Know Why This Café In Dubai Is Trending Online (image-instagram/screenshot/gulfbuzz)
Dubai Café 21 is now one among the most trending cafés in Dubai. However, this café upholds its uniqueness from the rest. Breaking all the conventional requirements for being employed, Café 21 emerged as the first café entirely operated by individuals with Down syndrome. Situated in Al Ghurair, this café stands as a testament to inclusivity and empowerment within the UAE’s hospitality sector.
Visitors to the café are warmly welcomed with bright smiles, guided to their seats, presented with menus, and served with care and attentiveness. At the end of their visit, guests receive a heartfelt farewell—often expressed through a touching hand gesture in the shape of a heart.
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The staff were trained through the Emirates Down Syndrome Association (EDSA). The café owner, Raghuraman, who founded the café, created a supportive environment for people with Down syndrome. His son, a 24-year-old with Down syndrome, had inspired him to begin a café aiming at providing these individuals with employment opportunities and social engagement.
According to a Khaleej Times report, the café currently has four Emirati individuals with Down syndrome, who are supported by four trained baristas who assist with coffee preparation and services.
The number 21 was selected in order to highlight the genetic condition Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome. They have also included this symbolism in the café’s logo as well: a coffee cup wrapped with a blue and yellow ribbon, which are the global colours for Down syndrome, with the tagline: unconditional love.
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