UAE’s Digital Environment Accelerates Entrepreneurial Success for Berlin Expat Sabine Karunanithy

Dubai: Entrepreneur Sabine Karunanithy relocated to Dubai with her three children on December 31, 2021, driven by a desire for a fresh start after facing bureaucratic hurdles in Germany. The German national, who had previously visited Dubai twice for family vacations, arrived with numerous questions about daily life and community integration in her new home.

Nearly five years later, Karunanithy reflects on her experience, stating that Dubai has exceeded her expectations in every way. She expressed her satisfaction, noting, “There’s not a single day that I wake up and ever regret this decision. It’s rather to the contrary – this has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life, after my decision to marry my husband, of course.”

Now 38, Karunanithy has established herself as a self-awareness coach in Dubai. Alongside her husband, Nalla Karunanithy, and their three children—Mia, 9, Noah, 6, and Jonas, 4—she has created a fulfilling life in the UAE. She believes her children are gaining a unique perspective that would be challenging to replicate elsewhere.

Karunanithy emphasized the enriching environment in Dubai, stating, “So many cultures live peacefully side by side. Open-mindedness, curiosity, and a growth mindset are pillars of education here. A healthy lifestyle with exercise at its core is something they learn as their standard.”

A Move That Changed Everything

Prior to her move, the Karunanithy family was settled in Berlin, where Sabine held a position as a director of human resources, managing a team of 17 and overseeing significant projects. Their life was stable, with established routines, a daycare arrangement, and a recently purchased home. However, her husband, originally from Malaysia, relocated to Dubai in 2018 for a consulting assignment, which eventually turned into a full-time role.

Initially, the family remained in Berlin while he adjusted to his new position. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in prolonged separation due to travel restrictions, prompted Sabine to reevaluate her priorities. She realized that keeping the family apart was not sustainable.

The decision to move to Dubai followed shortly after, and five years later, she remains impressed by the city’s family-friendly atmosphere.

Growing Up in a Global Classroom

Karunanithy identifies Dubai’s multicultural environment as one of its most significant advantages for children. She remarked, “I don’t think my kids could grow up in a better place. It is so international and open-minded. They are learning so much about different cultures. We celebrate everything from Eid to Diwali, Easter, and Halloween. It’s like the kids get the best of all worlds.”

This cultural openness extends throughout the community, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families. One of her early experiences as an expat serves as a testament to this. While shopping at the Mall of the Emirates, her youngest son accidentally collided with an elderly Emirati man. Expecting a reprimand, she was surprised when the gentleman responded with a smile and a gentle pat on the head.

Karunanithy noted, “It may sound quite simple, but for someone like me, it was shocking because in Europe I would have expected a very different reaction.” This moment highlighted the kindness and understanding prevalent in the UAE, where children are embraced by the community.

Finding Purpose

Karunanithy’s transition to Dubai has also been transformative from a professional standpoint. She had long aspired to launch her own business in Germany, but the cumbersome paperwork and bureaucratic processes led her to abandon that dream. “Everything had to be done on paper. Documents had to be sent through the post. Everything was incredibly slow. In the end, I gave up and took the HR director role instead,” she explained.

In contrast, establishing her business in Dubai was a streamlined process. The digital infrastructure and supportive business environment allowed her to set up her coaching practice quickly. She noted, “What really stands out is how supportive the environment is. Through networking events, people show you the way, introduce you to others, and help you connect with businesses.”

Today, Karunanithy operates as a self-awareness coach, providing training programs and one-on-one coaching to both organizations and individuals. She attributes her business success to the conducive environment in Dubai.

Reflecting on her journey, she has gained clarity regarding her purpose and values. Over the past few years, she has contemplated what drives her and the example she wishes to set for her children. This introspection has led her to two guiding principles: mastery and love.

“My purpose is to share my knowledge,” she stated. “And I do that through my two core values: mastery and love.” Whether in her roles as a mother, wife, coach, trainer, or entrepreneur, these values remain central to her life.

Karunanithy concluded, “Knowing that these two are the backbone of everything I do gives me clarity. Here in Dubai, I am able to live my purpose every day, free to focus on what truly matters to me.”

Source: www.emirates247.com

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Published on 2026-06-06 07:36:00 • By the Editorial Desk