Karak, light bites, live music, and storytelling at Hikaya Restaurant every Friday and Saturday from 6th to 21st March
JA Hatta Fort Hotel and Project Chaiwala are joining forces this Ramadan to host a series of bonfire evenings at Hikaya Restaurant, set against the Hajar Mountains in Hatta. Running every Friday and Saturday from 6th to 21st March, the evenings take place from 8.00pm to 10.00pm and are open to all guests at no entry cost.
The collaboration builds on an earlier partnership that began at JA Lake View Hotel with a co-branded chai cart. At JA Hatta Fort Hotel, the concept takes on a new form, with guests gathering around a bonfire after iftar for karak, light bites, local storytelling, and live instrumental music. Soft lights are strung between the palms, with the Hajar Mountains in the background.
Project Chaiwala’s chai wallah serves the brand’s signature karak and speciality blends throughout the evening, each cup finished with the brand’s signature high pour. Options include the Karak Aslee Chai, the saffron-infused Karak Arabia Iced Chai, and the Molten Karak Iced Chai. Falcon Punch and Tiger Burst offer something a little different. JA Hatta Fort Hotel provides bonfire-style light bites to accompany the drinks, with hubbly bubbly available subject to availability.
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.”
Project Chaiwala was founded in 2017 by Justin Joseph and Ahmed Kazim, two third-culture friends who grew up with a shared love of karak. The brand draws on India’s street-side chai culture while developing its own modern range of blends using carefully sourced ingredients. Today it operates cafés, pop-ups, and an online store.
When: Every Friday and Saturday from 8.00pm to 10.00pm, 6th to 21st March Where: Hikaya Restaurant, JA Hatta Fort Hotel Entry: Complimentary for all guests. Food, drinks, hubbly bubbly, and merchandise are individually priced. To book or find out more, email reservations.hfh@jaresorts.com or call 04 8099 333.
