Embracing Sustainable Living in the Hajar Mountains

For those seeking an escape from the fast pace of modern life, a unique eco-village named Grassroots Village has emerged in the Hatta region of the Hajar Mountains. Founded on principles of community, sustainability, and permaculture, this retreat invites individuals to slow down and immerse themselves in an alternative lifestyle.

The Genesis of Grassroots Village

Grassroots Village was established in 2024 by Palestinian permaculture experts Marwan Ghunaim and Sima Basel, a husband-and-wife duo, in collaboration with Emirati landowner Mubarak Sagr, who operates a traditional farm in the area. Ghunaim, reflecting on the realization of a long-held dream, expressed his disbelief at seeing the vision come to life.

Ghunaim's journey towards this 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, often conducting activities in natural settings. His extensive travels across various countries exposed him to diverse alternative education models, eco-villages, and sustainable communities.

Basel, originally from Hebron, pursued her education in the United States before moving to Abu Dhabi in 2014. She currently manages a research laboratory and practices as a licensed psychologist, while also co-managing the eco-village. The couple's paths converged in Hatta in 2021 during a retreat hosted by Ghunaim at Sagr's farm. Basel recounted an immediate connection over a shared desire for an intentional lifestyle centered on people, nature, and community. They married in 2022 and initially transformed their Dubai garden into a community hub.

The idea of building a dedicated community space solidified when, facing the expiration of their lease in 2024 and contemplating leaving the UAE, they received an unexpected call from Sagr. He proposed that they develop his farm, a proposition perfectly aligned with their aspirations. Today, they are raising their three-month-old son, Canaan, at Grassroots Village, actively promoting the concept of permaculture.

Understanding Permaculture

Permaculture, a portmanteau of 'permanent' and 'agriculture,' is a design philosophy that draws inspiration from the regenerative processes of natural ecosystems. While often associated with farming, its scope extends to the design and management of communities, projects, and human relationships. Ghunaim explained that permaculture represents an evolution in soil regeneration, contrasting it with exploitative modern agriculture. He emphasized its role in reconnecting humans with the land, rather than separating them. The core ethics of permaculture—Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share—guide all decisions and planning at Grassroots Village.

Life at Grassroots Village

Unlike a conventional resort, Grassroots Village functions as a vibrant, living community. Approximately 15 long-term residents, including families, freelancers, and remote workers, currently reside on the farm. The community embraces a rhythm of life dictated by nature rather than strict schedules. Basel described their daily existence as responsive to weather, community needs, and immediate requirements. Activities range from daily chores like feeding chickens and gardening to workshops, community dinners, and mountain excursions. A co-learning center for children, focusing on collaborative learning, is also under development.

Residents actively engage in growing food, composting waste, sharing skills, and participating in communal life. The family of landowner Mubarak Sagr remains an integral part of the community, ensuring that Emirati values and family structures are deeply embedded.

A Regenerative Approach to Farming

Basel prefers to describe the farm as a 'regenerative farm.' She highlighted their goal of cultivating with the intention of giving life back, contrasting it with extractive modern systems. Regenerative systems, she noted, are about restoring life, nourishing soil, supporting the environment, caring for animals, and strengthening human relationships. The hope is that this mindset will inspire visitors to carry these values into their daily lives, fostering a deeper sense of connection and inspiration beyond a typical hospitality experience.

Visiting Grassroots Village

Located near the Hatta Wadi Hub, Grassroots Village is 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, offering a more comfortable camping alternative (AED 250 per night)
• Campsites for tents and caravans (AED 100 per person)

For day visitors, the village offers various holistic living experiences such as mountain walks, community food gatherings, and workshops in art, music, and drama. Every Saturday, 'Uncommon Ground' provides a day-long activity from 2 pm to 10 pm, featuring a mountain walk, shared food, fireside stories, and music. Other activities include Capoeira workshops, 'Clay & Play' sessions, and curated group experiences. The village also hosts retreats, gatherings, festivals, and workshops focused on wellness, sustainability, and conscious living, utilizing facilities like herb gardens, yoga spaces, and creative studios. Bookings can be made via the official website, www.grassrootsvillage.com.

Source: Hatta’s Grassroots Village: The eco-retreat where slow living meets sustainability