Latest news with #AlGhurairCentre
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Zutto Suki Ramen opens new branch at Flayva Food Hall, Al Ghurair Centre
Zutto Suki Ramen, a rising star in Dubai's Japanese dining scene, officially opened its latest branch at Al Ghurair Centre on June 4. The opening was marked with a special inauguration ceremony held at Flayva, the food court that caters specifically to the Filipino community in Deira. The ribbon-cutting was led by Marford M Angeles, Philippine Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, alongside Rolly Brucales, managing director and owner of the OTH Group, and the dedicated team behind Zutto Suki Ramen. Strategically located at Al Ghurair Centre just steps away from one of Dubai's most vibrant Filipino communities, the new branch aims to bring high-quality yet budget-friendly Japanese cuisine closer to its core audience. Flayva, designed with the Filipino community in mind, provides the perfect platform for Zutto Suki Ramen to expand its reach, offering diners not only authentic Japanese comfort food but also the ease of access and ample parking that enhances the overall dining experience. 'Deira is home to a strong and loyal Filipino customer base, and Al Ghurair Centre is a landmark destination for them,' said Brucales. 'By opening Zutto Suki Ramen at Flayva, we're meeting our market where they are and giving them a taste of Japan without breaking the bank.' This new outlet marks Zutto Suki Ramen's second branch in Dubai. It joins a growing portfolio of 12 food and beverage outlets operated by the OTH Group, which also includes crowd favourites like Off the Hook Restaurant and Potato Corner UAE. The group's continued expansion reflects its commitment to delivering diverse, flavourful, and affordable dining options across the UAE. Zutto Suki Ramen has built its reputation on offering value-driven meals without compromising on taste or authenticity. With a menu filled with rich broths, fresh ingredients, and traditional Japanese ramen varieties, the restaurant offers a delicious and affordable dining experience — ideal for families, friends, and foodies alike.
Arabian Business
01-05-2025
- Health
- Arabian Business
Dubai's Al Ghurair Centre opens new 21 Café run by staff with Down Syndrome
Al Ghurair Centre, the Middle East's first modern shopping mall, has unveiled 21 Café, Dubai's first food and beverage establishment operated entirely by staff with Down Syndrome. The initiative comes as part of Dubai's ongoing commitment to support people of determination, ensuring inclusivity across all sectors of society. A post shared by Al Ghurair Centre (@alghuraircentre) Down Syndrome, which affects approximately one in 800 births globally, has a higher prevalence in the Middle East at 2.2 per 1,000 live births, according to figures from the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies. Beyond medical challenges, individuals with this genetic condition often encounter significant social barriers. The café's name references Trisomy 21, the medical term describing the extra copy of chromosome 21 that causes Down Syndrome. Raghu Raman, Owner and Managing Director of 21 Café, established the venue after being inspired by his son's experiences. The establishment, located on the second floor of Al Ghurair Centre, represents a significant development during the UAE's designated Year of Community, showcasing the emirate's dedication to accessibility and inclusion. Medical experts note that whilst those with Down Syndrome face developmental challenges, supportive environments can facilitate significant achievements. As Dubai
Khaleej Times
24-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Recounting the years: Saadat Hussein's journey in the UAE since 1979
Saadat Hussein moved to Dubai in 1979, and since then, the city has been his home. He began his career as a marketing executive at Al-Futtaim Motors - Toyota before transitioning to banking, joining Mashreq Bank (then known as Oman Bank). Over the next 32 years, Hussein held various positions at the bank, ultimately retiring in 2017 as regional head for Asia in the financial institution's division. With over three decades of service, he is regarded as one of the most experienced members of Dubai's banking community. Now working as a financial consultant in Dubai, Hussein reflects on the city's remarkable transformation in the business sector as well as the ever-growing Pakistani community. 'When I first arrived, Dubai was very different and sparsely populated,' he recalls. 'There were only two main districts — Deira and Bur Dubai — where most commercial activities took place. Expats preferred to live in these areas to be close to their workplaces.' At the time, key projects such as Al Ghurair Centre, Deira Tower, Mansoor Tower, Hyatt Regency and Galleria were under construction, while landmarks like the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Municipality building were completed and awaiting their inauguration by Queen Elizabeth II in February 1979. 'There were only two five-star hotels in the city, and Dubai did not have a single shopping mall until 1981, when Al Ghurair Centre opened. It quickly became a central hub for shoppers,' he says. In those early days, all major banks, government offices and multinational companies were concentrated in Deira. Most prominent UAE nationals, businessmen and expatriates also lived in Deira and Bur Dubai, making them the most sought-after localities. Healthcare, Transport and Education Despite Dubai's small size at the time, Hussein notes that healthcare services were always of a high standard. 'Medical facilities in the UAE were excellent, and healthcare was free for all residents, including expatriates.' Public transport was reliable and affordable, with people commuting across the city and to other emirates via taxis and buses. However, international schools were limited. 'Until the early 1990s, expatriate families struggled with schooling options,' he says. 'Some of the well-known schools at the time included the American School, Dubai College, Emirates International, Indian High School, Pakistan School, Our Own English High School and Choueifat. Many expats sent their children back to their home countries for education due to the lack of schools.' Today, the UAE offers world-class education at all levels, with a wide range of international curricula available. A Global Hub Until the mid-1990s, more than 75 per cent of residents and tourists in the UAE were from Asia, the Middle East and Africa. However, the demographics changed rapidly in the late 1990s as more people recognised the UAE's potential. 'The UAE became an attractive destination for professionals due to its global connectivity, safety, security, modern infrastructure and tax-free working environment,' Hussein says. Today, the country stands as a global business and tourism hub, with a diversified economy and cutting-edge infrastructure. Land of Opportunities 'The UAE is a land of opportunity for anyone with the ambition to grow in their field,' he says. 'The country provides excellent infrastructure and extensive support across various industries, including trade, business, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, education, hospitality and healthcare.' With the job market expanding and the expatriate community growing each year, Dubai continues to attract talent from around the world. For Hussein, Dubai is more than just a place to work — it is home. 'This city has given me the opportunity to excel in my career and raise a happy family with my wife and two sons. Dubai's journey has been extraordinary, and I feel privileged to have witnessed its growth first-hand.'
