Inclusive mission
The café creates meaningful work opportunities for people with Down syndrome, making the visit feel connected to a broader community purpose.
21 Cafe LLC
Deira
21 Cafe is a Deira café with a clear inclusion-focused purpose, described as the UAE’s first café run by individuals with Down syndrome. Reviews point to thoughtfully prepared coffee, including flat whites and V60, alongside cookies and light bites in a warm, cozy setting.
Reputation Score
4.9
★★★★★
427 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Strong coffee
Customers specifically praise the flat white, V60, latte, cold brew and Indian filter coffee rather than only the café’s concept.
Warm service
Reviews consistently describe the service as attentive and welcoming, with staff taking care to explain orders and help customers.
Cookie favourite
The triple chocolate cookie is repeatedly singled out as an especially good pairing for coffee.
Cozy setting
The café is described as calm, quiet and comfortable enough for relaxing, catching up or getting some work done.
Mall convenience
Customers report easy access inside the mall, making it a practical stop during a Deira shopping trip.
Tips for a Better Visit
Try V60. Coffee enthusiasts should ask for the V60, which one reviewer described as the only V60 option in Al Ghurair Centre.
Check acidity. If you have acidity or GERD, be cautious with the coffee and ask about alternatives, as a reviewer reported no decaf option.
Customise latte. You can request adjustments: one visitor ordered a Spanish Latte with only one coffee shot and enjoyed it.
Check promos. Ask what promotions are running; one customer specifically mentioned café promos and a complimentary coffee with a vanilla milkshake.
Consider a combo. The filter coffee and croissant were reported together for AED 12, useful if you want a modest coffee-and-pastry stop.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Al Ghurair Centre, 2nd Floor - Al Rigga Rd - opposite to Etisalat & Du Office
Deira, Dubai
| Mon | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sat | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Open frontage
One visitor wished the front of the café were enclosed rather than fully open.
No decaf
A customer with acidity said the lack of decaffeinated options led to a stomachache after trying the coffee.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
18 AED
Latte
“I ordered a Latte for 18 AED”Google review · August 2025
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
21 Cafe is a Deira café with a clear social purpose: it describes itself as the UAE’s first café run by individuals with Down syndrome. Reviews make it worth considering for both the welcome and the drinks, whether you want a quiet break, a catch-up, or a coffee with a light bite. The menu highlights include the rich flat white, V60, Indian filter coffee, Spanish Latte and cold brew.
Cookies are another strong point, especially the triple chocolate cookie; customers also mention croissants, muffins, cheesecake and sandwiches. One review reports a filter coffee and croissant for AED 12, while another puts a latte at AED 18, though these are customer-reported prices rather than a current menu. Inside the mall, the café is described as cozy, calm and comfortable enough for work or a peaceful pause.
Access is reportedly easy, and families are welcomed in the reviews. If you have acidity or GERD, take care with the coffee: one visitor wanted decaf options and experienced a stomachache. You can also ask for a customised drink, such as a Spanish Latte with one coffee shot, and check for current promotions before ordering.