Business
Dubai company proves microcosm of World Cultural Diversity
The UAE is a melting pot of cultures and the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development fell on Sunday 21. Many organisations celebrated the occasion in the poster city of Dubai over the weekend while some opted to beat the Monday blues with the right excuse.
Data Direct Group, a leading business group in Dubai since 2002, chose to start early with lot of fun activities at their Deira headquarters. DDG’s core arm is digitally driven Business Process Outsourcing. With 26 nationalities working on ensuring good customer experiences, unity in diversity and cultural amalgamation comes naturally at the organisation.
“May 21 is a very important day for us,” said Rajiv Dalmia, the group founder and chairman. “Diversity of cultures is an extended requirement of the business, but it is also very vital to our ethos if we have to remain true to our values to enhance customer experience.” DD is also an equal opportunity employer to more than 580 employees with around 290 of them as females.
Data Direct has nearly 30 nationalities represented in a roster of around 580 employees. Pictures supplied
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are more than 200 nationalities living in the UAE, with 10% Emiratis and an eclectic mix of expatriates. That is more than the member states registered with the United Nations at 195.
As a leading group handling the customers of many government and private companies, the DDG roster is an ideal microcosm of the varied and colourful mix of religions, race, ethnicity, caste or creed. “Many call centres in the UAE try to cater to the top nationalities by numbers among the population by keeping a dedicated option for customers to converse in the language of preference,” said Dalmia.
Data Direct keeps gender equality a priority just as being an equal opportunity employer.
“We also keep evolving and try to incorporate inclusion to the best extent possible, even if there is only so much you can do.”
Girish Ojha, the chief human resource officer, agrees. “While language can be a barrier at times, our instructions to the staff is to be understanding and try to reach out to them in all means possible. On a daily basis, with each call that tries to reach out to our clients through us, our employees are duty bound to make data available through any source of contact possible.”
One of the key members of Data Direct, on condition of anonymity, said: “I am a global citizen when I am here in the UAE. The charm of working in this country and at this workplace is that you get to learn so much about the world without travelling anywhere.”
Announcements
Inside The Plaza at Uptown Dubai: An open-air venue set to transform the city’s business and events scene
In a city that thrives on bold ambition and global connection, a new landmark has quietly taken its place at the heart of Dubai’s business future.
DMCC has officially opened The Plaza at Uptown Dubai, a 21,000 square metre open-air destination designed to host everything from high-level corporate summits to large-scale concerts and community gatherings.
For UAE residents and business leaders alike, this isn’t just another development announcement. It’s a signal that Uptown Dubai is stepping into a new era.
A new gathering space in town
Strategically positioned at the centre of Uptown Dubai, The Plaza physically connects the iconic Uptown Tower with the district’s wider commercial and residential community.
Designed to accommodate up to 4,000 guests, the venue features advanced staging, lighting and digital display infrastructure, enabling year-round programming and rapid event turnover.
For Dubai’s fast-moving corporate ecosystem, that means seamless hosting of:
- Global trade conferences
- Finance and technology forums
- Industry expos
- Cultural performances
- Community celebrations
In a city known for world-class event venues, The Plaza adds something different: scale, accessibility and integration within a thriving business district.
For UAE residents, the venue offers more opportunities for networking, collaboration and global visibility without leaving the city.
Next business hub taking shape
The Plaza’s launch comes as Uptown Dubai moves into its next development phase.
Currently under construction:
- Two commercial towers (23 and 17 storeys)
- 62,000 square metres of additional Grade A commercial and retail space
Once complete, the full district will deliver:
- 538,000 square metres total gross floor area
- 232,000 square metres dedicated to Grade A commercial office space
What’s in it for residents
For professionals, it means:
- More international events are hosted locally
- Increased networking and industry exposure
- Expanded commercial opportunities
For residents, it offers:
- Open-air concerts and cultural events
- Community experiences within a premium urban setting
- A new social hub integrated into Dubai’s skyline
Announcements
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Lifestyle
Dubai to open 10 million sq ft Al Layan Oasis with huge lake, camping and desert experiences
Dubai is getting a brand-new desert destination, and it’s massive.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has approved Al Layan Oasis, a 10 million square foot eco-tourism and leisure project set to transform part of the emirate’s desert into a lake-centred retreat packed with walking trails, camping areas and family attractions.
Located about 50 minutes from Dubai city centre, the oasis is expected to attract 330,000 visitors a year.
A 2.5 Million Sq Ft Lake in the Desert
At the heart of Al Layan Oasis will be a 2.5 million sq ft lake, surrounded by:
- 14km of walking and cycling tracks
- Elevated pathways five metres above ground
- 1,000 parking spaces
- Sports and recreation facilities
- Camping and caravan zones
The elevated 4km track will offer panoramic desert views and connect to existing routes in Al Marmoom.
Four Zones for Families and Visitors
The destination will feature four themed areas:
- Camping Oasis: 100 caravan spots and a visitor centre
- Gathering Oasis: Open-air cinema, amphitheatre and food trucks
- Family Oasis: 28 shaded rest areas and children’s play zones
- Recreation Oasis: Retail, activities and leisure facilities
Officials say the project balances eco-tourism with environmental protection, expanding native planting and shaded areas to enhance comfort.
Part of Dubai’s Sustainability Plan
Al Layan Oasis forms part of Dubai Municipality’s Blue and Green Roadmap 2030, under a Dh4 billion package aimed at investing in nature to improve the quality of life.
The project also supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the emirate’s long-term sustainability and wellbeing goals.
Once completed, Al Layan Oasis is expected to become one of Dubai’s key desert lifestyle and eco-tourism destinations, offering residents and tourists a new way to experience nature without leaving the emirate.
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Inside The Plaza at Uptown Dubai: An open-air venue set to transform the city’s business and events scene
