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.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. 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.
