21 Cafe Puts Staff With Down Syndrome at the Heart of Its Story

At 21 Cafe in Dubai’s Al Ghurair Mall, the hum of coffee machines and chatter feels familiar - but the team behind the counter sets it apart. The cafe is run by employees with Down syndrome, giving them space to build skills and connect with customers on their own terms.

The name “21 Cafe” is drawn from the extra 21st chromosome associated with the condition. The space was founded by Raghu Raman Dhandapani, a father whose son has Down syndrome. For him, the project is less about symbolism and more about providing practical opportunities. “Many of our staff were often isolated at home,” he says. “Now many people are being intersected with them apart from their family members... We create a big change in Down syndrome society by bringing them out and creating a platform for them to stand independent.”

For the staff, that sense of participation is central. One team member describes the pride of working there simply: “Independence makes us excited to go to work every day.” Another adds, “We have new helping hands, and socially, everyone is appreciative of our services. I feel blessed to be part of this special team.” Their words reflect the cafe’s everyday impact more than any mission statement could.

The cafe's manager, Nagarajan Gurumoorthy, is equally moved by the team's spirit. "I'm excited to come to work every day because I'm inspired by the dedication, enthusiasm, and joy of my colleagues with Down syndrome. Their positive energy is contagious."

Beyond serving coffee, 21 Cafe has become a hub for community. Families gather, barriers soften, and the staff themselves are shaping how their condition is perceived in public life. In their own way, they are showing what it means to take ownership of a space - and to be seen not for their condition, but for their work.