UAE-based Indian doctor from Kerala found dead at her Abu Dhabi residence

Dr. Arayakandy Dhanalakshmi, a 54-year-old Indian expat and respected dental surgeon from Kannur, Kerala, was found dead at her residence in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, on Monday night. The news has left her colleagues, friends, and the wider Indian community in the UAE in deep shock and mourning.According to reports, concerns arose after Dr. Dhanalakshmi failed to respond to phone calls from friends for two consecutive days. She also did not report for duty at Lifecare Hospital in Mussafah on Monday, where she had been working as a general dentist. Alarmed by her unusual silence and absence, her friends visited her residence and discovered her death. The police arrived at her apartment, where the door was found closed from the inside and her breakfast was hanging outside, untouched. She was found in an unconscious state, and her death was later confirmed. The investigation of the cause of death is going on.She was a long-time resident of the United Arab Emirates, having lived in the country for over a decade. A highly experienced dentist with more than 20 years in the field, Dr. Dhanalakshmi had joined Lifecare Hospital in August 2024. Before relocating to the UAE, she had served at Dhanalakshmi Hospital in Kannur, Kerala.Dr. Dhanalakshmi graduated from the College of Dental Sciences under MAHE University, Mangalore, Karnataka. She was also a member of the Indian Dental Association.Beyond her professional achievements as a dental surgeon, Dr. Dhanalakshmi was a gifted writer and a compelling orator, admired for her versatility. She played an active and vibrant role in the Indian expatriate community in Abu Dhabi, particularly within the Malayalee circle. As a respected cultural activist and member of the Abu Dhabi Malayalee Samajam, she made significant contributions to preserving and promoting her heritage. She often volunteered her time for community awareness sessions, using her voice to promote health, well-being, and harmony. Additionally, she maintained a strong presence on social media, where she engaged with a broad network of friends and followers.Her sudden death has deeply affected the staff and management at Lifecare Hospital. In a condolence message posted on Instagram on Tuesday, the hospital expressed sorrow over her passing:“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dr. Dhanalakshmi, General Dentist at Lifecare Hospital, Mussafah. A compassionate healer, dedicated educator, and beloved member of our medical family, she touched countless lives with her warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit. Her legacy of care and community connection will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.“She will be dearly missed.”Following confirmation of her death, Dr. Dhanalakshmi's professional profile was removed from the Lifecare Hospital website.As per reports, authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the cause of her death.Hundreds of residents in Abu Dhabi gathered on Thursday to bid a heartfelt farewell to Indian doctor Dhanalakshmi, paying their final respects to a beloved member of the community. Her body was sent to Kannur (Kerala) by flight at 11:40 pm on Thursday night. The funeral was performed at the Pyambalam crematorium in Kannur district on Friday morning. Earlier in the day, people in her hometown had the opportunity to pay tribute to her at her family home.Just before her untimely death, Dr. Dhanalakshmi had shared a series of emotional posts on Facebook. In one post, she apologized for not being able to attend an art school program in Kerala, writing: “Sometimes luck is completely reversed… things are not in our hands.” Her final post was a video capturing a moment of recognition—she was seen receiving a Community Service Award from renowned Malayalam actor Jagdish.Her last published story, titled “The Price of Kindness”, delved into themes of emotional betrayal and financial stress. It told the tale of a woman who, after helping a friend in need, is met only with neglect and emotional strain. The story has struck a chord on social media, with many interpreting it as a reflection of her own mental state. While some view it as a possible emotional cry for help, others have urged restraint, noting that it's important not to draw conclusions until the official cause of death is confirmed. According to reports, Dr. Dhanalakshmi hailed from Talap, a town in the Kannur district of Kerala. She was the daughter of the late Narayanan, who owned the Anandakrishna Bus Service, and Chandramathi. She is survived by her husband Sujith, who currently resides in Kerala, and her siblings Ananda Krishnan, Shivaram, and Dr. Seethalakshmi.