This Ramadan, two homegrown UAE brands unite to honour one timeless tradition: sharing a cup of chai. Set against the striking backdrop of the Hajar Mountains at JA Hatta Fort Hotel, the collaboration takes shape through immersive bonfire nights beneath the starry sky. Guided by the gentle pace of the Holy Month, each evening encourages guests to settle in after iftar with loved ones, embracing the cool mountain air and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed karak by the fire.
Set to launch on March 6th, bonfire nights at JA Hatta Fort Hotel mark the next chapter in a collaboration built on shared values of hospitality, heritage, and modern cultural expression. The partnership that originally began at JA Lake View Hotel with a co-branded chai cart now finds its way to the mountains, reimagined as a fully immersive experience rooted in warmth and connection. Weekend evenings unfold in the scenic Hikaya Restaurant from 7.30pm to 10.00pm, with seating gathered around a bonfire and the Hajar mountains close by. Soft lights are strung between the palms, with the Hajar mountains rising in the background. Guests can settle in with karak, conversation, and time together, while local storytelling and traditional live music move quietly through the night air.
The heart of the evening centers around Project Chaiwala’s signature karak and speciality blends, served by a chai wallah, each cup finished with the signature high pour. Guests can sip classics like the Karak Aslee Chai, alongside the saffron-kissed Karak Arabia Iced Chai, or indulge in the cocoa-tinged Molten Karak Iced Chai, Playful favourites including Falcon Punch and Tiger Burst add a spirited twist. These karak-infused creations are paired with bonfire-style light bites curated by JA Hatta Fort Hotel, with optional hubbly bubbly adding a familiar touch of the region.
Chris Wayne-Wills, Cluster General Manager of JA Hatta Fort Hotel, JA Ocean View Hotel and JA The Manor Hotel shared, ‘At JA Hatta Fort Hotel, we are always exploring thoughtful ways to connect guests with the cultures that shape this place. Chai has long been part of the social fabric of the UAE, a simple act that brings people together across generations and backgrounds. As a homegrown brand, Project Chaiwala reflects that same sense of familiarity and belonging, which makes this collaboration at JA Hatta Fort Hotel especially meaningful.’
Ahmed Kazim, Co-Founder of Project Chaiwala, added, ‘JA Hatta Fort Hotel is the ideal setting to continue our collaboration into the Holy Month of Ramadan. Much like Ramadan itself, chai is meant to be shared and savoured, and there is something truly special about enjoying it amidst Hatta’s natural beauty. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience our karak creations in an entirely new way and make them part of their Ramadan rituals.’
Founded in 2017 by third-culture friends Justin Joseph, of Indian origin, and UAE national Ahmed Kazim, Project Chaiwala was born from a shared love of karak and the stories it carries. For them, chai reflects Dubai’s identity as a meeting point of cultures, inspiring them to reintroduce a new generation to this iconic beverage. Today, with cafés, pop-ups, and an online store, the brand continues to draw from India’s street-side chaiwalas while reimagining tradition through modern blends and thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
With complimentary access for all guests, Bonfire Nights adds another layer of culture and comfort to Ramadan in the mountains. Set against the cool evening air of Hatta, guests are invited to gather around the fire and enjoy Project Chaiwala’s signature blends and light bonfire bites available à la carte. Bringing together JA Resorts & Hotels’ warm hospitality and Project Chaiwala’s innovative blends, this partnership transforms a humble cup of chai into a shared moment of connection beneath the stars.
When: Every Friday and Saturday from 8.00pm to 10.00pm between March 6th and 21st
Where: Hikaya
Offer: Bonfire Nights at JA Hatta Fort Hotel in collaboration with Project Chaiwala, featuring signature karak and specialty blends available à la carte, light bonfire-style bites, hubbly bubbly (subject to availability), a local storyteller, soft live instrumental music, and limited-edition co-branded merchandise.
Price: Entry is complimentary for all guests; Food, beverages, merchandise and hubbly bubbly are individually priced.
