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Damac launches new India hubs to fuel global growth
MUMBAI: Real estate just got a fresh new address as Damac Group set its sights on India, proving that when it comes to global ambition, the Group is ready to build bigger and better. The UAE headquartered conglomerate has opened its new shared services arm, Damac Shared Services India, marking a major step in strengthening its worldwide operational muscle.
The new capability centres in Noida and Pune will anchor key functions such as finance, sales, operations, marketing, human resources, digital and more. Designed as innovation hubs, the offices aim to drive efficiency, speed up digital adoption and deepen customer focus across Damac’s international footprint.
Noida is expected to host around 250 employees while Pune will add more than 100 roles by 2026, forming part of a multi-phased hiring plan that taps into India’s talent depth. India is already home to more than 1,700 global capability centres, a number projected to cross 2,400 by 2030 as companies worldwide continue to leverage the country’s technology and services expertise.
Damac Group founder Hussain Sajwani, said the move reflects confidence in India’s growing strength as a global tech and talent hub. He noted that DSSI will help shape the next chapter of Damac’s global journey by building high performing teams that support the Group’s expansion.
India’s accelerating AI and digital services ecosystem further strengthens this strategic shift. A Deloitte Nasscom report estimates that the country’s AI talent base will more than double to over 1.25 million by 2027, while the AI services market is also set for rapid growth.
Damac chief human capital officer M P John, said the new hubs will help reimagine how the Group collaborates across regions and will foster a culture of innovation and empowerment within its India teams.
Built on the pillars of talent, opportunity and collaboration, Damac Shared Services India aims to seamlessly integrate India with the UAE and the company’s global network. By leveraging India’s deep expertise, DSSI is positioned to fuel the Group’s next phase of growth.
Damac Group, founded in 1982, has grown from catering and logistics into a diversified global enterprise with interests spanning real estate development, data centres, retail and fashion, hospitality, capital markets and logistics. Its presence today extends across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.
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Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
