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How a Dubai Firm Built a 1,000+ Workforce in Just 20 Years

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In an era defined by digital transformation and workforce localisation, Data Direct Group – a leading – Dubai-based business process outsourcing company – has emerged as one of the UAE’s largest and most enduring private employers.

Founded in 2002 with a vision to offer reliable, locally grounded customer experience (CX) solutions, Data Direct Group recently surpassed 1,000 + employee milestone in the UAE alone. The company, today employs, more than 1500 people across four GCC countries, quietly redefining what sustainable private sector impact looks like – with a workforce that today represents 35+ nationalities.

“Our story is Dubai’s story — built on ambition, innovation, and a belief in people,” says Rajiv Dalmia, Founder and Chairman of Data Direct Group that marks 23 years of operations this month. “When we started over two decades ago, back in 2002, we had a clear focus: build a company that not only delivers operational excellence but also contributes meaningfully to the economy and society around us. That vision has stayed the same.”

Supporting on-shore employment and Emiratisation

In an industry often driven by offshore outsourcing, Data Direct Group has doubled down on creating meaningful, on-shore employment opportunities within the UAE. Its diverse portfolio includes call centre services, digital onboarding, and IT support — all delivered by a workforce physically present in the country and trained to global standards.

“Our journey reflects not only business resilience, but a deep-rooted commitment to on-shore job creation, inclusivity, and economic value generation,” said Dalmia explaining how this ‘localisation drive’ has allowed the company to support both government and private sector entities across the UAE while aligning with national initiatives such as Emiratisation.

“We’ve never believed in exporting jobs; we’ve always believed in exporting  knowledge and capabilities,” Dalmia notes. “That’s why we’ve invested heavily in building local talent — our growth is measured not just in numbers, but in lives uplifted and careers shaped.”

A true UAE-grown success story

With its roots deeply embedded in Dubai, Data Direct Group has become a textbook example of homegrown enterprise success. From early challenges to regional expansion, the company has retained its core commitment to service, speed, and scalability.

Today, it is trusted by leading names in banking, healthcare, government services, utilities, logistics, and telecom, delivering bespoke business solutions that enhance customer experience and drive digital agility.

“The UAE allowed us to dream big. The leadership here created an ecosystem where entrepreneurs like myself could build something real and long-lasting,” Dalmia says.

One of the UAE’s largest employers in its category

Employing more than 1,500 people in the region and growing, Data Direct Group has carved out a reputation not only for its size but also for its inclusive work environment. With more than 35 nationalities represented, the company mirrors the cosmopolitan fabric of the UAE itself.

“We don’t just talk diversity — we live it every day,” says Dalmia. “Whether it’s a young graduate from Sharjah or a systems analyst from India, we’ve built a space where people from all backgrounds, walks of life and academic qualifications can grow and lead.”

The company’s female participation has also grown steadily over the past decade, particularly in middle-management and client delivery roles — a focus area it aims to accelerate in the coming years.

Driving economic impact beyond numbers

Beyond employment figures, Data Direct Group plays a pivotal role in supporting the business infrastructure of the UAE and wider GCC. From managing millions of customer interactions to helping clients streamline operations, the company’s services are woven into the fabric of everyday business in the region.

This impact translates to cost-efficiencies, customer satisfaction, and scalable support for public services — key drivers of GDP contribution in UAE’s digital economy.

“Economic impact is not just about revenue — it’s about relevance,” Dalmia adds.

“The fact that we’ve been around for over two decades, evolving every step of the way, is proof that you can be relevant, resilient, and responsible — all at once.”

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UAE announces fuel prices for June 2025

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The UAE fuel price committee on Saturday announced petrol and diesel prices for the month of June 2025.The Fuel Prices Monitoring Committee has kept the prices unchanged from the month of May.

Super 98 petrol will cost Dh2.58 a litre, compared to Dh2.58 a litre in May, while Special 95 will cost Dh2.47 a litre, compared to Dh2.47 a litre the previous month.

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E-Plus category petrol will be available for Dh2.39 a litre, compared to Dh2.39 a litre in May, while diesel will now cost Dh2.45 a litre, compared to Dh2.52 a litre the previous month.

The UAE deregulated fuel prices in 2015, aligning them with market fluctuations.

Fuel prices in the UAE are tied to movements in the global oil market, which has experienced significant volatility since the beginning of the year.

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It’s official: UAE confirms Eid Al Adha to begin on June 6

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The UAE has officially declared that Eid Al Adha will begin on Friday, June 6, following the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening, which marks the start of Dhu Al Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.

As a result, Dhu Al Hijjah will commence on Wednesday, setting the timeline for two of Islam’s most significant events: Hajj, which begins on the 8th day of the month (June 4), and Eid Al Adha, which falls on the 10th day (June 6).

The Hajj pilgrimage—a spiritual obligation for all able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime—will begin on Wednesday, June 4, with Arafat Day observed on Thursday, June 5. Eid Al Adha celebrations will run from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8.

This timeline indicates a likely four-day holiday for workers in the UAE, beginning on Thursday, June 5, and ending on Sunday, June 8, with normal work resuming on Monday, June 9. Both public and private sector employees are expected to benefit from this extended weekend.

Eid Al Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God’s command. The occasion is marked by communal prayers, festive meals, and the ritual sacrifice of a goat or sheep, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.

In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, the holiday is a time of reflection, generosity, and togetherness—hallmarks of the Islamic faith. Each year, millions of Muslims journey to Makkah for Hajj, with many also visiting Madinah, two of the most sacred cities in Islam.

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History in the making: Once Upon a Time in Dubai, region’s first original global musical unveils cast, new single

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The excitement around Once Upon a Time in Dubai, the region’s first truly global musical, has reached new heights with the official release of its upbeat anthem Habibi, performed by rising Lebanese star Amanda Maalouf. Known for her powerful vocal range and stage charisma, the Dubai resident takes centre stage in this track as Zeina, one of the lead characters in the show.

Composed by the internationally acclaimed Nazim Khaled and released under Universal Music MENA, this uplifting anthem blends international pop with Arabic rhythms and celebrates the very ‘multicultural heartbeat of Dubai’, according to Stéphane Boukris, the French entreprenuer and creator behind the musical he describes as a ‘genre-bending spectacle’ – all set to bring together Broadway and West End flair, cinematic visuals and a diverse international cast to Dubai for the very first time.

“It is a vibrant, feel-good tribute to the spirit of Dubai,” said Boukris, who previously produced the hit musical Robin Hood that sold over one million tickets across Europe. “The song captures the warmth, ambition and energy that define this city. We wanted a track that resonates with both residents and the world.”

Released this week on all major streaming platforms, Habibi marks a major milestone for the musical set to premiere in December 2025.

The single is accompanied by a stunning video teaser, shot against Dubai’s iconic skyline and desert dunes, reflecting the show’s larger-than-life scale. The song offers a sneak peek into the show’s soundscape, which blends Eastern melodies and Western arrangements – a signature style of the musical.

“Creating Habibi was about capturing the sound of a new Dubai – bold, inclusive, and full of rhythm. It’s a song that blends east and west, tradition and innovation, much like the city itself,” said Khaled, the composer who’s worked with artists like Kendji Girac in the past and whose compositions have garnered billions of views globally.

Once Upon a Time in Dubai tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. Themes of love, ambition, and Dubai’s vibrant culture are woven into the narrative.

The creators of the show that include director Johan Nus, known in the region for his work on Arabs Got Talent and The Masked Singer and Gilles Papain as the executive producer with experience on major productions like Celine in Las Vegas and Disney World of Colors in California, also announced the full international cast, one that brings together a remarkable ensemble of international talents, each with a unique artistic journey.

Stellar ensemble of international talents

Lebanese singer Amanda Maalouf stars as Zeina, a powerful voice navigating the tension between tradition and ambition. British talent Melissa Jeffrey, a tenacious dancer and singer who began full-time training at just 11 and later earned scholarships at London’s elite Urdang Academy, takes on the female lead role of Sophia. While Joe Woolford, also from the UK and a charismatic rapper whose rise to fame began on The Voice UK and culminated with his Eurovision appearance, plays the male lead Will.

Dubai-based performer Isiako (Khalid) infuses the stage with Mediterranean flair and a mix of reggaeton, soul, and pop as Portuguese vocalist Jessica Alves brings poise and energy to the role of Kim, drawing from her rich experience in Dubai’s live music scene. Dutch musical theatre star Shay Lachman takes on Gautam, adding depth with his classical training and international stage experience from productions across Europe and Asia.

Adding a soulful layer to the production is Canadian-Lebanese singer Enzo S, who plays Elias, the heart of the group. A semi-finalist from The Voice France Season 9, Enzo’s performance is shaped by more than 15 years of global stage experience and a strong academic foundation in jazz and gospel from Montreal’s Concordia University.

Speaking about the diverse ensemble, director Nus said, “We have gathered talent from across continents with each performer bringing their authentic voice and a bit of their culture to the stage. This show could only happen in Dubai.”

The musical is set to debut in December 2025 with a full-scale theatrical production that promises a rich blend of music, dance, and storytelling. “Each of these performers brings a unique voice, story, and spirit to the production,” added Boukris. “This is not just a show — it’s a love letter to Dubai through the eyes and voices of the world.”

Now, with the soundtrack’s first single Habibi available on all major platforms, the countdown to the premiere in December has officially begun.

The musical’s official Instagram handle @ouatidubai and website onceuponatimeindubai.com will continue to release behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and teaser content in the lead-up to opening night.

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