In Dubai’s Al Ghurair Centre in Deira, a remarkable new café called “Café 21” has opened its doors, marking the beginning of a heartwarming social movement. Staffed by individuals with Down syndrome, this café not only serves coffee but also delivers a powerful message of inclusion, empowerment, and love to the community.
The founder, Raghu Raman Dandapani, an Indian father inspired by his own son, created the space to offer employment and independence to people with Down syndrome. With four team members from this community already on board, he’s taken the first step toward realizing his dream.
Mathew John, the café’s operations manager, says:
“We train and support our staff every step of the way. Our goal is to build a chain of cafés fully run by individuals with Down syndrome.”
Among the team is Qais Abdulsalam, an 18-year-old Syrian barista whose warm smile and energy brighten the café. Qais moved from Aleppo to the UAE with his family at the age of four and now proudly speaks about his independence. His father shares:
“Seeing my son become a valuable member of society is a true honor.”
Alaa Ali, a 21-year-old Jordanian, is another vibrant face at Café 21. She says:
“The best part of my day is connecting with people and serving them coffee
