself to the martial art, which often involved activities in natural settings. His extensive travels across the Arab world, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal exposed him to various alternative education models, eco-villages, and sustainable communities.
Sima Basel, originally from Hebron, pursued her education in the United States before relocating to Abu Dhabi in 2014 to work at New York University Abu Dhabi. She currently manages a research laboratory while also practicing as a licensed psychologist and co-managing the eco-village with her husband. The couple’s paths converged in Hatta in 2021 at Sagr’s farm, during a retreat Ghunaim was leading. Basel recounted an immediate connection over a shared desire for an intentional lifestyle centered on people, nature, and community, finding inspiration in Ghunaim’s philosophy.
After marrying in Jordan in 2022, they transformed their Dubai South garden into a community hub. Just as their lease was nearing its end in 2024 and they were considering leaving the UAE to build their envisioned community elsewhere, Sagr extended an unexpected invitation for them to develop his farm. This serendipitous offer perfectly aligned with their aspirations.
Understanding Permaculture
Permaculture, a portmanteau of ‘permanent agriculture,’ is a design philosophy that draws inspiration from the regenerative processes of natural ecosystems. While often associated with farming, its principles extend to the design and management of communities, projects, and human relationships. Ghunaim emphasizes permaculture as an evolution in soil regeneration, contrasting it with exploitative modern agricultural practices. He highlights its role in reconnecting humans with the land, rather than alienating them from it. The three core ethics of permaculture—Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share—guide the village’s planning and decision-making processes.
Life in the Hajar Mountains
Unlike conventional resorts, Grassroots Village operates as a vibrant, living community. It currently hosts approximately 15 long-term residents, including families, freelancers, and remote workers, ranging from infants to a 65-year-old music teacher. Daily life is harmonized with natural rhythms rather than strict schedules. Basel describes their existence as ‘living in response’ to the weather, the needs of the community, and daily requirements. Activities can range from tending to gardens and livestock to participating in workshops, communal dinners, or mountain excursions. The community is also in the process of developing a co-learning center for children, focusing on collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing. Residents actively engage in food cultivation, waste composting, skill-sharing, and collective community life. The family of landowner Mubarak Sagr remains an integral part of the village, embodying Emirati values and family structures.
A Regenerative Approach to Farming
Basel prefers to characterize the farm as a ‘regenerative farm’ rather than merely an eco-village. She explains that their cultivation methods aim to restore life, counteracting extractive systems prevalent in modern society. Regenerative systems, she notes, are about revitalizing soil, nurturing the environment, caring for animals, and strengthening human connections. The hope is that this mindset will inspire every visitor, fostering a sense of connection and inspiration that extends beyond their stay and into their daily lives.
Visiting Grassroots Village
Grassroots Village is conveniently situated near the Hatta Wadi Hub, accessible via the E44 highway (Dubai-Hatta road). After passing the Hatta Fort roundabout, visitors should turn right after the Al Wedai rest house and follow the signs. Accommodation options for staycations include farm rooms with en-suite facilities (AED 400-500 per night), hut experiences akin to comfortable camping (AED 250 per night), and campsites for tents and caravans (AED 100 per person).
Workshops and Wellness Experiences
For those interested in a day visit, the village offers a variety of holistic living experiences. These include mountain walks, community food gatherings, and workshops focused on art, music, and drama. Every Saturday, the ‘Uncommon Ground’ event provides a full day of activities from 2 pm to 10 pm, featuring a mountain walk, shared meals, fireside stories, and music. Specific activities include Capoeira workshops, ‘Clay & Play’ sessions, and curated group experiences. The village also serves as a venue for retreats, gatherings, festivals, and workshops promoting wellness, sustainability, and conscious living. Facilities such as herb gardens, yoga spaces, and creative studios are designed to foster learning, reflection, and community engagement. Bookings can be made through the village’s website.
Source: Hatta’s Grassroots Village: The eco-retreat where slow living meets sustainability
