7 days ago
UAE taught me to enjoy abundance while staying grounded, says Indian expat
Mitun De Sarkar is a clinical dietician and founder of Dubai-based meal plan company Simply Healthy. The humble Indian expatriate, 46, has been in Dubai since 2004 and has seen the ups and downs of making money during the journey to reach her now more stable place, admitting that seeking advice and slowing down has been her greatest lesson.
If you had to use one word to describe money, what would it be?
Freedom. The power to choose, create, and grow.
If you had to write a letter to money, what would it be?
Dear Money, you've been quite the companion. We've had our ups and downs — from not knowing where the next rent would come from, to tasting wealth, to losing it all, and building it back again. You've taught me patience, humility, and courage. I no longer chase you; I respect you. You show up when I work with purpose and give with gratitude. Thank you for giving me the ability to dream big.
How would you describe your relationship with money?
Evolved and empowered. In my younger years, money was something I desperately wanted more of. I came from a simple, humble background — there wasn't always enough. So, when I started earning early on, I chased it with everything I had. I wanted to prove that I could have it all as early as possible. Today, I've matured. I've made money, lost it, and made it again. That difficult journey taught me that, though money isn't everything, it can buy me peace of mind. It allows me to invest in me and my family's well-being, and to create time for myself to do the things I love.
How was this relationship formed?
It started in childhood. Growing up in a family where money was managed with caution, I had to be careful. I saw my parents stretch every rupee, and I learned not to take anything for granted. So when I moved to the UAE and began my career, I was hungry to earn, to grow, to build something of my own. But it was entrepreneurship, especially the painful parts that taught me the real value of money. My relationship with it was shaped not just by success, but by mistakes, risk, resilience, and starting over.
What lessons about money did you learn from your mother?
My mother wasn't financially empowered in the way we speak of today, but she had wisdom beyond numbers. She ran the house on a tight budget and never made me feel like we were lacking. From her, I learned how to live gracefully within your means and how to stretch resources without compromising dignity.
Who do you speak to about money, and is it taboo?
I speak openly with my portfolio manager, and I'm not shy about it. I often speak to my husband and ask for his opinions too. I think more women need to have empowered conversations about money — savings, investments, even failures. We shy away from talking about money out of fear or conditioning, but that only keeps us stuck. Transparency is strength.
What's been the most profound experience you've had with money?
Definitely the 2008 recession. At the time, I had just experienced the high of massive success. I was overconfident, over-leveraged, and thought nothing could shake me. But the market crash hit hard. I lost what I had built. It was a reset — financially and personally. I learned to become more mindful. I started again, but this time with patience, calmness, stronger boundaries, and a greater appreciation for every milestone, no matter how small.
How has living in the UAE shaped your view of money?
The UAE is a place of contrasts. It offers so much opportunity, I built my career and my brand here. But it also challenges your discipline. It's easy to get swept up in the glam and spend more than you should. Living here has taught me to enjoy abundance while staying grounded.
Your biggest financial regret or loss?
Over-expanding too quickly during the early years of success. I over-borrowed, overestimated demand, and took on mortgages without thinking long-term. The 2008 crash wiped out what I had. It was humbling, but it gave birth to a wiser, more grounded version of me. And for that, when I look back, I'm strangely grateful.
