Hatta’s Grassroots Village: A Palestinian Couple Strengthens Eco-Tourism with Unique Sustainable Retreat

Nestled in the Hajar Mountains, Grassroots Village in Hatta offers a serene escape for those seeking to disconnect from the hustle of modern life. This regenerative eco-village, founded in 2024, emphasizes community living, sustainability, and permaculture, inviting visitors to embrace a slower, more intentional lifestyle.

The Birth of Grassroots Village

Grassroots Village was established by Palestinian permaculture practitioners Marwan Ghunaim and Sima Basel, alongside Emirati landowner Mubarak Sagr, who manages a traditional farm in the region. Ghunaim expressed that the vision for such a space had been a long-standing dream of his for over a decade. His journey towards this goal began in 2010 when he discovered Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art, at an event in Dubai.

Initially working in human resources, Ghunaim transitioned to Capoeira, which led him to engage more with nature through outdoor activities and social events. His travels across the Arab world, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal further fueled his interest in alternative education and sustainable communities.

Basel, who grew up in Hebron and later studied in the United States, moved 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 met during a retreat hosted by Ghunaim in Hatta in 2021, where they bonded over their shared vision for a community-centered lifestyle.

In 2022, they married in Jordan and subsequently transformed their garden in Dubai South into a community space. As their lease neared expiration in 2024, they received an unexpected call from Sagr, inviting them to develop his farm. This opportunity aligned perfectly with their aspirations, leading to the establishment of Grassroots Village.

Understanding Permaculture

Permaculture, a term derived from “permanent” and “agriculture,” is a design philosophy that mimics natural ecosystems to promote sustainability. While often associated with farming, it extends to community organization and relationship management. Ghunaim noted that permaculture represents a shift away from exploitative agricultural practices, emphasizing a connection between humans and the land.

He highlighted the three core ethics of permaculture: Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. These principles guide their decision-making and planning processes at Grassroots Village.

Life in the Mountains

Grassroots Village operates as a living community rather than a conventional resort. Approximately 15 long-term residents, including families and remote workers, currently inhabit the farm. The youngest resident is just one month old, while the oldest is a 65-year-old music teacher. Life at Grassroots Village is dictated by nature rather than rigid schedules.

Basel explained that daily activities vary based on the needs of the community and the environment. Some mornings are spent tending to animals and gardens, while other days include workshops, community dinners, and nature walks. The community is also developing a co-learning center for children that prioritizes collaborative learning over traditional classroom structures.

The involvement of Mubarak Sagr’s family remains significant, with Emirati values and family dynamics deeply integrated into the community’s fabric.

A Regenerative Approach

Basel prefers to refer to Grassroots Village as a “regenerative farm” rather than merely an eco-village. She emphasized their commitment to restoring life and nourishing the environment, contrasting it with extractive systems prevalent in modern agriculture. Their goal is to inspire visitors to cultivate a sense of connection and carry these values into their everyday lives.

Accessing Grassroots Village

Grassroots Village is conveniently located near the Hatta Wadi Hub, accessible via the E44 highway. Visitors can find directions by following signs after passing the Hatta Fort roundabout.

For those considering a staycation, accommodations include:

• Farm rooms with en-suite facilities, suitable for small families (AED 400-500 per night)
• A hut experience, offering a comfortable camping alternative (AED 250 per night)
• Campsites for tents and caravans (AED 100 per person)

Workshops and Wellness Experiences

Grassroots Village also offers various holistic living experiences for visitors, including mountain walks and community gatherings. Weekly events such as “Uncommon Ground,” which features a mountain walk, shared meals, and fireside storytelling, are designed to foster community engagement.

Additional activities include:

• Capoeira workshops
• Clay and play sessions
• Art, music, and drama workshops
• Curated group experiences

The village hosts retreats, festivals, and workshops that promote wellness, sustainability, and conscious living. Facilities include herb gardens, yoga spaces, and creative studios to support learning and community interaction.

For more information and bookings, visit the official website.

Source: www.emirates247.com

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Published on 2026-05-29 17:58:00 • By the Editorial Desk