In line with the UAE’s Year of Community, the Middle East’s oldest shopping mall is supporting the city’s efforts to champion inclusivity and empower People of Determination

Al Ghurair Centre, the first modern shopping mall in the Middle East, has announced another Dubai first with the launch of 21 Café, a new concept store fully powered by a team of professionally trained staff with Down Syndrome. The pioneering initiative aligns with the emirate’s broader vision of prioritising the needs and ensuring the welfare of people of determination, ensuring every member of the community can thrive and lead a fulfilled life.

Down Syndrome is the most common genetic condition globally, occurring in approximately one in every 800 births. In the Middle East, the prevalence is notably higher, at 2.2 per 1,000 live births, according to the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies. In addition to medical and developmental challenges, those diagnosed with the condition often face significant emotional and social barriers.

Raghu Raman, Owner and Managing Director of Café 21, inspired by his own son’s journey, set out to create a space where individuals with Down Syndrome can find empowerment, purpose, and a way to contribute to the community. The new establishment’s name, 21 Café, is a reference to Trisomy 21 – the medical term for the genetic condition where an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 21, which is the cause of Down Syndrome. 

As Dubai continues to lead by example in promoting accessibility and inclusion, 21 Café and Al Ghurair’s support thereof serve as reminders of what is possible through compassion, collaboration, and community support. In line with the UAE’s Year of Community, the café represents a meaningful step forward in celebrating diversity and driving inclusive progress.

21 Café is located on the second floor of Al Ghurair Centre, Dubai.